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HISTOEICAL SKETCHES 



KENTUCKY 



EMBRACING 



ITS HISTORY, ANTIQUITIES, AND NATURAL CURIOSITIES, GEOGRAPHICAL, 
STATISTICAL, AND GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTIONS; 



ANECDOTES OF PIONEER LIFE, 




MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF DISTINGUISHED 
PIONEERS, SOLDIERS, STATESMEN, JURISTS, LAWYERS, DIVINES, ETC. 

ILLUSTRATED BY FORTY ENGRAVINGS. 

BY liEAVIS COLIilNS. 




PUBLISHED BY 

LEWIS COLLINS, MAYSVILLE, KY.; 

AND J, A. & U. P. JAMES, 

CINC IN NATI. 

1847* 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by 

LEWIS COLLINS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the 

Eastern District of Kentucky. 



JAMES & CO., Stereotypers, Cincinnati. 
J. A. & U. P. JAMES' Steam Press. 






PRE FAC E. 



The late H. P. Peers, of the city of Maysville, laid the foundation for the work which ia 
now presented to the readuig community. Mr. Peers designed it to be simply a small 
Gazetteer of the State ; and had collected, and partially arranged for publication, the major 
part of the materials, comprising a description of the towns and counties. Upon his de- 
cease, the materials passed into the hands of the Author, who determined to remodel them, . 
and make such additions as would give permanency and increased value to the work. He 
has devoted much labor to this object; but circumstances having rendered its publication 
necessary at an earlier day than was contemplated, some errors may have escaped, which 
more time, and a fuller investigation would have enabled him to detect. 

Serious obstacles have been encountered, in the preparation of the Biographical Sketches. 
Many of those which appear in the work, were prepared from the personal recollections of 
the Author ; while others have been omitted, because he did not know to whom he could 
apply for them, or having applied, and in some instances repeatedly, failed in procuring them. 
This is his apology, for the non-appearance of many names in that department, which are 
entitled to a distinguished place in the annals of Kentucky. 

In the preparation of the work, one design of the Author has been to preserve, in a durable 
form, those rich fragments of local and personal history, many of which exist, at present, 
only in the ephemeral form of oral tradition, or are treasured up among the recollections of 
the aged actors in the stirring scenes, the memory of which is thus perpetuated. These 
venerable witnesses from a former age, are rapidly passing away from our midst, and with 
them will be buried the knowledge of much that is most interesting in the primitive history 
of the commonwealth. It is from sources such as we have mentioned, that the materials^ 
for the future historian are to be drawn ; and, like the scattered leaves of the Sybil, these 
frail mementos of the past should be gathered up and preserved with religious veneration. 
If the Author shall have succeeded, in thus redeeming from oblivion any considerable or 
important portion of the early history of the State, his design will be fully accomplished, and 
his labor amply rewarded. 

Of all the members of this great republican confederacy, there is none whose history ia 
more rich in the variety, quality, and interest of its materials. The poet, the warrior, and 
the statesman can each find subjects, the contemplation of which will instruct him in his art ; 
and to the general reader, it would, perhaps, be impossible to present a field of more varied 
and attractive interest. 

It is proper that the Author should state that he has received the assistance of many able 
pens, in the preparation of the work. The " Outline History," embracing about eighty 
pages, was written by John A. M'Clung, Esq., of Washington. William P. Conwell, Esq., 
of Maysville, has rendered important aid, particularly in the biographical department. He 
is the writer of the Sketches, among others, of the Hon. Henry Clay, Gen. George Rogers 
Clark, Col. Daniel Boone, and Gen. Z. Taylor. The author is also greatly indebted to Col. 
Charles S. Todd, of Shelby county ; Henry Waller, R. H. Stanton, and William H. Wads- 
wdrth, Esqrs., of the city of Maysville ; Noble Butler, Esqr. (author of a late and excellent 

(3) 



IV PREFACE. 

work on English Grammar), of the city of Louisville; Bruce Porter, Esq,, of the town of 
Flemingsburg ; Thomas W. Riley, Esq., of Bardstown ; and Professor 0. Beatty, of Centre 
College, Danville, for valuable contributions. Col. Todd furnished some seven or eight 
biographical sketches; among them, those of Gov. Shelby and Judge Innes. Mr. Waller 
prepared the whole of the county of Mason, Mr. Butler a large portion of the county of 
Jefferson, Mr. Porter a portion of the county of Fleming, Mr. Riley a portion of the county 
of Bullitt, and Mr. Beatty the article on the Geology of Kentucky. A distinguished citizen 
of the State contributed the interesting Sketch of the Court of Appeals. 

The Historical Sketches of the several religious denominations, were prepared by the 
following gentlemen : Rev. John L. Waller, editor of the Western Baptist Review, Frank- 
fort, of the Baptist church; Rev. W. W. Hill, editor of the Presbyterian Herald, Louisville, 
of the Presbyterian church ; Rev. George W. Smiley,* of the Northern Kentucky Confer- 
ence, of the Methodist Episcopal church ; Rev. James Shannon, president of Bacon College, 
Harrodsburg, of the Christian Church ; Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, D.D., bishop of the Diocese 
of Kentucky, of the Episcopal church ; Rev. Rich. Beard, D.D., president of Cumberland 
College, Princeton, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church ; and Rev. M. J. Spalding, D.D., 
Vicar-General of Kentucky, Louisville, of the Roman Catholic church. 

He also acknowledges his indebtedness to the following gentlemen, for information con- 
cerning their counties, for incidents connected with the early settlement of the State, or for 
biographical sketches, &c., viz : 

James W. Carter, Esqr., of Adair county ; W. F. Evans, Esqr., of Allen ; J. W. Crock- 
ett, and J. H. Stovall, Esqrs., of Ballard ; B. N. Crump, Esqr., of Barren ; James M. Pres- 
ton, Esqr., of Boone ; Hon. Garrett Davis, Dr. Joseph H. Holt, Dr. William M. Garrard, 
and William C. Lyie, John G. Scrogin, and W, G. Talbot, Esqrs., of Bourbon ; Rev. J. 
C. Young, D.D., president of Centre College, of Boyle ; General John Payne, of Bracken; 
John Hargis, Esq., of Breathitt ; Hon. John Calhoun, Joseph Smith, Joseph Allen, and 
Francis Peyton, Esqrs., of Breckinridge ; W. T. Samuels, and Michael O. Wade, Esqrs., 
of Bullitt ; B. J. Burke, and L. W. Moore, Esqrs., of Butler ; Charles B. Dallam, and 
Marcus M. Tyler, Esqrs., of Caldwell ; E. H. Curd, Esqr., of Calloway ; Gen. James 
Taylor, and S. D. Smalley, Esqr., of Campbell; David Owen, Esq., of Carroll; G. W. 
Crawford, Esqr., of Carter ; Daniel H. Harrison, A. G. Stites, and R. R. Lansden, Esqrs., 
of Christian ; W. Flanagan, and Willis Collins, Esqrs., of Clarke ; Dougherty White, and 
William Woodcock, Esqrs., of Clay : R. Maxcy, and E. Long, Esqrs., of Clinton ; R, L. 
Bigham, and H. R. D. Coleman, Esqrs., of Crittenden ; E. B. Gaither, and Th, T. Alex- 
ander, Esqrs., and Dr. David R. Haggard, of Cumberland ; John P. Devereaux, Esqr., of 
Daveiss; A. M. Barrett, Esqr., of Edmonson; Robert Clarke, Esqr., of Estill; Hon. George 
Robertson, Gen. Leslie Combs, Gen. John M. M'Calla, Col. Richard Spurr, Hon. Robert 
Wickliife, Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, D.D., and John C. Breckinridge, William S. Waller, 
John Bradford, James Logue, Samuel D. M'CulIough, and Fielding R. Bradford, Esqrs., of 
Fayette ; C. C. Lane, and W. S. Botts, Esqrs, of Fleming ; Edwin Trimble, and Daniel 
Hager, Esqrs., of Floyd ; Gov. William Owsley, Hon. Benjamin Monroe, Hon. James 
Harlan, Gen. Peter Dudley, Col, James Davidson, Orlando Brown, John W. Finnell, Wil- 
liam D. Reed, H. L Bodley, and A, S. Mitchell, Esqrs., of Franklin ; Major J. W. Gibson, 
and R. A, Hatcher, Esqr., of Fulton ; Rev. Benjamin Fuller, of Gallatin ; A. J, Brown, 
Esqr., of Garrard; John W. M'Cann, Esqr., of Grant; Jack Thomas, Esqr., of Grayson; 
G. W. Montague, Esqr., of Greene ; W. L. Poage, Esqr., of Greenup ; D. L. Adair, Esqr., 
of Hancock ; Dr. Samuel B. Young, and Thomas D. Brown, Esqr., of Hardin ; E. "V. 
Unthank, Esqr., of Harlan ; Gen. L. B. Desha, and J. V. Bassett, Esqr., of Harrison ; 

* It is due to Mr. Smiley to state, that the Sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was prepared 
by him upon a few days' notice. 



PREFACE. V 

Robert D. Murray, and John Bowman, Esqrs., of Hart ; Dr. Owen Glass, O. H. Hillyer, 
and J. E. M'Callister, Esqrs., of Henderson ; W. B. Edmunston, and N. E. Wright, 
Esqrs., of Hickman ; Samuel Woodson, Esqr,, of Hopkins ; Hon. Henry Pirtle, Tal. P, 
Shaflher, Esqr., and Dr. Bullitt, of Jefferson ; R. E. Woodson, Esqr., of Jessamine : John 
House, Esqr., of Johnson ; Hon. James T. Morehead, and J. W. Menzies, Esqr., of Ken- 
ton ; B. H. Ohler, Esqr., of Knox ; John Duncan, and William Beelar, Esqrs., of Larue ; 
G. F. Hatcher, Esqr., of Lawrence ; W. B. Hampton, Esqr., of Letcher ; R. G. Carter, 
Esqr., of Lewis ; J. Campbell, Esqr., of Lincoln; William Gordon, Esqr., of Livingston ; 
M. B. Morton, and Albert G. Rhea, Esqrs., of Logan : Abner Oldham, Esqr., Col. John 
Speed Smith, and Col. David Irvine, of Madison ; Nicholas S. Ray, Esqr., and Captain 
Edmund A. Graves, of Marion ; Henry Hand, Esqr., of Marshall ; William Fairleigh, 
Esqr., of Meade ; Hon. Adam Beatty, Col. James C. Pickett, Dr. J. M. Duke, R. H. Col- 
lins, and Joseph B. Boyd, Esqrs., of Mason ; William H. Jones, Esqr., of M'Cracken ; 
Gen. Robert B. M'Afee, Captain Samuel Daveiss, Dr. C. Graham, and James M 'Afee, 
Esqr., of Mercer; William Butler, Esqr., of Monroe ; Richard Apperson, Esqr., of Mont- 
gomery ; James Elliott, Esqr., of Morgan ; Charles F. Wing, Esqr., of Muhlenburg ; Hon. 
Charles A. Wickliffe, G. Clayton Slaughter, and A. G. Botts, Esqrs., of Nelson ; Charles 
Henderson, H. D. Taylor, and Stephen Stateler, Esqrs., of Ohio ; G. Armstrong, Esqr., 
of Oldham ; J. W. Bacon, Esqr., of Owen ; William Williams, Esqr., of Owsley ; S. 
Thomas Hauser, Esqr., of Pendleton ; John D. Mims, Esqr., of Pike ; E. Kelley, Esqr., 
of Pulaski ; Col. Elisha Smith, of Rockcastle ; Joseph T. Rowe, Esqr., of Russell ; John 
T. Steppe, Esqr., and Rev. Howard Malcom, D.D., of Scott; Thomas J. Throop, L 
Shelby Todd, and John H. Todd, Esqrs., and Rev. Abraham Cook, of Shelby ; John 
Hoy, Esqr., of Simpson ; Ralph Lancaster, Esqr,, of Spencer ; W. H. Wells, and R. iT. 
Glenn, Esqrs., of Todd ; Kain A. M'Caughan, and Robert Baker, Esqrs., of Trigg ; W. 
Samuels, Esqr., of Trimble ; J. W. Cromwell, Esqr., of Union ; Hon. A. W. Graham, 
Hon. Joseph R. Underwood, and Loyd Berry, Esqr., of Warren ; W. B. Booker, Esqr., 
of Washington; W. Simpson, Esqr., of Wayne; W. S. Cooke, and Squire Gatliffe, 
Esqrs., of Whitley ; Major Herman Bowmar, of Woodford. — Also, to Thomas B. Steven- 
son, Esqr., Dr. J. R. Buchanan, and Rev. Thornton A, Mills, of Cincinnati. 



INDEX TO THE OUTLINE HISTORY. 



Page. 

Adair, Gen., at the battle of New Orleans- -SO, 84 
Adams, John, second President, very odious 

in Keniucky 54 

Adams and Jackson, presidential contest be- 
tween P3 

Alien and sedition laws condemned 55 

Allen, Col., killed 71 

Annexation, first step in territorial 57 

• of" Texas, and its effects 97 

Bank, first cliartered in Kentucky 56 

ol" Kentucky chartered 65 

, Ibrty independent, chartered 83 

, Commonwealth's, chartered 88 

, Branch of U. S., in Kentucky 95 

of Kentucky 95 

, Northern, of Kentucky ^- 95 

of l/ouis villa 95 

Bird. Col., expedition against Kentucky 24 

Blaiinerhasset, the victim of Burr 59 

Blue Licks, Upper, defeat of Capt. Holder's 

party at 25 

Blue Licks, liOwer, disastrous battle at 25 

Board of War, in Kentucky 43 

Boone, Mrs., and daughters, first white wo- 
men on Kentucky river 19 

Boonsborough. founded, and fort built 19 

, attacked by the Indians 19 

Bowman. Col., expedition against Chillicothe, 23 

Boyle, John, chief justice of the old court- - - 90 
Bradford, John, establishes first newspaper 

in Kentucky 36 

Breckinridge, Ilobert, first speaker of the H. 

of R. 45 

Brown, James, first secretary of state 45 

, John, first delegate to Congress 36 

, , letters of, on the independence 

oi Kentucky 37 

Brown, John, first senator to Congress 45 

, , implicated in the Spanish in- 
trigue 60 

Brown, John, President Madison's letter in 

defence of 99 

Bryant's station, attack on 25 

Bullitt, Capt. Thomas, surveying at the Falls, 18 

, Alexander, first speaker of the senate, 45 

Burr, Aaron, arrives in Kentucky 57 

, defeated for the governorship of New 

York 57 

Burr, kills Hamilton in a duel 58 

, conceives a plan of an empire 58 

, his character and intrigues 59 

, his project developed. &c. 60 

, Daveiss' motion against, overruled- •• • 60 

, offers Daveiss opportunity to prove his 

charge 61 

Burr, his trial postponed 61 

, his public defence 61 

, his trial again postponed 62 

, acquitted by the grand jury 63 

, disavows to Mr. Clay any improper de- 
sign 63 

Burr, his real attitude at this time 64 

, his project unfolded 64 

, his letters to Wilkinson and Eaton 64 

, his project denounced and broken up-- 64 

Calloway, Col. Richard, moves to Boonsbo- 
rough 19 

Canada, union with Kentucky suggested- - - • 41 
(vi) 



Page. 

Cannon, first employed in Keniucky 24 

Caroline, schooner, at the battle of New Or- 
leans 80 

Chesapeake, attacked by the Leopard 65 

Clark, Gen. George Rogers, first appearance 

in Kentucky 19 

Clark, expedition against Kaskaskia and Vin- 

cennes 21 

Clark, expedition against the Ohio Indians- • 24 

, expedition from the mouth of Licking, 27 

expedition to the Wabash 33 

, appointed generalissimo of French le- 
gions 47 

Clarke, Judge, decides the relief law unconsti- 
tutional 89 

Clarke, Judge, his trial before the legislature- 90 

, , elected governor 97 

Clay, Henry, and Daveiss, intellectual com- 
bat between 62 

Clay, requires of Burr a^di«ajuiwal of trea- 
sonable designs -* 63 

Clay and Jackson, presidential contest be- 
tween 94 

Clay and Polk, presidential contest between, 97 

Combs, Capt. Leslie, gallantry of 73 

Congress, old, refers the admission of Ken- 
tucky to the new 37 

Constitution, federal, unpopular in Kentucky, 33 

, first. Its features 44 

, new, formed and adopted 56 

Convention, first, on the proposed separation 

from Virginia 30 

Convention, second 31 

-, ,third 31 

* •— * fourth -32 

, fifth 36 

, sixth 38 

, seventh 39 

, eighth 41, 43 

, ninth, and last 44 

■■ , to revise the constitution 54, 55 

Corn, first raised in Kentucky 19 

Counties, Kentucky divided into three 24 

Courts, first established 20 

, of common law and chancery 24 

, U. S., for the district of Kentucky, es- 
tablished 28 

Courts, jurisdiction under the first constitu- 
tion 45 

Courts, changes in the system of- 51 

, district, abolished 56 

, circuit, established 56 

, contest between the Old and New- 91 

, New, organized 92 

Crockett, Col., remonstrance of •' - • 40 

Croghan, Col., defence of Fort Stephenson 75 

Crows, required to be killed 51 

Danville, the seat of the Conventions- - - - 30, 36 
Daveiss, Col. Jo. Hamilton, moves against 

Burr 60 

Daveiss, intellectual combat with Henry Clay 62 

Democratic societies, their spirit and object- 47 

Depeau, Charles, a French emissary, letter of, 43 

Desha, Gen. Joseph, elected governor 91 

DuQuesne invades Kentucky 20 

F.dwards, John, senator in Congress 45 

England and France, before the war of 1812, 68 

English spy in Kentucky 41 



INDEX TO THE OUTLINE HISTORY. 



Vil 



Page. 

Erie, Lake, decisive victory upon 76 

Estill, Capt., defeat of 24 

Excise law, odious in Kentucky 46, 47 

Fayette county, competes for the seat of gov- 
ernment 45 

Federal government, disaffection towards- -46, 47 

Finley, John, visits Kentucky 18 

Fort, look for the proper name of each — 

France and England, their last great struggle, 68 
Frankfort, how chosen as the seat of govern- 
ment 45 

French revolution, how regarded 46 

emissaries in Kentucky 48 

Frenchtown, battle of- 70 

Garrard, James, governor of the State 55 

Genet, citizen, his projects and conduct 47 

, recalled, and his acts disavowed 50 

Governor, how chosen under the old consti- 
tution 45 

Greenup, Christopher, elected governor 57 

Hardin, Col. John, murdered by the Indians- 45 

Uarmar, Gen., disastrous expedition of 43 

Harrodsburg, founded 18 

Harrison, Gen., marches against Canada- - - • 70 

, defence of Fort Meigs 73 

, defeats Proctor at the Thames 73 

Henderson's purchase from the Cherokees-- 18 

Holder, Capt., defeat of 25 

Hopkins, Gen., expedition against the Illinois 

Indians 69 

Hull, Gen., surrender of 68 

Impressment of American seamen 67 

Independence of Kentucky agitated- - - -37, 50, 53 
Innis, judge, connected with the Spanish in- 
trigue 53 

lunis, overrules the motion against Butt 60 

, tried and acquitted • 65 

Insurance company at Lexington chartered- 56 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew, at New Orleans 81 

and Adams, contest between 93 

and Clay, contest between 94 

Jay, John, odium against, in Kentucky 36 

, his treaty with England, how regarded- 51 

Jefferson, Thomas, elected President 56, 57 

Johnson, Col. Richard M., at the battle of the 

Thames 78 

Kaskaskia, surrenders to Gen. Clark 22 

Kenton, Simon, settles in Mason county 19 

Kentuckians. drafted 43, 50 

Kentucky, explored by the Anglo-Saxons- - - 17 
, traces of the earlier occupants of- 17 

river, ascended by the McAfees- - 18 

, first log cabin erected in 18 

"Gazette," printed at Lexington- • 30 

— '■ . admitted into the Union 42 

Knox, Col. James, leads the " Long Hunters " 

to Kentucky 18 

Land law, unfortunate operation of- 23 

Letcher, Robert P., elected g'overnor 97 

Lewis, Col., taken prisoner 71 

Lexington, first blockhouse built 23 

Limitation in actions of ejectment, changed- 65 

Logan's fort, erected and settled 19 

Louisiana, ceded to France 56 

, purchased by the general govern- 
ment 57 

Louisville settled 22 

Madison, George, elected governor 87 

, President, letter vindicating Hon. 

James Brown -. 98 

Marshall, Col. Thomas 39 

, Humphrey, elected U. S. senator- • 51 

Martin's station destroyed 24 

Maysville. blockhouse erected 28 

Meigs, fort, attacked 73,75 

Mercer county, competes for the seat of gov- 
ernment 45 

Metcalfe, Gen. Thomas, elected governor- • • 93 

Michigan, effect of the loss of 68 

Mills, Jfudge Benjamin, and the old court- - • • 90 
Mississippi, proposed to cede the naviga- 
tion of .34, 40 

Mississippi, circular of Muter, Innis, and 

others 34 

Mississippi, negotiations upon the subject- •• 35 



Mississippi, its navigation secured by treaty, 52 
Murray, William, opposes the states' rights 

movement 56 

Muter, Judge George, attempt to remove 51 

, his letter against an independent gov- 
ernment 39 

New Orleans, right of deposit at, conceded- 52 

, this right suspended 56 

, preparations for itsdetence-- 79 

, engagement of the 24th De- 
cember 80 

New Orleans, brilliant victory of the 8th of 

January 84 

New Orleans, numbers engaged 86 

Nicholas, George, in the ninth convention- • • 44 
, first attorney general 45 

- , connected with the Spanish intrigue 53 

Nullification, in the legislature 55 

Owsley, Judge William, and the old court- • 90 

, , elected governor- •- 97 

Perry, lieutenant, brilliant victory of 76 

Polk, James K., and Henry Clay, contest be- 
tween 97 

Power, Thomas, a Spanish messenger 53 

Relief and anti-relief excitement 89 

laws decided unconstitutional 90 

excitement in 1842 96 

Replevin, extended conditionally 89 

Revolution, French, how reg'arded 46 

, the age of startling, not passed- ■ 58 

Ruddell's station destroyed 24 

Scott, Gen. Charles, Indian expedition 43 

, joins Wayne with 1,500 men -- 50 

, elected governor 65 

Sebastian, Judge Benj., attempt to remove-- 51 

, interview with the Spanish agent- 52 

, pensioned by Spain 53 

, implicated with Burr 60 

, inquiry into his conduct 65 

Senators, how chosen under the old constitu- 
tion 45 

Separation from Virginia and the Union, agi- 
tated 37 

Shelby, Isaac, first governor 45 

, reply to Depeau 49 

Slaughter, Gabriel, first lieutenant and acting 

governor 87 

Spain, resents the purchase of Louisiana- - - 57 

Spanish intrigues in Kentucky 52 

Specie payments suspended 95, 96 

Squirrels, law requiring to be killed 51 

St. Clair. Gen., campaign of- 43 

Stephenson, fort, gallant defence of- 75 

Stuart, James, killed by the Indians 18 

Taxes, upon what imposed 45 

Tecumseh, his generous conduct at Fort 

Meigs 74 

Tecumseh, killed at the Thames 78 

Thames, river, victory at the 78 

Treaty of 1783, imperteclly observed 28 

with the Indians 51 

Trimble, Lieutenant David 73 

Vincennes, surrenders to Gen. Clark 22 

Virginia, action upon the proposed separa- 
tion by Kentucky 41 

Walker, Dr., visits Kentucky 18 

War of 1812, causes of GH 

feeling in Kentucky and New England, 68 

Washington, Gen., elected President of the 

United States 41 

Wayne, Gen., defeats the Indians at the Ra- 
pids 50 

"Western World," newspaper at Frankfort- CO 

. develops Burr's project. Sec. 60 

Wilkinson, Gen. James, settles in Lexington, 29 

, his voyage to New Orleans 30 

, his tobacco privileges 38 

, accompanies St. Clair 43 

, commissioned under Wayne 45 

, how he regarded the Spanish in- 
trigue 53 

Wilkinson, commands the U. S. troops in 

Louisiana 57 

Wilkinson, co-operates with Burr 59,60 

Winchester, Gen., at the river Raisin 71 



INDEX TO COUNTIES, CITIES, TOWNS, 
AND VILLAGES. 



The names of the Counties are in Small Capitals. 



Adair 164 

Adairville 411 

Albany 246 

Alexandria 225 

Allen 106 

Allensville 535 

Anderson 168 

Ashbysburg 351 

Athens 267 

Augusta 209 

Ballard 171 

BallardsviUe 4S8 

Barboursville 396 

Bardstown 474 

Barren 174 

Bath 177 

Bear Wallow • • • • 344 

Bedford 538 

Belleview 232 

Benton 427 

Bethel 177 

Big Spring 447 

Blandville 171 

Blooinfield 475 

Bon Harbor 250 

Boone 179 

Boonsborough • • • • 416 

Boston 550 

Bourbon 192 

Bowling-Green • ■ • 540 

Boyle 204 

Bracken 209 

Bradlbrdsville •■• • 426 

Brandenburg 447 

Breathitt 210 

Breckinridge • • • • 212 

Breedings 165 

Brooksville 210 

Brownsborough • • 488 

Brownsville 253 

Bryants ville 322 

Bullitt 216 

Burksville 249 

Burlington ISO 

Butler 221 

Cadiz 537 

Cairo 346 

Caldwell 222 

Calloway 223 

Campbell 224 

Campbellsville- •• • 328 

Canton 537 

Carlisle 480 

Carroll 228 

CarroUton 228 

Carter ' 230 

Casey 230 

Casey ville' 539 

Catlettsburg a32 

Centre Point 467 

Centreville 193 

Chaplin 475 

Chapline 451 

Chapljnton 174 

Chuistian 231 

Christiansburg 518 

Clark 234 

Clarksburg 401 

(viii) 



Page. 

Clay 24! 

Claysville 341 

Clay Village 518 

Clementsburg 247 

Clinton 245 

Clinton 350 

Clintonville 193 

Cloverporl 212 

Colbysville 234 

Colemansville ■ • • • 341 

Columbia 164 

Concord 401 

Concordia 447 

Constantine 212 

CornishviUe 451 

Covington 380 

Crab Orchard 402 

Creelsburg 502 

Crittenden 247 

Crittenden 325 

Cumberland 249 

Cynthiana 340 

Danville 204 

Daveiss 250 

Dover 430 

Downingville 325 

Eddyville 223 

Edmonson 253 

Edmonton 174 

Elizabethtown 335 

Elizaville 296 

Elkton 535 

Estill 261 

Fairfield 475 

Fairview 535 

Falmouth 494 

Farmington 327 

Fayette 263 

Ferry Corner 537 

Fitchport 322 

Fleming 296 

Flemingsburg • • • • 296 , 

Florence 180 

Floyd 302 

Floydsburg 488 

Francisville 180 

Frankfort 304 

Franklin 303 

Franklin 531 

Franklinton 348 

Frederick 174 

Fredericktown • • • 545 

Fredonia 222 

Fulton 318 

Gallatin 320 

Garnetsville 448 

Garrard 322 

Garrettsburg 232 

Georgetown 504 

Germantown, Brack- 
en Co. 210 

Germantown, Ma- 
son Co. 430 

Ghent 228 

Glasgow 174 

Grahampton 447 

Grant 325 

Graves 326 



Page. 

Grayson 2.30 

Grayson 327 

Great Crossings • • 508 

Greene 328 

Greene ville 472 

Greenshurg 328 

Greenup 331 

Greeiiupsburg 3.31 

Hamilton ISO 

Hancock 3.33 

Hardin 335 

Hardinsburg 212 

Hardinsville 518 

Harlan 539 

Harrison 340 

Harrisonville 518 

Harrodsburg 449 

Hart 344 

Hartford 486 

Havilandsville 341 

Hawe.sville 334 

Haydensville 535 

Hazard 496 

Hazle-Green 472 

Hazlepatch 398 

Helena 4:30 

Henderson 346 

Henderson 346 

Hendersonvilie • • • 348 

Henry 348 

Hibbardsville 346 

Hickman 318 

Hickman •- 3.50 

Hillsborough 296 

Hodgenville 397 

Hopkins 350 

Hopkinsville 2.32 

Hudsonville 212 

Hustonville 402 

Independence 382 

Irvine 262 

Jackeysburg 212 

Jackson 211 

Jacksonville 193 

Jamestown 502 

Jefferson 354 

JeffersonviUe 469 

Jessamine 375 

Johnson 376 

Keasburg 411 

Kenton 380 

KiddviUe 234 

Knox 395 

Latayette 232 

Lagrange ... ^ ... . 4S8 

Lancaster 322 

Larue 397 

Laurel 398 

Lawrence 398 

Lawrenceburg • • • 169 

Lebanon 426 

Leesburg 341 

Leesville 344 

Letcher 400 

Levelwood 397 

Lewis 401 

Lewisburg, Mason 
Co. 430 



Page. 
Lewisburg, Muh- 

lenburg Co. 473 

Lewisport 334 

Lexington 263 

Liberty 230 

Lincoln 402 

Linn a32 

Litchfield 327 

Livingston 409 

Lockport, Butler C. 222 
Lockport, Henry C. 348 

Logan 410 

London 393 

Louisa 399 

Louisville 355 

Lovelaceville 171 

Lower Blue Licks 480 

Lucto 451 

Madison 416 

Madi.sonville 351 

Manchester 243 

Marion 425 

Marion, Crittenden 

Co. 247 

Marion, Owen Co. 490 
Marion, Scott, Co.- 503 

Marshall 427 

Mason 463 

Max ville 545 

Mayfield .326 

Mayslick 430 

Maysville 430 

M'Cracken 446 

Meade 447 

Mercer 449 

Middleburg 401 • 

Midway 553 

Milbourn 171 

Millerslmrg 193 

Millerstown 328 

Milton 538 

Minerva 430 

Monroe 467 

Montgomery 468 

Monticello 548 

Moorefield 480 

Morgan 471 

Morganfield 539 

Morgantown 222 

Mortonsville 554 

Moscow 350 

Mount Carmel 296 J 

Mount Eden 5:32 

Mount Gilead 430 

Mount Pleasant- • • 340 
Mount Sterling • ■ - 463 

Mount Vernon 50O 

MountWashington 216 

MUIILENBURG 472 

Munlbrdville 344 

Murphysville 430 

Murray 224 

Napoleon 321 

Neatsville 105 

Nelson 473 

New Castle 348 

New Concord • • • 227 
New Haven • ■ ■ ■ 475 



INDEX TO COUNTIES, ETC.— GENERAL INDEX. 



IX 



Page. 
New Liberty • • • • 490 

New Market 426 

Newport 220 

Newtown 508 

Nicholas 479 

Nicholasville- ••• 376 
North Liberty • • • • 376 
North Middleton- • 193 

Nottsville 250 

Oaktowii 232 

Ohio 486 

Oldham 488 

Orangeburg 430 

Oregon 451 

Owen 4S9 

Owenborough 250 

Owenton 490 

Owingsville 177 

Ow^SLET 491 

Owsley C.H. •••• 492 

Padueah 446 

Paintville 376 

Palmyra 538 

Paris 192 

Pendleton 493 

Perry 495 

Perry ville 205 

Petersburg 180 

Pike 497 

Pikeville 498 

Pittstown 216 



Page. 

Pleasant Hill 451 

Pleasuresville 348 

Poplar Flat 401 

Poplar Plains 297 

Port Oliver 166 

Port Royal 348 

Powersville 210 

Preston 228 

Prestonsburg 303 

Princeton 222 

Proctor 492 

Providence 351 

Pulaski 498 

Raleigh 540 

Ray wick 426 

Red Mill 335 

Richmond 416 

Rockcastle 500 

Rockcastle 537 

Rock-Haven 448 

Roduster 222 

Ruddell's Mills . . 193 

Rumsey 473 

Russell 501 

Russell ville 410 

Salem 410 

Saloma 328 

Salvisa 451 

Sardis 430 

Schollville 234 

Scott 504 



Page, 

Scottsville 166 

Seventy-Six 246 

Sharpsburg 177 

Shelby 517 

Shelby ville 517 

Shepherdsville . . 216 

Sherburn 217 

Simpson 531 

Simpsonville •-•• 518 

Skilesville 473 

Smithland 410 

Somerset 499 

Somerville 328 

South CarrolUon . . 473 

South Union 411 

Spencer -• 532 

Springfield 545 

Springtown 180 

Springville 332 

Stamping Ground . 509 

Stanford 402 

Steamport 346 

Stephensburg 335 

Stephensport .... 212 

Taylorsville 532 

Tetersville 322 

Todd 534 

Tompkinsville . . . 467 

Trenton 535 

Trigg 536 

Trimble 538 



Union 180 

Union 539 

Uniontown 540 

Union Village. . . . 451 

Vanceburg 401 

Verona 180 

Versailles 553 

Wadesborough . . . 224 
Waitsborough . . . 499 

Wallonia 537 

Walnut Flat 402 

Walton ISO 

Wakren 540 

Warsaw 320 

Washington 429 

Washington .... 540 

Wayne 548 

Waynesburg .... 402 

Webster 234 

West Liberty .... 472 

West Point 335 

West Port 488 

Whitesburg 400 

"VVhitley 547 

Williamsburg. . . . 550 
Williamstown . . . 325 

Winchester 234 

AVOODFORD 552 

Woodsonville .... 552 

Wyoming 177 

Yelvington 250 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Page. 

ActTFF, Rev. Francis 129 

Ada[r, Gen. John 165 

Adoption, Indian mode of 546 

Allen, Rev. Carey H. • 135 

" Col. John 168 

'• JudgeJohn 203 

Allan, Hon. Chilton 2.35 

Almanac, firstLprinted in Kentucky 273 

Anderson, ir , Richard C. 169 

" Col. Richard C. 366 

Appeals, Court of, sketch of- 1 01 

Arnold, Capt. John 554 

Artillery used against Ruddell's station 842 

Artist, remarkable escape of an 451 

Asbury, Bishop Francis 125 

Ashland, residence of Henry Clay 292 

Ash tree four hundred years old 295 

Asylum for the Blind 356 

" " " Deaf and Dumb 205 

" " " Insane 267 

Audubon, the Ornithologi st 347 

Augusta college 210 

Bacon College, at Harrodsburg 114, 450 

Badin, Rev. Stephen Theodore 140 

Baker, adventures of, with Ward and Kenton, 440 
" Capt. Isaac, escape from the Indians- 442 

Ballard, Capt. Bland 171 

Bank Lick ■. 394 

'• of Kentucky, its constitutionality 103 

" U. S., re-charter agitated 283 

Baptist Church, historical sketch of. 108 

". established 108 

" associations organized 108 

" Bracken association 108 

" the "great revival" 108 



Page. 
Baptist Church, Regulars and " Separatists "• 110 

" the "Reslrictionists" Ill 

" the "Emancipators" Ill 

" schism caused by a negro 

trade lU 

Baptist Church, the "Reformation" Ill 

" early ministers 112 

" number of members 112 

Baptist Theological College, at Covington- -. 380 

Barbour, Maj. Philip N. 347 

Barnet's station, waylaid 4S0 

Barry, Maj. Wm. Taylor 277 

Battle of Saline Creek 2)3 

" on Salt river, disastrous 217 

" near Four-mile Bar 225 

" in Cumberland county 250 

Basin, natural rock 213 

Bear wallow 344 

Bedinger, Maj. George M. 4S5 

Bell, at the Mammoth Cave 257 

Ben, a negro, anecdote of- 300 

Benham, Capt. Robert, remarkable escape- ■ 227 

Betrayal of two Indians ■- . •• 197 

Bibb, Judge George M. 555 

Big Bone Lick 1 60, 454 

Birchett, Rev. Henry > 126 

Blackburn, Rev. Gideon." 137 

Bledsoe, Judge Jesse 20.3 

Blind, asylum for the 356 

Blue Licks Springs 480 

" battle of, detailed account 481 

Blythe, D. D., Rev. James 137 

Boat, the last assailed by the Indians 513 

Bones, large, discovered 180, 195' 

Boone, Col. Daniel 1811 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Boone, his life saved by Kenton 386 

" winters in a cave 452 

" captured, while making salt 4!rl 

" his remains re-interred 307 

" and Calloway, misses, rescue of- • • • 184 

Boonsboroush, history of 165, 385, 418, 421 

Botanic garden and nursery 232 

Bowman's, Col., expedition 412, 460 

Bowmar, Maj. 1 [., recollections of 554 

Bough, Frederick, adventure of 337 

Boy, rencounter of a, with Indians 337 

" remarkable fortitude of a 513 

Boyle, chief justice John 207 

Bradford, John 276 

Breathitt, Gov. John 211 

Breckinridge, D. D., Rev. John 138 

" Hon. John 214 

" Joseph Cabell 280 

Bridge, Natural 233 

Brodhead, Daniel, sells goods at Louisville- • 362^ 

Brown, Hon. John 308' 

" Hon. James 309 

" Dr. Samuel 309 

" Dr. Preston W. 310 

Bryant's station, expedition from 267 

" attack on 2Q9 

Buchanan, Dr. 559 

Buena Vista, battle of 375 

Bullitt's liick, salt first made at 217 

iBullitt, Col. Alex, Scott 241 

" Capt. Thomas 360,453 

" Thomas and Cuthbert 366 

Burke, Rev. William 128 

Burrows, Nathan, manufactures hemp and 

musiard 276 

Burying grounds, ancient 180, 209, 334 

Butler, Gen. 222 

Byrne, Rev. William 143 

Cabinet officers, from Kentucky 150 

Caha's escape from the Indians 479 

Cahokia, surrender of 240 

Caldwell, Gen. John 223 

" Dr. Charles •• 558 

Calloway, Col. Richard 224 

'• and Boone, misses, rescue of 184 

Calvin, Capt. Luther, adventures of 438 

Cameron, Rev. Archibald 136, 519 

Campbell, Rev. Alexander HI, 116, 117 

" Rev. John Poage 135 

" Col. John 227 

' Carroll, Charles, of CarroUton 229 

Casey, Col. William 231 

Cassiday, Mic)»ael, adventures of 298 

Cat, wild, adventure with a 295 

Cave, iVIammoth 254 

" where Boone wintered 452 

(Caves in Allen county 167 

" Barren 177 

" Bourbon 195 

" Breckinridge 213 

" Christian 233 

" Edmonson 254 

" Hart 345 

" Knox 396 

" Meade 448 

" Mercer 46G 

" Rockcastle 501 

" Union 540 

" Warren 541 

" Wayne 548 

" Whitley 550 

'Cemetery of giants 253 

Centre college, at Danville 206 

Chambers, Gov. John 443 

Charges d'Atfaires. from Kentucky 150 

Charity, Sisters of, established 143 

Chasm, singular 180 

Chillicothe. expedition against 412, 460 

Christian, Col. William 221, 233 

" Church, sketch of 114 

" " number of members- --115, 118 

" " mode of government 116 

" '• views of 116,117 

" " union lietween Stone and 

Campbell 1-^ 

Church, Baptist 108 



Page. 

Church, Christian 114 

" Cumberland Presbyterian 121 

" Episcopal 122 

" Methodist Episcopal 124 

" Presbyterian 132 

" Roman Catholic 139 

" in the Mammoth Cave 254 

Cincinnati, adventure of hunters at 514 

Clark, Gen. George Rogers -236, 385, 457, 459, 460 

Clarke, Gov. James 235 

Clay, Gen. Green 243 

" Hon. Henry 280 

" jr., Lieut. Col. Henry 294 

Clelland, D. D, Rev. Thomas 138 

Cliffs on Kentucky river 466 

Clinton, Gov. De Witt 246 

Coal,— see each county 158, 491, 498, 499, 500 

Coburn. Judge John 444 

Coffins found in a mound 167 

Coffman,^Mrs., anecdote of 169 

College, Centre, at Danville 203 

" Augusta 210 

" Cumberland, at Princeton 223 

" St. Mary's, at Lebanon 426 

" Bacon, at Harrodsburg 450 

St. Joseph's, at Bardstown 474 



" Masonic, at Lagrange • 

" Georgetown 

'• Shelby, at Shelbyville 

Colleges, Presidents of, from Kentucky - 

Combs, Gen. Leslie • 



483 
505 
517 
151 
277 

Compromise Act - - • 289 

Conch shells in Lincoln county 403 

Congress, list of senators 144 

" " representatives 145 

Continental money, heavy discount 362 

Contract, singular 176 

Conventions, list of members of the several, 
to erect a State governrhent, &c. - -146, 147, 143 

Cook family, remarkable defence of 306 

Coomes, Wm., first school teacher 140 

" escape from the Indians- -458. 460 

Copperas bed, in Lewis county 401 

Corn, first planted in Kentucky 429 

'' first raised in Kentucky 452 

" sold for $60 per bushel 455 

Corwin, Hon. Thomas 2li0 

Corwine, Aaron H. 545 

Cosby, Fortunatus and Robert T- 358, 3S0 

Court of Appeals, sketch of lul 

" its design and safeguards- 102 

" judges increased 105 

" judges reduced 106 

" " catalogue of 106 

" reports of 106 

" jurisdiction of 106 

Courts, Old and New, history of 102 

" in Jefferson county 362 

Craig, Rev. Lewis 112 

Craighead, Rev. Thomas B. 134 

Crawford, Rev. James 133 

" Capt. John A. 469 

Creek, Sinking, great curiosity 213 

Crepps, Christian, remarkable escape of- • • - 219 
Crist, Henry, desperate rencounter with In- 
dians : 217 

Cross and image, copper 376 

Crouch and Mayes, hung without trial 326 

Cruise, Capt, 389 

Cumberland falls 246, 550 

" college, at Princeton 223 

" Presbyterian Church, sketch of, 121 

** river, passage through Pine 

Mountain 396 

Cunningham, Capt, Isaac 234 

Curiosities, natural 233 

Dancing school, first, at Lexington 273 

Daniel, Walker 207 

Daveiss, Col, Joseph Hamilton 251 

" xMrs,, intrepidity of • 404 

" Samuel, recaptures his family 404 

" Capt. Samuel 464 

David, Rev. Mr. 143 

Davidson, Col. James 352 

Dead Sea, in the Mammoth Cave 260 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum 205 



GENERAL INDEX. 



XI 



Desha, Gen Joseph 515 

•• Devil's Pulpit," on the Kentucky river 466 

Dog. remarkable instance of fidelity 298 

Dogs, two cur, defeat two Indians 550 

Donaldson, Israel, teaches school at Mays- 

v<lle 431 

Douglass, James, visits Big Bone Lick- • • • • • 181 

Downing, Francis, incident of 178 

" Col. Timothy, adventure of- 437 

Drake, Dr. Daniel 557 

Drennon's Lick 349 

Dry goods first sold in Louisville 362 

" creek, singular fact concerning 382 

Dudley, Col. William 294 

Dr. Beniamin W. 557 

Duke, Dr. Ba.sil 442 

Durbin, D. D., Rev. John P. 200 

Earthquakes, dreadful 363 

Edmonson, Capt. John 261 

Elder, Rev. G. A. M. 143 

Emancipators, in the Baptist Church Ill 

Episcopal Church, sketch of 122 

Estill, Capt. James 262, 470 

Estill's station, attack on 422 

Executions, criminal, in Jefferson county- • • 362 

Falls, Cumberland 246 

" Little Renick's creek 250 

" of the Ohio, canal around 365 

Falmouth, landing of the British at 495 

False news, divulging, punished 363 

Female courage 269, 306. 404, 475, 501 

" magnanimity 487 

" Seminary, — see the counties -382, 507,518 

Fever, fatal prevalence of 364 

Filson's description of Kentucky 154 

Findlay, John, first pioneer of Kentucky- • - - 182 

First grist mill in Kentucky 273 

" paper" " " 510 

" successful steamboat 273 

Fitch, John 479 

Flaget, Rt. Rev. Dr., bishop of Kentucky 142 

Fleming, Col. John 299 

Flint arrow heads 295 

Floyd, Col. John 303, 362, 366, 518 

" Col. G. R. Clark 366 

Fortifications, ancient, in Allen county 167 

« " Boone " 180 

" " Bourbon " 193 

«« " Carroll " 229 

" " Fayette " 294 

« " Greenup " 332 

" natural, in Hancock " 334 

" ancient, in Hopkins " 351 

« " Knox " 396 

« " Larue " 397 

«« « Mercer " 452 

« " Montgomery 462 

" " Pendleton 494 

" " Warren " 542 

Four-mile bar, battle near 225 

Fournier, Rev. M. 141 

Franklin, Benjamin 317 

Fulgurites, found in Fleming county 297 

Fulton, Robert 319 

Gallatin, Albert 321 

Gano, Rev. John 113 

Garrard, Gov. James 110,200,322 

" Capt. William, his troop 199 

Gauntlet, running the 200 

"Gazette, Kentucky," established 265 

Gei»er, Col. 366 

Geological formations of Kentucky 155 

George, a negro 536 

Georgetown College 505 

Girty, Simon 271 

Gold found in Bracken county 210 

Governor, a Baptist minister elected 110 

Governors, list of 144 

" of other States, from Kentucky- • 149 

" Lieutenant, list of 144 

" " of other States from 

Kentucky 150 

Grain, rude mills for grinding 457 

Grant, Col. John 32(5 

" Samuel 326 

Graves, Maj. Benjamin 327 



Page. 

Graves, ancient, in Bourbon county 194 

" " in Warren county 542 

Grayson, Col. William 328 

"Great Revival" 119, 130 

Greathouse, Capt. 511 

Greene, Gen. Nathaniel 329 

Greenup, Gov. Christopher 332 

Greeneville, Gen. Adair defeated at 165 

" Groves," in Meade county 448 

Grundy, Judge Felix 547 

Hail-storm, remarkable 408 

Haggard, Rev. David 126 

Hancock, John 334 

Hardin, Capt. William 213.339,479 

" Col. Jolm 338 

" Gen.MarlinD. 547 

" Hon. Benjamin 478 

Hargrove, Capt., rencounter with Indians- - - • 499 

Harlan, Maj. Silas 340 

Harney, Dr. 558 

Harrison, Col. Benjamin 344 

" fort, brilliant defence of .368 

Harpe's Head, legend of the 352 

Harpe, " Big " and " Little," freebooters 352 

Harrod. James 459, 462 

Harrodsburg Springs 449 

'' history of 452 

Hart, Dr., first physician in Kentucky 140 

" Silas, or " Sharp Eye " 337 

" Nathaniel, the elder 422 

" Capt. Nathaniel T. G. 345 

« Henry Clay »15 

Haw, Rev. James 126 

Hays, John, brilliant oratory of 473 

Hazle-Patch, attack on emigrants near 408 

Hemp manufactories 265, 276 

Henderson, Col. Richard 347 

Henry, Patrick 349 

Hickman, Rev. William 112 

" Gen. Richard 235 

" Capt. Paschal 350 

Hig;gins' blockhouse, adventure at 34.3 

" Hill, Indian," a natural curiosity 254 

Hinckston, Capt. John 342 

Historical Society, Kentucky 356 

Holder, Capt., pursues Indians 481 

Hopkins, Gen. Samuel 347, 359 

Horse-steali ng 3S6 

Hospital, Marine 356 

Howard, John 234 

" Benjamin 276 

Howe, Rev. Joseph P. 136 

" Rev. John 130 

Hubbeirs, Capt. Wm., boat attacked 510 

Imlay's description of Kentucky 153 

Incident, singular 197 

" romantic 325 

Indian ornaments 194 

" villages 194 

" singular mancEuvre of an 510 

Indians, manners and customs, &c. 201 

" attack on emigrants 227 

" last expedition into Kentucky- • -391, 556 

" cruelty to prisoners 217, 513 

Innis, Judge Harry 313 

Internal improvement system 286 

Iron mountain 472 

Irvine, Capt. Christopher 423 

" Col. William 423 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew 288 

Jefferson, Thomas 373 

Jessamine creek, origin of its name 376 

Johnson, Tom. the poet 207 

" Col. Richard M. 377 

" Col. Robert 515 

" Col. James 515 

" Maj. John T. 515 

" Mrs., narrow escape of- 550 

Judiciary, its independence secured 101 

Judges, how to be removed 101 

" of high courts, from Kentucky 150 

" Jump Off" 490 

Kaskaskia captured 240 

Kennan, William, adventure of 300 

Kennedy, Peter, narrow escape of 336 

Kenton, Gen. Simon 382, 438, 440 



Xll 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Kentucky, situation, boundaries and extent" 153 

'' face of the country 153 

" Imlay's description of 153 

'• Filson's description of 154 

" statistics of • 144 

" organic remains 160 

" soil 161 

" early manners and customs 161 

" wedding ceremonies 162 

'• building cabins 164 

" population, from 1790 to 1840 153 

" principal rivers 154 

" geological formations 154 

" river, settlements at its mouth 2*23 

Kincheloe's station, attack upon 533 

King's Mountain, victory at 526 

Knob Lick, near Danville 403 

Knobs, in Meade county 448 

Knoll, in Larue county 397 

Knox, Gen. Henry 396 

La Fayette, Gen. 263 

Lancaster, John, adventures of 545 

Larue, John 397 

Lawrence, James 399 

Law schools 265. 356 

Lead and lead ore 159, 446 

Lee, Gen. Henry 442' 

'• Rev.AVilson 127 

Leeper, Capt. John 353 

Legislature, first held in the West 347 

Letcher, Gov. Robert P. 400 

Lewis, Capt. Meriwether 401 

Lexington Light Infantry 345 

Lick, Knob 403 

'' White, a great curiosity 322 

Lillard, Rev. Joseph 127 

Lime, hydraulic, in Estill county 262 

Limestone formations 155, 156, 157 

Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin 409 

Little river, sinks and re-appears 233 

' Turtle, Indian chief 165, 489 

Livingston, capture and rescue 496 

Robert R. 410 

Logan, Gen. Benjamin 403, 411 

Col. John 408 

" Judge AVilliam 519 

" an Indian 415 

Logan's fort, defence of 403 

Logston, Big .Toe. adventures of 329 

Long Run, (defeat on 172 

Loretlo. sisterhood of- 141 

Louisville, view of 358 

•' established as a town 3G0 

Love adventure ot Kenton 383 

Lunatic Asylum, at Lexington 267 

Lyle, Rev. John 136 

Lythe, Rev. John 122 

Madison, Gov. George 302, 310 

" James 425 

Magna charta, Kentucky 347 

Mammoth Cave 254 

Marion, Gen. Francis 426 

Marshall, Rev. Robert 134 

" Humphrey 317 

" Chief Justice John 427 

" Col. Thomas 433 

" Capt. Thomas 437,442 

" Alexander K. • • • 442 

Martin's station, surrender of 342 

Mason, the outlaw 354 

" George 428 

" county, first settled by Kenton 384 

" " scene of last Indian expedi- 
tion 391 

Massie, Rev. Peter 126 

May, John 435 

Mayes and Couch, hung without trial 326 

Maysville, settled in 1784 430 

" partiality of the Indians towards- 431 

McAfee family visit Kentucky 4.53 

" '' providential escape of- 456 

" Gen. Robert B. 464 

«. -^'Samuel 461, 462 

« Jf. Robert 461 

i43ii William 462 

" George, sen. 462 



Page. 

McAfee, James 462 

" Jane. sen. 462 

McCalla, Andrew 276 

McChord, Rev. James 137 

McClelland's station, defeat at 385 

" " attacked 509 

Mc Clung, Judge William 333,442 

McClure, Rev. Andrew 1-34 

" Mrs., rescue of 551 

" Davis and Caffee, adventures of- • - 407 

" Lieut. Nathan 499 

McConnell, Alexander, adventure of 272 

McCracken, Capt. Virgin 389, 446 

McFadin's station, anecdote of- 542 

McFarland. Rev. John 1-37 

McGary, Maj. Hugh 459,461,463 

McGreedy, Rev. James 347 

McHenry, Rev. Barnabas 127 

McKee, Col. William R. 294 

McKendree, Bishop William-' 1-30 

McKinley's adventure with a cat 295 

MeMurtries, Dr., .sketches of Louisville 364 

Meade, Capt. James 448 

Medical colleges 265, 356 

Menifee, Richard H. 294 

Mercer, Gen. Hugh 465 

Merrill, Mrs., attacked by Indians 475 

Metals and other minerals 159 

Metcalfe, Gov. Thomas , 484 

Methodist Episcopal Church, sketch of 124 

" •• " statistics of- • • - 129 

Military Institute, AVestern 503 

Mills, first, in Kentucky 273,510 

" used by the pioneers 457 

" Judge Benjamin 202 

Ministers, Foreign, from Kentucky 150 

Mississippi river, navigation of 528 

Missouri question 287 

Montgomery family, attack on 405 

" Gen. Richard 471 

Monroe, James 467 

Monterey, capitulation of- 374 

Moore, Rev. James 123 

Morehead, Hon. James T. 395 

Morgan, Gen. Daniel 472 

Morgan's station captured 470 

Morrison, Col. James 277 

Mounds 167, 176, 397, 469, 533, 542 

Mountains, in Harlan county 3.39 

Muhlenburg, Gen. Peter 438 

Mummies found in Mammoth Cave 256 

Musgrove's mill, battle at 525 

Nail cutting, invented 273 

Natural Bridge 233 

Nelson, Rev. David 137 

'• Thomas 473 

Nerinckx, Rev. Charles 141 

Newspapers, oldest in the State 192 

" in Louisville 338 

Nicajack expedition 552 

Northcott, Rev. Benjamin 128 

Oak pole found in the Mammoth Cave 259 

O'CuU, Rev. James 128 

Ogden, Rev. Benjamin 127 

on well, in Cumberland 247 

Okeechobee, battle of 371 

Oldham, Col. AVilliam 488 

Ormsby, Judge Stephen 366 

Orr, Col Alexander D. 442 

Owen, Col. Abraham 490,517 

Owsley, Gov. William 492 

Pacolet river, fort on, captured 524 

Page, Rev. John 128 

Palo Alto, decisive victory at 372 

Paper mill, first in Kentucky 372 

Patent of John Fox, oldest in Kentucky 399 

Patterson. Col. John 275,509 

Payne, Col. Devall 443 

Peers, Rev. Benjamin Orr 123 

Pendleton, Edmund 495 

Penitentiary, at Frankfort 305 

Perry, Com. Oliver Hazard 497 

Philips, Philip 397 

Philosophy of Edmund Rogers 176 

Pig, remarkable story of a 465 

Pike, Gen. Zebuloa M. 498 



GENERAL INDEX. 



XIU 



Page. 

Pioneers of North Kentucky 3S4 

" injustice done them 392 

Pit, Bottomless, in the Mammoth Cave 260 

Plaster of Paris, in Clinton county 246 

"Point of Rocks" 490 

"Pond Branch" 490 

Pope, Col. William 366 

" Gov.John 547 

Poplar mountain, beautiful view from 246 

Population of the State, 1790 to 1840 151 

" of counties and county towns, 

1840 151 

" of the principal towns, 1810 to 1840 153 

Port William, laid out 229 

Poythress, Rev. Francis 125 

Prather, Thomas 366 

Prentice, George D. 358 

Presbyterian Church, Cumberland, sketch of, 121 

" " sketch of 132 

« " early ministers 132, 133 

Prisoners whipped to death by Indians 217 

Proctor, Rev. Joseph 262 

Protective policy, Henry Clay's course 283 

Pulaski, Count Joseph 499 

Race, foot, extraordinary 301 

Rankin, Rev. Adam 134 

Rannells, Rev. Samuel 135 

Ray, Rev. John 128 

" Gen. James, snccession of adventures, 458 

Red river iron works 262 

Relics, ancient 542 

Representatives in Congress, list of 145 

" in Virginia legislature- • -147, 458 

" under first constitution 148 

Replevins, retrospective, unconstitutional- • • 103 

Resaca de la Palma, victory at 373 

" Revival, the great " 119, 1.30 

Rhodes, Beacham, escape of 297 

Rice, Rev. David- 133 

Ridge. Dry 326 

Rivers, principal, in Kentucky 154 

" in the Mammoth Cave 261 

Robertson, Chief Justice George 104, .322 

Rockcastle river 500 

Rocks, remarkable 230, 2*3, 254. 540 

Rogers, Edmund 175 

Roman Catholic Church, sketch of 139 

'■ •' statistics of 141 

Rowan and others, providential escape 365 

" Judge John 366 

Ruddell's station, surrender of 3443 

Russell, Col. William 502 

Saint Joseph's College, at Bardstown 474 

Saline creek, fierce battle of 213 

Salmon, Rev. M. 141 

Salt, first made 217 

" statistics of, &c. 154,401,499 

" river, boat attacked upon 217 

Saltpetre made 501 

Sandusky, James 545 

" Jacob 545 

Scenery on Kentucky and Dick's rivers 451 

School notice 275 

Scott county, Indian incursions into 510 

" " State first settled in 510 

" Gen. Charles 516 

Secretaries of State, list of- 144 

Senate, electors of. for 1792 148 

Senators in Congress, list of 144 

" U.S., of other States, from Kentucky 150 

Shakers 451 

Shanks, widow, adventure 195 

Sharp, Col. Solomon P. 311 

Shelby, Gov. Isaac 523 

" College 51 7 

Shelby ville laid out 517 

Silver ore, in McCracken county 446 

Simpson, Capt. John 531 

Sinking creek 213 

Sinks, remarkable, in the earth 345 

Slate or shell formation 156 

Slaughter, Gov. Gabriel 463 

Slaverv questions, causes two schisms Ill 

Smith, Col. James 200 

" Col. Jolin Speed 424 

Snelling, Rev. Benjamin 127 



Pag*. 

Society, for promoting useful knowledge • •• • 274 

Spanish intrigues 528 

Spencer, Capt. Spear 534 

Spring burning, in Floyd county 302 

" warm, in Grayson 327 

" tar, in Hancock 334 

" " in Union 540 

Springs, mineral 160 

" see each county, 174. 181, 193, 216, 246, 
251, 296, 302, 326, 327, 334, 345, 349, 382, 
401, 410, 447, 449,472, 480, 489, 495, 501, 
504, 505, 540, 553. 

Stegall family, murdered 353 

Statistics, miscellaneous 144 

State House 304 

Steam, first applied successfully to boats- •- - 273 

Steamboats in the west 356 

Stephenson's house, attack on 422 

Stockton, Robert 297 

• George 297 

Stone, Rev. Barton W. 118 

Sloner. battle on 195 

Strode's station, attack on 234 

Stewart, Rev. Robert 136 

Sturgus' station, Indians pursued from 227 

Sudduth, Col. William 2.35 

Talbot, Hon. John 312 

Tar springs 334,540 

Taylor, Ilev. John 113 

" Hubbard 235 

" Gen. James 227 

" Mrs. 227 

" Col. Richard 366,368 

" Commodore 366 

" Maj. Gen. Zachary 368 

Tecumseh, engaged with whites from Mason 

county 440, 441 

Templin, Rev. Terah 133 

Texas, annexation of 290 

Thames, victory of the 378 

Thayer, Rev. Mr. 141 

Tick creek, fort on, attacked 173 

Todd, Levi 274 

" Chief Justice Thomas 314 

" Col. John 480,535 

" Col. Charles S. 521 

Towns, Indian 194, 398, 452 

" Trappists " 142 

Transylvania Seminary 272, 274 

" University 265 

Tree, ancieni marks on 167, 176, 541 

Trigg, Col. Stephen 537 

Trimble, Judge Robert 538 

Tucker, Rev. Samuel 126 

" Rev. John and wife, murdered 231 

Tunnel, natural 475 

Turtle, Little, the, Indian chief 165, 489 

Tye, John, singular escape of 550 

Underwood, Judge Joseph R, 542 

Union, progress of the, in greatness 290 

University, Transylvania 265 

" of Louisville 356 

Vancouver's, Charles, settlement • • • 399 

Vannade, Martin, escape of 487 

Vincennes, surrenders twice 240, 241 

Ward, Capt. James, adventures of 434, 441 

" Capt. Charles, adventure of- 438 

AVarren, Gen. Joseph 544 

Washington, Gen. George 548 

" surveys in Kentucky .399 

" town of, settled 390,429 

" " expedition from 390 

" fort, detachment from, toma- 
hawked 513 

Waterworks at Frankfort 305 

Wayne, Gen. Anthony 549 

Wedding ceremonies 162 

Welby, Mrs. Amelia B. .358 

Welch, Rev. James 136 

Wells, Capt. Samuel 519 

Whelan. Rev. Mr. 140 

Whipped to death by Indians 217 

AVhitley, AVilliam 551 

Whitlaker, Capt.. rencounter with Indians- - .360 

Wickliffe, sen., Robert 277 

" Hon. Charles A. 476 



XIV 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Page. 

Williams, Zadock, killed by Indians 298 

Williams, E. K., adventures of 343, 382 

Wilson, Rev. Robert 13G 

" Lieut. Singleton 490 

Windows, glass first used in 363 

Winter of 1779-SO, remarkable severity of- ■ 456 



Wisconsin, battle of- 370 

Wood-choppers, attack on 450 

Woodford, Gen. William 556 

" county, Indian excursions into- ■ 554 

Woods, Mrs., adventure with Indians 408 

Yates, escape of 178 



A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF KENTUCKY. 



1750 — Dr. Walker, of Virginia, visits the north- 
eastern portion of Kentucky. Another ac- 
count saySj that it was in 1758; and a third, 
places it in 1747, and says, he visited the 
eastern and south-eastern parts. 

1751 — Christopher Gist sent out, by the Ohio Com- 
pany, to explore the Western Company, de- 
scends the Ohio river to the Falls. 

1765, June 8 — Col. George Croghan, a British offi- 
cer, in descending the Ohio from Fort Pitt, is 
taken prisoner by the Indians, below the 
Wabash. 

1766 — Col. James Smith visits Kentucky. 

1767 — John Finley visits Kentucky on a trading 
expedition. 

1769 — Pinley again in Kentucky, accompanied by 
Daniel Boone, and others. This party built 
a wigwam, to shelter them from the storms, 
and remained two years, traversing the north- 
ern and middle regions. 

December 22 — Boone ai.d Stuart taken pri- 
soners by the Indians. 

1770 — The '-Long Hunters," from Holston, on 

Clinch river, led by Col. James Knox, explore 

the middle and southern regions of the State. 

Gen. Washington descends the Ohio, as 

far as the north-eastern part of Kentucky. 

1773, Sept. 25 — Boone, and others, start to settle 
Kentucky. Oct. 10 — Are attacked by Indians, 
and turn back. 

May29 — Capt. Thomas Bullitt, and the 
M'Afees, descend the Ohio river. Bullitt and 
others proceed to the Falls, and survey land 
below the Falls to Salt river, and up the 
same to Bullitt's lick. 

July 1/i — The M'Afees, and others of the 
company, separated from Bullitt at the mouth 
of the Kentucky river; which they ascended 
as far as where Frankfort now stands, and 
surveyed six hundred acres there. 

Gen. Thompson, of Pennsylvania, makes 
some surveys upon the north fork of Licking 
river. 

1774 — James Harrod, late in the spring, ascended 
the Kentucky river, and built the first cabin 
in the State, on the spot where Harrodsburg 
now stands. 

1775, March 17— Col. Richard Henderson, Natha- 
niel Hart, and others, conclude the Wataga 
treaty with the Cherokees, by which, for 
£10,000 sterling, they acquired the territory 
between the Ohio, the Kentucky, or Louisa 
river, the Cuml)erlaiid mountains, and the 
Cumberland river. Virginia refused to recog- 
nize the purchase, but compromised it by 
grants of land. 

Lord Duiimore issues a proclamation against 
the Transylvania Company of purcha.sers. 
April 1 — Fort at Boonsborough begun, and 



finished June 14th. Settlements made, and 
stations built, also, at Harrodsburg, at the 
Boiling Spring, and at St. Asaph's, in Lincoln 
county. 

May 23 — Pursuant to a call by Henderson. 
representatives, chosen by the people of 
Transylvania, met at Boonsborough, agreed 
upon a proprietary government, and passed 
nine laws. They adjourned to meet again in 
September, but never met. 

September — Boone, and others, bring their 
wives and children to Kentucky. 

George Rogers Clark visits Kentucky, but 
returns before winter. 

Simon Kenton builds a cabin, and plants 
corn, near where Washington stands, in Ma- 
son county. 
1776 — Clark moves to Kentucky early, this year. 

June 6 — At a general meeting at Harrods- 
burg, Clark and Gabriel Jones were chosen 
members of the Virginia Assembly, and re- 
quired to present the petition, drawn up, 
asking admission as citizens, and efficient 
protection. 

August 23 — Clark procures five hundred 
pounds of powder from the Council of Vir- 
ginia, which he takes from Pittsburgh, down 
the Ohio, to Limestone. 

December 6— Kentucky county established 
out of Fincastle county, by Virginia. 

December 25 — Col. John Todd, and his 
party, while on their way to Limestone, for 
the powder secreted there, defeated near the 
Blue Licks, and Gabriel Jones killed. Clark 
takes the powder, in safety, to Harrodsburg. 

December 29 — M'Clellan's Fort, on Elk- 
horn, attacked by Indians. 

1777, March 7 — Harrodsburg attacked by the 
savages. 

April 15 — First attack on Boonsborough. 

Burgesses chosen to represent the county 
of Kentucky in the legislature of Virginia. 

May — Logan's station attacked. 

Major Clark's spies in the Illinois country. 

September — First court at Harrodsburg. 

October 1 — Clark starts to Virginia. 

December 10 — Clark opens his plan, for 
conquering Illinois, to Gov. Patrick Henry. 

1778, January 2 — Col. Clark appointed to lead an 
expedition against the British posts in Illinois. 

February 7 — Boone taken prisoner at the 
Blue Licks. 

May 25 — Disastrous attack, by Indians, on 
a boat ascending Salt river. 

June 24 — Col. Clark established a fort on 
Corn Island, before leaving the Falls of the 
Ohio, for Illinois. 

July 4 — Clark took Kaskaskia, and, two 
days after, Cahokia. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 



XV 



August 1 — Vincennes voluntarily submitted 
to the Americans. 

August 8 — Boonsborough besieged. 

October — Louisville settled. 

Virginia grants Henderson and Company 
200,000 acres on the Ohio, below Green 
river. 

December — Governor Hamilton took Vin- 
cennes. 

1779, Feb. 24 — Vincennes surrendered to Colonel 
Clark. 

April 1 — Blockhouse built at Lexington. 

July — Col. Bowman's expedition against 
Chillicothe. 

October — Col. Rogers and Captain Benham 
defeated by Indians, near the mouth of Lick- 
ing. 

Virginia land commissioners open their 
session at St. Asaph's. 

1780, January — The "hard winter;" game frozen 
m the forest, and cattle around the stations. 
Corn sold at $50 to $175. 

May — Virginia grants land in Kentucky for 
educational purposes. 

June 22 — Col. Byrd, of the British army, 
with six field-pieces, and six hundred Cana- 
dians and Indians, compels the surrender 
of Ruddell's station; and, immediately after, 
of Martin's station. 

July— Gen. Clark, at the head of 1000 men, 
destroyed the Piqua towns on the Miami. 

November 1 — ^The county of Kentucky di- 
vided into the three counties of Lincoln, Fay- 
ette, and Jefferson. 

1781 — County lieutenants and surveyors 
appointed. 

1782, March 22 — Desperate battle near the Little 
Mountain, known as Estill's defeat. 

August 14 — Bryant's station besieged by 
five hundred Indians, under Simon Girty. 

August 19 — The disastrous battle of Blue 
Lick, in which one hundred and sixty, or one 
hundred and eighty-two white men were 
defeated by the Indians, with the loss of sixty 
killed and seven taken prisoners. 

September — Another expedition of Gen. 
Clark against the Miami towns. No large 
body of Indians thenceforward invaded Ken- 
tucky. 

1783, March — Kentucky formed into one district, 
and a District Court established. 

Danville founded. 

A store opened, at Louisville, by Daniel 
Brodhead. 

1784, Feb. — Gen. James Wilkinson came to Lex- 
ington, as the leader of a large commercial 
company, formed in Philadelphia. 

An informal meeting of the people, held at 
Danville, on the state of the district. 

Dec. 27 — First Convention held at Dan- 
ville ; separation from Virginia discussed, but 
referred to a second convention. 

Blockhouse erected at Limestone, or Mays- 
ville. 

1785, May 23 — Second convention adopted an 
address to the Assembly of Virginia, and one 
to the people of Kentucky, together with 
strong resolutions in favor of separation. 

Aug. 8 — Third convention assembled, and 
adopted two new addresses, conceived in 
bolder terms than before. 

1786, January — First act of Virginia favoring a 
separation by Kentucky, on certain condi- 
tions. 

September — Fourth convention met, but 
without a quorum, and continued its meetings 
by adjournment, until January, 1787; when 
a quorum attended, expressed their feelings 
in favor of separation, and called another 
convention, to be held m the fall. 

October — Expedition of Gen. Clark against 
the Wabash Indians ; returns without effect- 
ing anything. 

Second act of Virginia, postponing the sepa- 
ration of Kentucky until Jan. Ist, 1789. 

Col. I^ogan's expedition against the Shawa- 
nese. I 



Gen. Clark's seizure of Vincennes, and 
other movements against the Spaniards. 

1787, May — Meeting at Danville, in relation to the 
navigation of the Mississippi. 

June — Gen. Wilkinson descends, with the 
first cargo from Kentucky, to New Orleans, 
and obtained a permit to import tobacco for 
the Spanish king's stores. 

August 18 — The Kentucky Gazette estab- 
lished at Lexington. 

Sept. 17 — Fifth convention unanimously 
decided in favor of separation, on the terms 
offered by Virginia. 

1788, June 28 — Convention of Virginia decided, 
by a vole of eighty-eight to seventy-eight, in 
favor of adopting the Constitution of the 
United States ; the Kentucky delegation 
voting eleven against it, and three in its favor. 

July 3 — Congress refers the subject of tlie 
admission of Kentucky into the Union to the 
new government. 

July 28— Sixth convention meets, and ad- 
journs without other action than calling an- 
other convention, with full discretionary 
powers. 

Spanish intrigues, in Kentucky, during this 
year. 

Nov. 4 — Seventh convention meets. 

Dr. Connolly in Kentucky, as a British 
agent. 

Dec. 24 — ^The founders of Cincinnati leave 
Maysville. 

Dec. 27— Third act of Virginia in favor of 
separation. 

1789, Jan. — No votes given, for electors of Presi- 
dent and Vice-president of the United Slates, 
in the District of Kentucky. 

Feb. 12 — Correspondence between Gen. 
George Washington and Col.Thos. Marshall, 
respecting British and Spanish intrigues in 
Kentucky. 

July 20 — Eighth convention assembled, and 
remonstrated against the conditions of sepa- 
ration contained in the third act of Virginia. 

Dec. 18 — Fourth act of separation passed 
by Virginia, complying with the wishes of 
Kentucky. 

1790, July 26 — Ninth convention assembled, ac- 
cepted the terms of Virginia, and fixed June 
1st, 1792, for the independence of the State of 
Kentucky. 

Oct. — Colonel Trotter leads the Kentuckians, 
at Harmar's defeat. 

Dec. — Kentuckians petition Congress to 
fight Indians in their own way. 

Local Board of War appointed in Kentucky. 

1791, Feb. 4 — Congress agree to admit Kentucky 
on the 1st of June. 1792. 

May 23 — Gen. Scoit's expedition against 
the Indians on the Wabash. 

Augustl — Gen. Wilkinson marched against 
the Eel river Indians. 

1792, April 3 — Convention met to draft the first 
Constitution of Kentucky. 

May — Colonel John Hardin, and Major 
Trueman, killed by the Indians, while on a 
peace mission to them. 

Nov. 6 — Major John Adair attacked, near 
Fort St. Clair, by Little Turtle. 

Frankfort chosen as the capital of the 
State. 

1793, Oct. 24 — Gen. Scott joins Gen. Wayne, near 
Fort Jefferson, with 1000 mounted volunteers 
from Kentucky. 

Nov. 1 — Genet, the French minister, sent 
agents to Kentucky, to organize an expedition 
against New Orleans, and the then Spanish 
possessions. 

Democratic societies established in Ken- 
tucky. 

1794, July 26 — Gen. Scott again joins Wayne. 
with 1600 men, from Kentucky. 

August 20 — Gen. Wayne defeated the Ca- 
nadians and Indians, at the balile of the 
Fallen Timber, with very gratifying effect. 

1795, July — Thomas Power sent, by Gov. Caron- 
delet, of Louisiana, to concert with the people 



XVI 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 



of Kentucky, a commercial treaty for the 
uavigationof the Mississippi; inconsequence 
of wTiich. Judge Sebastian met Col. Gayoso 
at New Madrid The agreement was, how- 
ever, defeated by the Spanish treaty. 

1796, August— First paper-mill in the west. 

1797, July 12 — Thomas Power sent, by Gov. Ca- 
rondelet;to concert a separation of Kentucky 
from the Union. 

Oct. — Occupying claimant law passed. 

1798, Nov. 16 — Nullifying resolutions passed, with 
regard to the Alien and Sedition laws. 

Death, except for murder, abolished in 
Kentucky. 

1799, July 22 — Convention assembled for forming 
a new constitution. 

Internal improvements talked of. 
Nov. 14 — The nullifying resolutions of last 
year affirmed. 

1800, June 1 — The present Constitution goes into 
operation. 

1801 — Circuit Court system established. 
1802, January — An Insurance Company, with 
banking powers, chartered. 

The right of deposit, for American pro- 
duce, at New Orleans, suspended. 
1805 — Aaron Burr twice visits Kentucky. 
1806, Nov. 11 — Burr brought before the District 
Court of Kentucky, but for want of testimony, 
the grand jury was dismissed. 

Dec. 2 — Burr is indicted, but the grand 
jury return, ''not a true bill." 

Dec. 6 — Judge Sebastian convicted of being 
a pensioner of Spain; resigns his office. 
1807 — Bank of Kentucky chartered. 
1809 — The limitation in actions in ejectment, pro- 
longed from seven to twenty years. 
1811, Nov. 7 — Battle of Tippecanoe, in which Col. 
Jo. Hamilton Daveiss, and other distinguished 
Kentuckians, fell. 
1812 — Gen. Harrison appointed major-general of 
the Kentucky troops. 

Oct. — Gen. Hopkins' expedition against the 
Indians on the Wabash. 
Dec. — ^Battle of Mississiniway. 



1813, Jan. 10 — The Kentuckians, under General 
Winchester, reach the Maumee. ° 

Jan. 18 — Briti-sh defeated at Frenchtown. 

Jan. 22 — Disastrous battle of the river Rau- 
sin, and massacre of the Americans. 

May 5 — Gen. Clay reaches Fort Meigs; 
eight hundred Kentuckians, under GeueraJ 
Dudley, killed or taken prisoners. 

July 31 — Fort Stephenson besieged. 

Oct. 5 — Victory of the Thames. 

Nov. 25 — The capitol, at Frankfort, con- 
sumed by fire. 

1815, Jan 8 — Victory at New Orleans. 

April 6 — The Ohio river higher than it had 
been since 1793. 
Oct. 15 — A steamboat built at Louisville. 

1816, Oct. 14 — Gov. Madison died, soon after his 
inauguration. 

1817, July — Much excitement in reference to the 
succession of the Lieut. Governor, in case of 
the death of the governor. 

Dec. 12 — Shock of an earthquake felt 
throughout the State. 
1817-18 — Porly independent banks chartered. 

1818, Feb. — Gen. George Rogers Clark died, near 
Louisville. 

Oct. 19 — A treaty with the Chickasaw In- 
dians, for all their claims in Tennessee and 
Kentucky, containing about 7,000,000 acres, 
for an annuity of $20,000 for fifteen years. 

1819-20 — Right of replevin extended from three 
to twelve months. 
The relief excitement commenced. 

1820-21 — Commonwealth's bank chartered. 

The Legislature controlled the directors 
of the old Bank ot Kentucky. 

1823— The Court of Appeals decided the reple- 
vin laws unconstitutional. 

1824-25 — New Court of appeals organized. 

1833-34— Bank of Kentucky, Northern Bank of 
Kentucky, and Bank of Louisville chartered. 

1835, February — Internal improvement system 
adopted. 

1837 — Banks suspend specie payments. 

1839 — Second suspension of specie payments. 

1842— Relief excitement. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 



Kentl'cky was first explored by the Anglo-Saxon race, about 
the middle of the eighteenth century. It then formed a vast 
hunting-ground, upon which the gavage tribes of the south and 
of the north killed the elk and buffalo, and occasionally encoun- 
tered each other in bloody conflict. No permanent settlements 
existed within its borders. Its dark fbrests and cane thickets 
separated the. Cherokees, Creeks, and Catawbas of the south, 
from the hostile tribes of Shawanees, Delawares, and Wyandota 
of the north. Each, and all of these tribes, encountered the 
Anglo-American pioneer, and fiercely disputed the settlement of 
the country. 

It is certain, however, that these were not the original occu- 
pants of the country lying between the Alleghany mountains and 
the Mississippi river. Geological monuments of deep interest, 
but as yet imperfectly investigated, speak in language not to be 
mistaken, of a race of men who preceded the rude tribes encoun- 
tered by Boone and Finley. Their ^gin, language, and historj', 
are buried in darkness which, perhaps, may never be dispelled ; 
but the scanty vestiges which they have left behind them, enable 
us to affirm, with confidence, that they far surpassed the rude 
tribes which succeeded them, in arts, in civilization, and in know- 
ledge. They had certainly worked the copper mines of the west, 
and were in possession of copper tools for working in wood and 
stone. Their pipes, and household utensils elaborately fashioned, 
of clay, are far above the rude and clumsy contrivances of their 
successors ; while their large fortifications, constructed of solid 
masonry, and artificially contrived for defence and convenience, 
show that they had foes to resist, and that they had made con- 
siderable progress in the military art. 

How long they occupied the country, whence they came, 
whither they have gone, or whether they perished within the 
crumbling walls which alone speak of their existence, the present 
state of our knowledge does not enable us to decide. The his- 
torical- facts with certcdrUy to be inferred from the data which exist, 
2 ^i^> 



18 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

are few and meagre. In relation to time, we can only affirm 
that the fortifications and cemeteries, which have been examined, 
are certainly more than eight hundred years old, but how much 
older they may be can only be conjectured. Time, and future 
investigation, may throw some additional light upon the history 
of this ancient race; but at present we can only say that they 
lived, that they struggled against enemies, that they made pro- 
gress in arts and civilization, and that the places which once 
knew them, now know them no more. 

Neglecting the obscure visit of Dr. Walker to the north-east- 
ern portion of Kentucky in 1758, and the equally obscure, but 
more thorough examination of the country by Finley in 1767, 
we may regard the company headed by Daniel Boone in 1769, and 
by Knox in 1770, as the earliest visits to Kentucky worthy of 

Particular attention. Boone's party remained two years in the 
tate, and traversed its northern and middle regions with great 
attention. The party led by Colonel James Knox, called the 
Long Hunters, came one year later, and remained about the 
same time. Both parties were in the country together, but never 
met. Boone was a native of Pennsylvania, but had emigrated to 
North Carolina. Knox's party was from Holston, on Clinch river, 
and thoroughly explored the middle and southern regions of 
Kentucky. Boone's party was harassed by the Indians, and one 
of their number, James Stuart, was killed. Boone himself at one 
time fell into their hands, but escaped. In 1771, they returned 
from their long hunting excursion, and spread throughout the 
western settlements of Virginia and North Carolina the most 
glowing accounts of the inexhaustible fertility of the soil. 

The bounty in lands, which had been given to the Virginia 
troops who had served throughout the old French war, were to 
be located upon the western waters, and within legs than two 
years after the return of IW)ne and Knox, surveyors were sent 
out to locate these lands ujTOn the Ohio river. In 1773, Captain 
Thomas Bullitt, who had distinguished himself in the expedition 
against fort Du Quesne, led a party of surveyors down the Ohio 
to the Falls, where a camp was constructed and roughly fortified 
to protect them from the Indians. During this expedition many 
surveys were executed in Kentucky, and large portions of the 
country explored with a view to future settlement. Three bro- 
thers from Virginia, James, George and Robert M'Afee, accompa- 
nied Bullitt to the mouth of Kentucky river. There they left 
him, and in company with several others ascended the Kentucky 
to the forks, exploring the country and making surveys in various 
places. 

In the summer of 1774, other parties of surveyors and hunters 
followed ; and during this year James Harrod erected a log cabin 
upon the spot where Ilarrodsburg now stands, which rapidly 
grew into a station, probably the oldest in Kentucky. During 
this year, Colonel Richard Henderson purchased from the Chero- 
kee Indians the whole country south of Kentucky river. His 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 19 

purchase was subsequently declared null and void by the legisla- 
ture of Virginia, which claimed the sole right to purchase land 
from the Indians within the bounds of the royal charter ; but 
gi-eat activity was displayed by Henderson in taking possession 
of his new empire, and granting land to settlers, before the act 
of the Virginia legislatm-e overturned all his schemes. Daniel 
Boone was employed by him to sm'vey the country, and select 
favorable positions ; and, early in the spring of 1775, the foun- 
dation of Boonsborough was laid, under the title of Henderson. 
From the 22d of March to the 14th of April, Boone was actively 
engaged in constructing the fort, afterwards called Boonsborough, 
during which time his party was exposed to four fierce attacks 
from the Indians. By the middle of April the fort was comple- 
ted, and within two months from that time his wife and daughters 
joined him, and resided in the fort, — the first white women who 
ever stood upon the banks of the Kentucky river. From this 
time, Boonsborough and Harrodsburg became the nucleus and 
support of emigration and settlement in Kentucky. In 1775, the 
renowned pioneer, Simon Kenton, erected a log cabin, and raised 
a crop of corn in the county of Mason, upon the spot where the 
town of Washington now stands, and continued to occupy the 
spot until the fall of that year, when he removed to Boonsbo- 
rough. The limits allotted to this Historical sketch will not 
admit of details of individual adventures ; these may be found 
under their appropriate heads in other portions of the work. 

In the month of September of this year, and three months after 
the arrival of Mrs. Boone and her daughters, the infant colony 
was enriched by the arrival of three more ladies, Mrs. Denton, 
Mrs. M'Gary, and Mrs. Hogan, who, with their husbands and 
children, settled at Harrodsburg. Early in the spring of 1776, 
Colonel Richard Calloway brought his wife and two daughters to 
Boonsborough, and in March of the same year, Colonel Benjamin 
Logan brought his wife and family to Logan's fort, about one 
mile west of the present town of Stanford, in Lincoln county, 
where he, with a few slaves, had raised a crop of corn in 1775. 

During this summer, an incident occurred which powerfully 
impressed upon the minds of the women of Kentucky the dangers 
which beset them in their frontier home : while a daughter of 
Daniel Boone and two of the Miss Calloways were amusing 
themselves within a short distance of the fort, a party of Indians 
suddenly rushed upon them, and bore them off as captives . They 
were rapidly pursued by Colonel Floyd and Daniel Boone, with a 
party of eight men, and at the distance of forty miles from the fort, 
were overtaken, dispersed, and the girls recovered. During this 
summer. Colonel George Rogers Clark for the first time made his 
appearance in Kentucky. He visited the different stations, but 
made no location; he spent much of his time in the M'oods, 
alone and hunting, and encouraged the young pioneers much by 
his presence and example. 

In the winter of this year, Kentucky was formed into a county 



20 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

by the legislature of Virginia, and thus became entitled to a 
separate county court, to justices of the peace, a sheriff, consta- 
bles, coroner, and militia officers. Law, with its imposing para- 
pharnalia, (upon a small scale,) for the first time reared its head 
in the forests of Kentucky. In the spring of 1777, the court of 
quarter sessions held its first sitting at Harrodsburgh, attended 
by the sheriff' of the county and its clerk, Levi Todd. The first 
court of Kentucky was composed of John Todd, John Floyd, 
Benjamin Logan, John Bowman, and Richard Calloway. 

They had scarcely adjourned when the infant republic was 
rocked to its centre by an Indian invasion. Harrodsburg, 
Boonsborough, Logan's fort were all in succession furiously as- 
sailed. The hunters and surveyors were driven in from the 
woods, and compelled to take refuge within the forts. Much in- 
jury was done ; but the forts withstood their utmost efforts, and 
after sweeping through Kentucky like a torrent for several weeks, 
the angry tide slowly rolled back to the north, leaving the agi- 
tated settlers to repair their loss as they best could. They were 
reinforced during the summer by forty-five men from North Caro- 
lina, and, in September, by one hundred more under Colonel Bow- 
man, from Virginia. During this summer, Colonel Benjamin 
Logan distinguished himself by a display of the most noble and 
elevated qualities of the human heart. Details Will be found in 
another part of this work ; our limits forbid them here. 

The year 1778 was rendered memorable in Kentucky by two 
great military events, in which she was deeply interested. The 
one, was the invasion of the country by an army of Indians and 
Canadians, under the command of Captain DuQuesne, a Canadian 
officer ; the other, was the brilliant expedition of Colonel George 
Rogers Clark against the English posts of Vincennes and Kas- 
kaskias. We will give a brief summary of each in their order. 

In the month of February, Boone, at the head of thirty men, 
was at the lower Blue Licks, engaged in making salt, when he 
was surprised by two hundred Indians, on their march to attack 
Boonsborough, and himself and party taken prisoners. They 
surrendered upon terms of capitulation, which were faithfully ob- 
served by the Indians, and were all carried to Detroit. Here 
his companions were delivered up to the English commandant, 
but Boone was reserved by the Indians and taken to Chillicothe. 
His captors treated him with great kindness, and permitted him 
to hunt, with but little restraint upon his motions. While at 
Chillicothe, he saw three hundred and fifty Indians assembled, 
armed and painted, for a hostile expedition against Boonsbo- 
rough, which had only been suspended, not relinquished, by his 
capture in the spring. He immediately effected his escape, and 
lost no time in returning to Boonsborough, where he gave the 
alarm throughout all Kentucky. Instant preparations were made 
to receive the enemy ; the distant settlements were abandoned, 
the forts were put upon the war establishment, and all anxiously 
expected the approach of the enemy. The escape of Boone, 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 21 

however, had disconcerted the enterprise, and it was delayed for 
several weeks. 

Impatient of the slow advance of the enemy, Boone, at the 
head of thirty men, of whom Simon Kenton was one, projected 
an expedition against one of the Indian towns on Paint Creek; 
and while in the enemy's country, he obtained certain informa- 
tion that the Indian army had passed him, and was already on its 
march to Boonsborough. Countermarching with great rapidity, 
he halted not, day or night, until he reached Boonsborough with 
his men ; and scarcely had he done so, when Captain Du Quesne 
made his appearance at the head of five hundred Indians and 
Canadians. This was such an army as Kentucky had never yet 
beheld, and it produced an immense sensation. The garrison of 
Boonsborough consisted of fifty men ; Harrodsburg and Logan's 
fort were strongly menaced by detachments, and could afix)rd 
them no assistance. The attack commenced; and every artifice 
was resorted to in order to deceive, to intimidate, or subdue the 
garrison, but all proved ineffectual. The attack continued during 
nine days, and was resisted with steady fortitude. On the tenth 
day the enemy decamped, having lost thirty men killed and a 
much greater number wounded. The garrison sustained a loss 
of two killed and four wounded ; the loss of the country, however, 
in stock and improvements, was great. 

The expedition of Colonel George Rogers Clark belongs more 
properly to the history of the United States than to that of Ken- 
tucky; it will be referred to, therefore, with great brevity. 
When Clark was in Kentucky, in the summer of 1776, he took 
a more comprehensive survey of the western country than the 
rude pioneers around him ; his keen military eye was cast upon 
the northwestern posts, garrisoned by British troops, and affording 
inexhaus'tible supplies of arms and ammunition to the small 
predatory bands of Indians which infested Kentucky. He saw 
plainly that they were the true fountains from which the thou- 
sand little annual rills of Indian rapine and murder took their 
rise, and he formed the bold project of striking at the root of the 
evil. 

The revolutionary war was then raging, and the western posts 
were too remote from the great current of events to attract, 
powerfully, the attention of either friend or foe ; but to Kentucky 
they were objects of capital interest. He unfolded his plan to 
the executive of Virginia, awakened him to a true sense of its 
importance, and had the address to obtain from the impoverished 
legislature a few scanty supplies of men and munitions for his 
favorite project. Undismayed by the scantiness of his means, he 
embarked in the expedition with all the ardor of his character. 
A few State troops were furnished by Virginia, a few scouts and 
guides by Kentucky, and, with a secrecy and celerity of move- 
ment never surpassed by Napoleon in his palmiest days, he 
embarked in his daring project. 

Having descended the Ohio in boats to the Falls, he there 



22 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

landed thirteen families who had accompanied him from Pitts- 
burgh, as emigrants to Kentucky, and by whom the foundation 
of Louisville was laid. Continuing his course down the Ohio, 
he disembarked his troops about sixty miles above the mouth of 
that river, and, marching on foot through a pathless wilderness, 
he came upon Kaskaskias as suddenly and unexpectedly as if he 
had descended from the skies. The British officer in command. 
Colonel Rochdublare, and his garrison, surrendered to a force 
which they could have repelled with ease, if warned of their 
approach ; but never, in the annals of war, was surprise more 
complete. Having secured and sent off his prisoners to Vir- 
ginia, Clark was employed for some time in conciliating the 
inhabitants, who, being French, readily submitted to the new 
order of things. In the meantime, a storm threatened him from 
Vincennes. Governor Hamilton, who commanded the British 
force in the northwest, had actively employed himself during the 
fall season in organizing a large army of savages, with whom, 
in conjunction with his British force, he determined not only to 
crush Clark and his handful of adventurers, but to desolate 
Kentucky, and even seize fort Pitt. The season, however, be- 
came so far advanced before he had completed his preparations, 
that he determined to defer the project until spring, and in the 
meantime, to keep his Indians employed, he launched them 
against the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia, intending to 
concentrate them early in the spring, and carry out his grand 
project. 

Clark in the meantime lay at Kaskaskias, revolving the diffi- 
culties of his situation, and employing his spies diligently in 
learning intelligence of his enemy. No sooner was he informed 
of the dispersion of Hamilton's Indian force, and that he lay at 
Vincennes with his regulars alone, than he determined to strike 
Vincennes as he had struck Kaskaskias. The march was long, 
the season inclement, the road passed through an untrodden 
wilderness, and through overflowed bottoms ; his stock of provi- 
sions was scanty, and was to be carried upon the backs of his 
men. He could only muster one hundred and thirty men ; but, 
inspiring this handful with his own heroic spirit, he plunged 
boldly into the wilderness which separated Kaskaskias from 
Vincennes, resolved to strike his enemy in the citadel of his 
strength, or perish in the effort. The difficulties of the march 
were great, beyond what even his daring spirit had anticipated. 
For days his route led through the drowned lands of Illinois ; his 
stock of provisions became exhausted, his guides lost their way, 
and the most intrepid of his followers at times gave way to de- 
spair. At length they emerged from the drowned lands, and 
Vincennes, like Kaskaskias, was completely surprised. The 
governor and garrison became prisoners of war, and, like their 
predecessors at Kaskaskias, were sent on to Virginia. The 
Canadian inhabitants readily submitted, the neighboring tribes 
were overawed, and some of them became allies, and the whole 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 23 

of the adjacent country became subject to Virginia, which em- 
ployed a regiment of State troops in maintaining and securing 
their conquest. A portion of this force was afterwards perma- 
nently stationed at Louisville, where a fort was erected, and 
where Clark established his head-quarters. 

The year 1779 was marked, in Kentucky, by three events of 
unequal importance. About the 1st of April a solitary block- 
house, with some adjacent defences, the forlorn hope of advancing 
civilization, was erected by Robert Patterson, upon the spot where 
tlie city of Lexington now stands ; the singularly unfortunate 
expedition of Colonel Bowman, against the Indian town of Chilli- 
cothe, was undertaken and carried out ; and the celebrated land 
law of Kentucky was passed by the Virginia legislature. 

Bowman's expedition consisted of the flower of Kentucky. 
Colonel Benjamin Logan was second in command, and Harrod, 
Bulger, Bedinger, and many other brave officers, held subordinate 
commands. The march was well conducted, the surprise was 
complete, the plan of attack well concerted, and the division led 
by Logan performed its part well. Yet the whole failed by 
reason of the hesitation, the imbecility, or the panic of the com- 
mander-in-chief. Logan's division, left unsupported by Bowman, 
was compelled to make a disorderly retreat to the main column, 
and the rout quickly became general. All would have been lost 
but for the daring bravery of some of the subordinate officers, 
who charged the enemy on horseback, and covered the retreat ; 
but the failure was as complete as it was unexpected and dis- 
graceful. 

Our limits forbid an analysis of the land law. It was doubtless 
well intended, and the settlement and pre-emption features were 
just and liberal. The radical and incurable defect of the law, 
however, was the neglect of Virginia to provide for the general 
survey of the country at the expense of government, and its sub- 
division into whole, half, and quarter sections, as is now done by 
the United States. Instead of this, each possessor of a warrant 
was allowed to locate the same where he pleased, and was re- 
quired to survey it at his own cost ; but his entry was required 
to be so special and precise that each subsequent locator might 
recognize the land already taken up, and make his entry else- 
where. To make a good entry, therefore, required a precision 
and accm'acy of description which such men as Boone and Kenton 
could not be expected to possess ; and all vague entries were 
declared null and void. Unnumbered sorrow's, lawsuits, and 
heart-l'ending vexations, were the consequence of this unhappy 
law. In the unskillful hands of the hunters and pioneers of 
Kentucky, entries, surveys, and patents, were piled upon each 
other, overlapping and crossing in endless perplexity. The full 
fruits were not reaped until the country became more thickly 
settled. 

In the meantime the immediate consequence of the law was a 
flood of immigration. The hunters of the elk and buflalo were 



24 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

now succeeded by the more ravenous hunters of land ; in the 
pui'suit, they fearlessly braved the hatchet of the Indian and the 
privations of the forest. The surveyor's chain and compass were 
seen in the woods as frequently as the rifle ; and during the years 
1779-80-81, the great and all-absorbing object in Kentucky was to 
enter, survey, and obtain a patent, for the richest sections of land. 
Indian hostilities were rife during the whole of this period, but 
these only formed episodes in the great drama. 

The year 1780 was distinguished by the vast number of emi- 
grants who crowded to Kentucky for the purpose of locating 
land warrants ; Indian hostility was proportion ably active, and a 
formidable expedition, consisting of Indians and English, under 
Colonel Bird, threatened Kentucky with destruction. For the 
first time, cannon were employed against the stockade forts of 
Kentucky ; and Ruddle's and Martin's stations were completely 
destroyed, and their garrisons taken. The impatience of the In- 
dians then compelled the colonel to retire, without pushing his 
successes further. 

In the fall of this year, Colonel Clark, at the head of his State 
troops stationed at Louisville, reinforced by all the disposable 
force of Kentucky, invaded the Indian country in Ohio, and 
having defeated the Indians in a pitched battle, laid waste their 
villages and destroyed their corn fields, with inexorable severity, 
in retaliation of Bird's expedition in the spring. 

In November of this year, Kentucky was divided into three 
counties, to which the names of Fayette, Lincoln, and Jefferson 
w^ere given. They had now three county courts, holding monthly 
sessions, three courts of common law and chancery jurisdiction, 
sitting quarter-yearly, and a host of magistrates and constables. 
No court, capable of trying for capital offences, existed in the 
country, or nearer than Richmond. The courts of quarter-session 
could take notice only of misdemeanors. 

The year 1781 was distinguished by a very large emigration, 
by prodigious activity in land speculation, and by the frequency 
of Indian inroads, in small parties. Every portion of the country 
was kept continually in alarm, and small Indian ambushes were 
perpetually bursting upon the settlers. Many lives were lost, 
but the settlements made great and daily advances, in defiance 
of all obstacles. The rich lands of Kentucky were the prize of 
the first occupants, and they rushed to seize them with a rapacity 
stronger than the fear of death. 

The year 1782 was uncommonly prolific in great events. 
Indian hostility was unusually early and active. In the month 
of May, a party of twenty-five Wyandots invaded Kentucky, and 
committed shocking depredations in the neighborhood of Estill's 
station. Captain Estill hastily collected a party of equal force, 
and pursued them rapidly. He overtook them upon Hinckstone's 
fork of Licking, near Mount-Sterling, and the best fought battle 
of the war there occurred. The creek ran between the parties, 
forbidding a charge but at perilous disadvantage, and die two 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 25 

lines, forming behind trees and logs, within half rifle shot, stood 
front to front for hours, in close and deadly combat. One-third 
on each side had fallen, and the fire was still vivid and deadly, 
as at the opening of the combat. Estill, determined to bring it 
to a close, ordered Lieutenant Miller to turn their flank with six 
men, and attack them in the rear. While Miller was making a 
small detour to the right, for the purpose, most probably, of exe- 
cuting his orders in good faith (for there are various constructions 
placed upon his conduct), the Indian commander became aware 
of the division of his adversary's force, and, — Math that rapid deci- 
sion which so often flashed across Napoleon's battle-fields, and 
whether exhibited upon a great or a small scale, mark the great 
commander, — determined to frustrate the plan, by crossing the 
creek with his whole force and overwhelming Estill, now weak- 
ened by the absence of Miller. This bold thought was executed 
with determined courage, and after a desperate struggle, Estill 
was totall}^ overpowered, and forced from the ground with slaugh- 
ter. Himself, and nearly all his officers, were killed ; and it was 
but a poor consolation that an equal loss had been inflicted on 
the enemy. This brilliant little fight i^ deeply written in the 
annals of Kentucky, and will long be remembered, for the exqui- 
site specimen of the military art, exhibited in miniature, by the 
Indian commander. It created a sensation, at the time, far be- 
yond its real importance, and was rapidly followed by stunning 
blows, from the same quarter, in rapid succession. 

A party of Wyandots, consisting of twenty men, encountered 
Captain Holder, at the head of seventeen Kentuckians, near the 
upper Blue Licks, and defeated him with loss. 

But these small parties were the mere pattering drops of hail, 
which precede the tempest. In the month of August, an army of 
five hundred Indian warriors, composed of detachments from all 
the north-western tribes, rapidly and silently traversed the north- 
ern part of Kentucky, and appeared before Bryant's station, as 
unexpectedly as if they had risen from the earth. The garrison, 
although surprised, took prompt measures to repel the enemy. 
By the daring gallantry of the women, the fort was supplied with 
water from a neighboring spring. Two of the garrison burst 
through the enemy's lines, and gave the alarm to the neighboring 
stations, \Adiile those who remained, by means of a well-conceived 
and successful ruse, gave a bloody repulse to the only assault 
which the Indians ventured to make upon the fort. A party of 
sixteen horsemen, with great gallantry and good fortune, forced 
their way through the Indians, and entered the fort unhurt. More 
than double that number, on foot, made a similar effort, but failed, 
and sustained considerable loss. 

In the meantime, the garrison remained under cover, and kept 
up a deliberate and fatal fire upon such Indians as showed them- 
selves. The enemy became discouraged, and, apprehensive of 
bringing the whole force of the country upon them, by farther 
delay, broke up their camp, on the second night of the siege, and 



26 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

retreated by the buffalo-trace, leading to the lower Blue Lick. 
By the next day, at noon, one hundred and sixty men had assem- 
bled at Bryant's station, burning with eagerness to encounter the 
invaders. Colonels Todd, Trigg, and Daniel Boone ; majors 
Harland, M' Bride, and Levi Todd; captains Bulger and Gordon, 
with forty-five other commissioned officers, including the cele- 
brated M'Gary, assembled in council, and hastily determined to 
pursue the enemy, without waiting for Colonel Logan, who was 
known to be collecting a strong force in Lincoln, and who might 
be expected to join them in twenty-four hours. 

If Major M'Gary is to be believed, he remonstrated against 
this rash precipitation, and urged a delay of one day for rein- 
forcements, but so keen was the ardor of officer and soldier, 
that his dissent was drowned, in an impatient clamor for in- 
stant battle; and in an evil hour, on the 18th of August, the line 
of march was taken up, and the pursuit urged with a keenness 
which quickly brought them up with the retreating foe. Before 
noon, on the 19th, they reached the southern bank of Licking, and 
for the first time beheld their enemy. A few Indians were care- 
lessly loitering upon the rocky ridge, which bounded the prospect 
to the north. These warriors seemed nowise disconcerted by the 
presence of so large a body of Kentuckians, but after gazing 
upon them for a few moments with cool indifference, very leis- 
urely disappeared beyond the ridge. 

This symptom was not to be mistaken by the youngest woods- 
man in the ranks. The enemy was before them in force, and a 
battle against fearful odds, or a rapid retreat, became inevitable. 
A dozen officers rode to the front and exchanged opinions. 
Boone, who was best acquainted with the ground, declared with 
confidence that the Indian army lay in ambuscade about one mile 
beyond the river, which there ran in an irregular ellipsis, and of- 
fered peculiar advantages to the Indians, if the Kentucldans should 
advance by the buffalo trace. He advised either a retreat upon 
Logan, or a division of their force, for the purpose of making a 
flank attack upon each wing of the Indian army, of whose posi- 
tion he had no doubt. All further deliberation, however, was 
broken up by M'Gary, who suddenly spurred his horse into the 
stream, waved his hat over his head, and shouted aloud, " Let all 
who are not cowards follow me." Of the gallant band of^one 
hundred and sixty, there was not one who could endure this 
taunt. The electric cord was struck with a rude hand, and the 
shock was as universal as it was violent. The horsemen dashed 
tumultuously into the stream, each striving to be foremost. The 
footmen were mingled with them in one rolling and irregular 
mass. They struggled through a deep ford as they best could, 
and without stopping to reform their ranks on the northern shore, 
pressed forward in great disorder, but in a fierce mood, to close 
with their concealed enemy. The stinging taunt of M'Gary had 
struck deep, and every thought save that of confronting death 
without fear, was for the moment banished from their minds. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 27 

M'Gary still led the van, closely followed by Boone, Harland and 
M' Bride. Suddenly a heavy fire burst upon them in front, and 
the van halted and endeavored to obtain cover and return the 
fire. The centre and rear hurried up to support their friends, 
and the bare and rocky ridge M^as soon crowded with the com - 
batants. The ravines flanked them on each side, from which 
came a devouring fire, which rapidly wasted their ranks. There 
was no cover for the Kentuckians, and nearly one half of their 
force was on horseback. The Indians had turned each flank, and 
appeared disposed to cut off their retreat. The rear fell back 
to prevent this, the centre and van followed the movement, and a 
total rout ensued. The pursuit was keen and bloody, and was 
pressed with unrelenting vigor. Todd, Trigg, Harland, M'Bride, 
Bulger, and Gordon, were killed on the field of battle. M'Gary, 
although more deeply involved in the ranks of the enemy than 
any other officer, was totally unhurt ; sixty officers and men were 
killed in the battle or pursuit, and seven prisoners were taken. 
The number of wounded was never ascertained. Some of the 
fugitives reached Bryant's station on the night after the battle, 
and were there met by Colonel Logan, at the head of four hun- 
dred and fifty men. Logan remained at Bryant's until the last of 
the survivors had arrived, and then continued his march to the 
battle ground. The bodies of the dead were collected and in- 
terred, and having satisfied himself that the Indians had crossed 
the Ohio and were beyond his reach, he returned to Bryant's sta- 
tion and disbanded his troops. 

It was an established custom in Kentucky at that time, never 
to suffer an Indian invasion to go unpunished, but to retaliate 
upon their villages and corn fields, the havoc, which their own 
settlements had experienced. Colonel George Rogers Clark, 
stationed permanently at Louisville, declared that he would lead 
his regiment of State troops against the Indian villages in Ohio, 
and invited the militia of Kentucky to accompany him. The 
call was promptly answered. One thousand riflemen rendez- 
voused at the mouth of Licking, and under the command of 
Clark, penetrated into the heart of the Indian country. No re- 
sistance was offered. Their towns were reduced to ashes, their 
corn cut up, and the whole country laid waste with unsparing 
severity. Having completely destroyed every thing within their 
reach, the detachment returned^to Kentucky. 



28 OUTLINE HISTORY 



CHAPTER II. 

The certainty that actual hostilities between Great Britain and 
America had ceased, and that a treaty of peace would be for- 
mally ratified in the spring, led to an universal expectation that 
Indian hostilities would cease, and in expectation of that event, 
there was a vast accession of emigrants in the fall of 1782. 
Peace followed in 1783, as was expected, and Indian hostilities 
for a time were suspended; but an unhappy failure on both sides 
fully and fairly to execute the treaty, finally resulted in the re- 
newal of the Indian war wit^i treble violence. 

By the terms of the treaty, England was bound to carry away 
no slaves, and to surrender the north-western posts in her posses- 
sion within the boundaries of the United States. On the other 
hand. Congress had stipulated, that no legal impediments should 
be opposed to the collection by British merchants, of the debts 
due them from citizens of the United States. None of these 
stipulations were faithfully executed, as they were understood by 
the parties severally interested. Slaves taken during the war 
were removed by the British fleet. Virginia became indignant 
and passed a law which prohibited the collection of British debts, 
and England refused to deliver up the western posts, until the 
obnoxious laws were repealed. Congress, in helpless imbecility, 
was unable to control the sovereign States, and the posts were 
withheld until Jay's treaty, more than ten years after peace had 
been ratified. 

The Indians at first, however, assumed a pacific attitude, and 
the year 1783 passed away without hostilities. In the meantime, 
tlie settlements advanced with great rapidity. Simon Kenton, 
after an interval of nine years, reclaimed his settlement at Wash- 
ington, and in 1784 erected a block house where Maysville 
now stands, so that the Ohio river became the northern frontier 
of Kentucky. The general course of emigration henceforth was 
down the Ohio to Maysville, and thence by land to the interior. 

In the spring of 1783, Kentucky was erected into a district, 
and a court of criminal as well as civil jurisdiction, coextensive 
with the district, was erected. The court held its first session in 
Harrodsburg, in the spring of 1783, and was opened by John 
Floyd and Samuel M'Dowell, as judges, John May being clerk, 
and "Walker Daniel prosecuting attorney. Seventeen culprits 
were presented by the grand jury; nine for keeping tippling 
houses, and eight for fornication. From these presentments, we 
may form some opinion of the vices most prevalent in Kentucky 
at that time. During the summer, a log court-house and jail, 
" of hewed or sawed logs nine inches thick," was erected on the 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 29 

spot where Danville now stands ; during this summer, a retail 
store of dry goods was opened at Louisville, and the tone of 
society became visibly more elevated. 

In 1784, General James Wilkinson emigrated to the country, 
and settled in Lexington. This gentleman occupied a distin- 
guished position in the early civil conflicts of Kentucky, and 
became the leader of a political party; he had distinguished 
himself in the war of independence, and was aid-de-camp to 
Gates at Saratoga. For distinguished ser^dces in that campaign, 
and upon the particular recommendation of Gates, he had been 
promoted by Congress to the rank of brigadier-general. Friends 
and enemies have agreed in ascribing to him the qualities of 
courage, energy, address, and eloquence; of a somewhat mere- 
tricious and inflated character. A graceful person, amiable 
manners, liberal hospitality, with a ready and popular elocution, 
w^hen added to his military fame, ensured him popularity with 
the mass of the people. He came to Kentucky with the avowed 
object of improving his circumstances, which were somewhat 
embarrassed ; he was understood to be connected with an eastern 
mercantile company, and not to be averse to any speculation 
which might improve his fortune. He soon became deeply 
involved in the fiercest political controversies of the day, and has 
left his countrymen divided in opinion as to whether he acted 
from patriotic and honorable motives, or was a selfish and 
abandoned adventurer, ready to aid any project which promised 
to advance his interests. 

In the summer of 1784, some depredations were committed by 
the Indians upon the southern frontier, and Colonel Benjamin 
Logan had received intelligence that a serious invasion was 
contemplated, and publicly summoned such citizens as could 
conveniently attend, to meet at Danville on a particular day, and 
consult as to what measures should be taken for the common 
defence. 

The alarm in the end proved unfounded ; but in the meantime 
a great number of the most distinguished citizens assembled at 
Danville, under a belief that Indian hostilities upon a large scale 
were about to be renewed, and would continue until the north- 
western posts were surrendered by the British. Upon an exami- 
nation of the laws then in existence, their most eminent lawyers 
decided that no expedition could lawfully and effectually be 
carried out against the Indian tribes ; the power of impressment 
had ceased with the war, and in a state of peace could not legally 
be exercised. Nor was there any power known to the law ca- 
pable of calling forth the resources of the country, however 
imminent the danger ; all of their legislation came from Rich- 
mond, distant many hundred miles, and separated from Kentucky 
by desert mountains and interminable forests traversed by roving 
bands of Indians. 

The necessity of a government independent of Virginia was 
deeply and almost unanimously felt. But how was this to 



30 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

be accomplished? It is interesting to trace the origin; progress, 
and consummation of independence in this infant community — 
the first established west of the mountains ; and when we reflect 
upon the bloodshed and violence which has usually attended such 
political changes in the old world, we are profoundly struck with 
the good sense, moderation, and patience, under powerful temp- 
tation, which marked the conduct of Kentucky. 

The fii'st step taken marks the simplicity and integi'ity of the 
movers. The assembly, having no legal authority, published a 
recommendation, that each militia company in the district should 
on a certain day elect one delegate, and that the delegates thus 
chosen should assemble in Danville, on the 27th Decembei', 1784. 
The recommendation was well received, the elections held, and 
the delegates assembled. Samuel M'Dowell was elected presi- 
dent, and Thomas Todd, clerk. A great number of spectators 
were in attendance, who maintained the most commendable 
order, and the convention, as they styled themselves, debated the 
question of separation from the parent State with all the gravity 
and decorum of a deliberative body. 

A division of opinion was manifest, but none, save legal and 
constitutional means, were even hinted at by the warmest advo- 
cate for separation ; order and law reigned without a rival. A very 
great majority were in favor of a petition to the legislature of Vir- 
ginia, and through them to Congress, for the passage of an act, in 
the manner provided by the constitution, by which Kentucky might 
become an independent member of the confederacy. A resolu- 
tion was passed, by a large majority, declaratory of the views 
of the convention. But as no clear determination, upon that 
subject, had been expressed by the people previous to their elec- 
tion, they did not consider themselves authorized to take any 
steps to carry their resolution into effect, further than to recom- 
mend that, in the spring election of delegates, from the several 
counties, to the Virginia legislature, the people should also elect 
twenty-five delegates to a convention, to meet at Danville, in 
May, 1785, and finally determine whether separation was expe- 
dient. They also apportioned the delegates among the several 
counties, with great fairness, according to the supposed popula- 
tion. The people peaceably conformed to the recommendation 
of their delegates, and elected the members as prescribed by the 
convention. 

In the meantime, the subject was gravely and earnestly dis- 
cussed in the primary assemblies, and, in some parts of the 
country, with passionate fervor. A great majority were in favor 
of constitutional separation — none other was then thought of. 
On the 23d of May, 1785, this second convention assembled and 
adopted five resolutions. They decided that constitutional sepa- 
ration from Virginia was expedient, — that a petition to the legis- 
lature be prepared, — that an address to the people of Kentucky 
be published, and that delegates to another convention be elected 
in July, and assemble at Danville in August following, to whom 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 31 

the petition, address, and proceedings of the present convention 
be referred for final action. 

The people, thus involved in a labjTinth of conventions, to 
which no end could be seen, nevertheless quietly conformed, 
elected a new batch of delegates in July, who assembled in Au- 
gust, being the third convention which had already assembled, 
while scarcely any progress had been made in carrying into effect 
the object of their meeting. In the meantime, Indian hostility 
became more frequent, and the exasperation of the people daily 
increased. The petition and address, with the other proceedings 
of the convention of May, were referred to the present, and under- 
went considerable change. The petition was drawn in language 
less simple, the address to the people of Kentucky was more 
exciting, impassioned, and exaggerated. No printing press, as 
yet, existed in the country, but copies of the address and petition 
were zealously multiplied by the pen, and widely dispersed among 
the people. The'chief-justice of the District Court, George Muter, 
and the attorney-general, Harry Innis, were deputed to present 
the petition to the legislature of Virginia. This was accordingly 
done, and in January, 1786, the legislature passed an act, with 
great unanimity, in conformity to the wishes of Kentucky, annex- 
ing, however, certain terms and conditions sufficiently just and 
fair, but which necessarily produced some delay. They required 
a fourth convention, to assemble at Danville in September, 1786, 
who should determine whether it were the will of the district to 
become an independent State of the confederacy, upon the con- 
ditions in the act enumerated, and well known under the denomi- 
nation of the Compact with Virginia. And if the convention 
should determine upon separation, they were required to fix upon 
a day posterior to the 1st of September, 1787, on which the au- 
thority of Virginia was to cease and determine forever ; provided, 
however, that previous to the 1st day of June, 1787, the Congress 
of the United States should assent to said act, and receive the 
new State into the Union. 

The great mass of the citizens of Kentucky received this act 
wdth calm satisfaction, and were disposed peaceably to conform 
to its provisions. But two circumstances, about this time, oc- 
curred, which tended to create unfavorable impressions, in Ken- 
tucky, towards the government of the Union. The one was the 
utter inability of Congress to protect them from the north-western 
tribes, by compelling a surrender of the posts, or otherwise. The 
other was a strong disposition, manifested by the delegates in 
Congi-ess from the seven north-eastern States, to yield, for twenty 
years, the right to navigate the Mississippi to the ocean. The 
one inspired contempt; the other awakened distrust, which might 
rapidly ripen to aversion. Hostilities had ceased with Great 
Britain, but hatred and resentment blazed as fiercely between the 
people of the two nations, as if the war was still raging. The 
retention of the posts kept alive Indian hostility against Ken- 
tucky, while the eastern States enjoyed profound peace. 



32 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

Congress had, after long delay, made treaties with the Indians, 
which were totally disregarded by the latter, as far as Kentucky 
was concerned, and the violation of which the former was totally 
unable to chastise. Repeated efforts were made by General 
Henry Lee, of Virginia, to obtain a continental force of seven 
hundred, or even three hundred men, to protect the western fron- 
tier; but the frantic jealousy of the central power cherished by 
the sovereign States, at a time when that central power grovelled 
in the most helpless imbecility, peremptorily forbade even this 
small force to be embodied, lest it might lead to the overthrow 
of State rights. In the meantime, Kentucky was smarting under 
the scourge of Indian warfare ; had no government at home, and 
their gcfvernment beyond the mountains, however sincerely dis- 
posed, was totally unable to protect them, from a radical and 
incurable vice in its constitution. 

To this cause of dissatisfaction came the astounding intelli- 
gence, in the succeeding year, that several States in Congress 
had voted to barter away the right to navigate the Mississippi, 
in consideration of commercial advantages to be yielded by Spain 
to the eastern States, in which Kentucky could have no direct 
interest. There was neither printing press nor post office in 
Kentucky, and the people were separated by an immense wil- 
derness from their eastern brethren. Intelligence came slowly, 
and at long intervals. In passing through so many hands, it was 
necessarily inaccurate, exaggerated and distorted, according to 
the passions or whims of its retailers. Never was harvest more 
ripe for the sickle of the intriguer ; and it soon became manifest, 
that schemes were in agitation which contemplated a severance 
of Kentucky from Virginia by other than constitutional means, 
and which vaguely, and cautiously, seemed to sound the way for 
a total severance of Kentucky from the Union. 

In the elections which took place in the spring of 1786, for the 
fourth convention, directed by the legislature of Virginia, General 
James Wilkinson became a candidate to represent the county of 
Fayette. With all the address, activity, and eloquence of which 
he was master, he strove to ripen the public mind for an imme- 
diate declaration of independence, without going through the slow 
formalities of law, which the exigencies of the country, in his 
opinion, would not permit them to await. He was the first pub- 
lic man who gave utterance to this bold sentiment ; and great 
sensation was produced in the county of Fayette, by its promul- 
gation. A violent opposition to his views quickly became man- 
ifest, and displayed such strength and fervor, as drew from him 
an explanation and modification, which lulled the force of present 
opposition, but left an indelible jealousy in the breasts of many, 
of the general's ulterior intentions. He was elected to the con- 
vention. There was but little excitement in the other counties, 
who chose the prescribed number of delegates, with the inten- 
tion of patiently awaiting the formalities of law. 

In the meantime, Indian depredations became so harassing, that 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 33 

the people determined upon a grand expedition against the In- 
dian towns, notwithstanding the treaties of Congress, and absence 
of legal power. A thousand volunteers under General Clark 
rendezvoused at Louisville, with the determination thoroughly to 
chastise the tribes upon the Wabash. Provisions and ammunition 
were furnished by individual contribution, and were placed on 
board of nine keel boats, which were ordered to proceed to Vin- 
cennes by water, while the volunteers should march to the same 
point by land. 

The flotilla, laden with provisions and munitions of war, en- 
countered obstacles in the navigation of the Wabash, which had 
not been foreseen, and was delayed beyond the time which had 
been calculated. The detachment moving by land reached the 
point of rendezvous first, and awaited for fifteen days the arrival 
of the keel boats. This long interval of inaction gave time for 
the unhealthy humors of the volunteers to ferment, and proved 
fatal to the success of the expedition. The habits of General 
Clark had also become intemperate, and he no longer possessed 
the undivided confidence of his men. A detachment of three 
hundred volunteers broke off from the main body, and took up 
the line of march for their homes. Clark remonstrated, en- 
treated, even shed tears of grief and mortification, but all in vain. 
The result was a total disorganization of the force, and a return 
to Kentucky, to the bitter mortification of the commander-in- 
chief, whose brilliant reputation for the time suffered a total 
eclipse. 

This expedition led to other ill consequences. The convention 
which should have assembled in September, was unable to mus- 
ter a quorum, the majority of its members having marched under 
Clark upon the ill-fated expedition. A number of the delegates 
assembled at Danville at the appointed time, and adjourned 
from day to day until January, when a quorum at length was 
present, and an organization effected. In the meantime, how- 
ever, the minority of the convention who had adjourned from 
day to day, had prepared a memorial to the legislature of Vir- 
ginia, informing them of the circumstances which had prevented 
the meeting of the convention, and suggesting an alteration of 
some of the clauses of the act, which gave dissatisfaction to their 
constituents, and recommending an extension of the time within 
which the consent of Congress was required. This produced a 
total revision of the act by the Virginia legislature, whereby an- 
other convention was required to be elected in August of 1787, 
to meet at Danville, in September of the same year, and again 
take into consideration the great question, already decided by 
four successive conventions, and requiring a majority of two- 
thirds to decide in favor of separation, before the same should be 
effected. The time when the laws of Virginia were to cease, 
was fixed on the 1st day of January, 1789, instead of September, 
1787, as was ordered in the first act; and the 4th of July, 1788, 
was fixed upon as the period, before w^hich Congress should 
3 



34 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

express its consent to the admission of Kentucky into the 
Union. 

This new act became known in Kentucky shortly after the 
fourth convention, after a delay of three months, had at length 
rallied a quorum, and had with gi^eat unanimity decided upon se- 
paration. They then found themselves deprived- of all authority, 
their recent act nullified, their whole work to begin anew, and 
the time of separation adjourned for two years, and clogged with 
new conditions. An ebullition of impatience and anger was the 
unavoidable result. They seemed, by some fatality, to be invol- 
ved in a series of conventions, interminable as a Cretan labyrinth, 
tantalizing them with the prospect of fruit, which invariably 
turned to ashes, when attempted to be grasped. 

While such was the temper of the public mind, the navigation 
of the Mississippi was thrown into the scale. Shortly after the 
convention adjourned, a number of gentlemen in Pittsburgh, 
styling themselves a " committee of correspondence," made a 
written communication to the people of Kentucky, informing 
them, " that John Jay, the American secretary for foreign affairs, 
had made a proposition to Don Gardoqui, the Spanish minister, 
near the United States, to cede the navigation of the Mississippi 
to Spain for twenty years, in consideration of commercial advan- 
tages to be enjoyed by the eastern States alone." 

On the 29th of March, a circular letter was addressed to the 
people of Kentucky, signed by George Muter, Harry Innis, John 
Brown, and Benjamiii Sebastian, recommending the election of 
five delegates from each county to meet at Danville in May, and 
take into consideration the late action of Congress upon the sub- 
ject of the Mississippi. The letter contemplated the formation 
of committees of correspondence throughout the west, and a 
" decent, but spirited," remonstrance to Congress against the 
cession, which they evidently supposed in great danger of being 
consummated. There is nothing objectionable in either the 
language or object of this circular, and, considering the impression 
then prevailing in the west as to the intentions of Congress, it 
may be regarded as temperate and manly in its character. The 
most ignorant hunter in the west could not be blind to the vital 
importance of the interest which, (as they supposed,) was about 
to be bartered away for advantages to be reaped by their eastern 
brethren alone; and although the ferment was violent for a time, 
yet regular and constitutional remedies were only proposed by 
the circular or adopted by the citizens. 

The delegates were elected as proposed, but before they assem- 
bled the true state of affairs in Congress was more accurately 
understood, and the convention, after a brief session, and after 
rejecting various propositions, which looked towards increasing 
and prolonging the excitement of the people upon this agitating 
subject, quietly adjourned, without taking any action whatever 
upon the subject. 

This negotiation belongs properly to the history of the United 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 35 

States; but it is impossible to understand the early political 
history of Kentucky, without briefly adverting to some of its most 
prominent features. No sooner did it become evident that the 
war, however protracted, must finally end in the establishment 
of American independence, than the friendly courts of France 
and Spain began to exhibit the most restless jealousy as to the 
western limits of the infant republic. Spain was then an im- 
mense land-holder upon the northern part of the continent, 
claiming all east of the Mississippi, lying south of the 31st degree 
of north latitude, and all west of the Mississippi to the Pacific. 
France had large islands in the West Indies. The object of both 
was to make the Alleghany the western limit, if possible ; if not, 
at least to bound them by the Ohio, leaving Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, and Mississippi, to indemnify his Catholic majesty for the 
expenses of the war. 

These views were early disclosed by the two allied powers, 
and urged with all the skill and power of a long practiced and 
tortuous diplomacy. On the contrary, they were steadily and 
manfully opposed by Jay and the elder Adams, the American 
ministers abroad, who succeeded in securing to their country the 
boundary of the Mississippi, as far south as latitude 31, the full 
extent of the ancient English claim. Bafiied upon the subject of 
boundary, Spain still clung to the navigation of the Mississippi, 
and anxiously strove to retain the exclusive right to its naviga- 
tion, and to obtain from the United States a cession of all right 
thereto. This was firmly resisted by Jay during the war, when 
his instructions gave him a large discretion, and when pecuniary 
aid was lavishly proffered by Spain if this right was ceded, and 
no less pertinaciously adhered to by him after the war. 

In 1786, Don Gardoqui, the Spanish ambassador, opened a nego- 
tiation with Jay, the secretary for foreign affairs, at New York. 
Jay's instructions from Congress forbade him to make any con- 
cessions upon the subject of the Mississippi, and under these 
instructions the negotiation began. Jay reported to Congress 
that his opinion of the question remained unaltered, but that by 
relinquishing the right for twenty years they could obtain great 
and important advantages, more than equivalent to the disad- 
vantages of the said cession, which, in his opinion, (so little did 
he anticipate the rapid growth of the west,) would be of little 
importance for twenty years. 

The seven north-eastern States voted to rescind the instructions 
above alluded to, restricting him upon the subject of the Missis- 
sippi. This was violently opposed by Virginia, and the other 
States, and as the votes of nine States were necessary to the 
success of the resolution, and it was obviously impossible to 
obtain so many votes for the measure, the subject Avas entirely 
relinquished. Virginia, in the meantime, by an unanimous vote 
of her legislature, had instructed her delegates in Congress never 
to accede to any such proposition ; and she was warmly sup- 
ported by the other non-concurring States. As soon as these 



36 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

facts were thoroughly understood by the convention, they quietly 
adjourned, without action of any kind. There was left upon the 
public mind, however, a restless jealousy of the intentions of the 
north-eastern States, which could, at any time, be fanned into a 
flame, and of which political aspirants eagerly availed themselves, 
whenever it suited their purposes. The name of Jay became 
peculiarly odious in Kentucky, which odium was not diminished 
by his celebrated treaty, concluded many years afterwards. 

Tn the meantime, the delegates to the fifth convention, in con- 
formity to the last act of Virginia, were quietly elected, and a 
newspaper, entitled the " Kentucky Gazette," printed by John 
Bradford, of Lexington, having been established, the pent up 
passions of the various political partisans found vent in its pages. 
During this summer, General Wilkinson descended the Missis- 
sippi with a cargo of tobacco, for New Orleans, avowedly upon 
a mercantile adventure alone. ,But those who had been startled 
by the boldness of the general's project, of separation from Vir- 
ginia, coupling this trip with the recent agitation of the question 
of the navigation of the Mississippi, and the unsettled state of 
the public mind in relation to the Spanish pretensions, did not 
scruple to charge him \vith ulterior projects, other than commer- 
cial in their tendency. The delegates, in the meantime, assem- 
bled in Danville, and again repeated the uniform decision of their 
predecessors, by an unanimous vote. 

A copy of their proceedings Avas sent to the executive of Vir- 
ginia, and the editor of the Gazette was requested to publish 
them, for the information of the people. An address to Congress 
was adopted, perfectly respectful in its character, praying that 
honorable body to receive them into the Union. The represen- 
tatives from Kentucky to the Virginia legislature, were also 
requested to exert their influence to have a delegate to Congress, 
elected from the district of Kentucky, who should sit with the 
delegation from Virginia. They decided that the power of Vir- 
ginia should cease on the 31st of December, 1788, and made 
provision for the election of still another convention — it was 
hoped the last — to assemble, in the ensuing year, at Danville, in 
order to form a constitution. The legislature of Virginia cor-, 
dially assented to the suggestion of the convention, in relation 
to the appointment of a delegate from Kentucky, to Congress, 
and Mr. John Brown, a representative from Kentucky to the 
Virginia legislature, was elected, by that legislature, a delegate 
to Congress, taking his seat with the other representatives from 
Virginia. This gentleman was one of the most eminent lawyers 
of Kentucky, possessed of talents, influence, and popularity. He 
was charged with the delivery of the petition of the convention 
to Congress, and lost no time in presenting himself before that 
body. 

The great convention, which gave birth to the American con- 
stitution, had concluded their labors, in Philadelphia, in September, 
1787, and the public mind was so much excited upon the subject 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 37 

of the new constitution, that the old Congress could scarcely be 
kept alive until the new government should be organized. A 
quorum of the members could not be rallied, during the winter, 
and although the act of the Virginia legislature required their 
assent before the 4th of July, 1788, it was not until the 3d of 
July that the question of the admission of Kentucky was taken 
up. The federal constitution had then been adopted by ten 
States, and it was certain that the new government would quickly 
go into operation. The old Congress declined to act upon the 
petition of Kentucky, and referred the question to the new go- 
vernment, whenever the same should be organized. 

Thus was Kentucky again baffled in her most ardent wish, and 
flung back to the point from which she had started, more than 
four years before. Her long array of conventions had in ,vain 
decided, again and again, that it was expedient to separate from 
Virginia, and become ar; independent member of the confederacy. 
Mr. Brown communicated the intelligence to his constituents ; 
and his own views upon the subject are clearly contained in two 
letters, the one to Samuel M'Dowell, who had acted as president 
of nearly all the Kentucky conventions, the other to George 
Muter. In these letters he attributes the refusal of Congress, to 
act upon the petition of Kentucky, to the jealousy of the New 
England States, of any accession to the southern strength, in 
Congress, and he inclines to the opinion that the same causes 
will have equal weight with the new government. He gives the 
result of various private interviews between himself and Don 
Gardoqui, the Spanish minister — speaks of the promises of that 
minister, of peculiar commercial advantages to Kentucky, con- 
nected with the navigation of the Mississippi, if she will erect lier- 
self into an independent government ; but these advantages, he says, can 
never be yielded to her by Spain, so long as she renmms a member of 
the Union ! He communicates this information in confidence, and 
with the permission of Don Gardoqui, to a few friends, not doubt- 
ing that they will make a prudent use of it. He gives his own 
opinion decidedly in favor of immediate independence, without 
waiting for the result of another application to Congress, under 
the new government. 

It is worthy of observation, that in July 1787, Harry Innis, 
attorney -general of Kentucky, wrote to the executive of Virginia, 
giving it as his opinion that Kentucky would form an independent 
government in two or three years, as Congi^ess did not seem dis- 
posed to protect them, and under the present sy stein she could not exert 
her strength. He adds, " I have just dropped this hint to your ex- 
cellency for matter of reflection !" Coupling these passages with 
the early and bold declaration of Wilkinson upon the same sub- 
ject, we cannot for a moment doubt, that the project of unconsti- 
tutional separation from Virginia and the union was seriously 
entertained by some of the statesmen of Kentucky, including 
Wilkinson, Brown, and Innis, as the prominent and leading char- 
acters. Whether this project was horrid and damnable, as char- 



acUr'i/.cil \>y Mfirnliall, or inriocnl and pat,ru>t.k;, hh CHifoiuod },y 
Mr. |{utlf;r, may l><; h^f't, to riic*; oaHuiMlH in j<f»lif,ical rnr^rality to 
di-cUlc. I'lit that thf; Kchf.ffic wan HnriouHly <;nt<;rtainf,rl <;arinot 
fairly h**- dcnjf-fl, and truth and fidelity r<;fj(iir«; tliat tfif, hintrnian 
should not att<;rript U) con^Mial it. 

HrfVire- thr; rf.Hiilt of thf; a{»plication to (Unti^-i-.HH could ]><■. known 
in Kentucky, the, puhlic rnind wha powerfully directed to the irn- 
p(Htanc«; of the, n,'),vij.^ation fii' the MiHHiHMi[)iji f^y the return of 
(/e.n»:r-'i.l VVilkinMon from \e,w rjrle,anH, anrl tfif; inte.ilif^e.nce that 
|je, h;id ofjtJiined for hirn.'i'df tfie ^invWr.^c, of T'.}i't]>])'n\i^ tofjjicco to 
]\ew Orle.an><, and de,por'.itin^ it in the kinj^'n ntore,:',, at the price 
often dollarii pe,r tiundre,d weitrht. Iff; imfne.rliately offere<l to 
purcfiaHe, tohacco to any amount, anrl dilate,d eJofjue,ntly upon 
the advantajre-i^ that wo(jld re,Hult to Kentucky, even from the 
partial trade which f»e, had Muccr;e,f|f;d in ope.nin^^, hut exj)lained 
that a eomme,rcifi.l treaty mij^ht be formed with Sj)ain, wJiich 
would throw o[»e,n tlieir port,H to the, whole, w«-,s-.tf;rn *:ountry, if 
the we-Ht were ere(;te.d into an indej»end(;rit j^overnrnr-.nt, e,a[)ahle 
of tre,ating witfj a. forei^^n power, fn the rrie,;ifjtime fndian hoH- 
tiJity never xlurnhered, hut niur<U,rH upon the frontier were, inccH- 
Mant. 'J'he- old confe(Jr;ratir»n waw ahout t,« f;xpire, dcMpiMed 
ahrf^ad anrl Kc,arc(-,ly re.Mpe.cte.d a,t fi(>me,, and early in tlie H[»ring 
Kentucky wan calh-d uj>on to e,|ect delejj;ate,H to the Vir^/inia con- 
vention, which wa^ calh.d to adopt or r'j«ct the. ferhtral conntitu- 
ti<in. Nearly every |e,ji.din;( m.'iri in Kentue,ky, and a,n immenne 
majority of the people,, we,re warmly anti-fe.deral ; yet three, of 
the< J<ientucky delegation, one i'rom i'ayette and two from Jeffer- 
non, vote.fl in favor of it« arh)ption. 'J'he member from Fayett.« 
wan no <jther than tlir-, vr;tr;rfi.n hintorifin of Kentue.ky, Ilum(»hrey 
JVlarHliJill, who certainly v<>ted aj^ain.-^.t thr; ojjinion of a m;j.jority 
of luH crxiHtituentM. 

(in th«; 2Sth of Jiily the Hixth e.fjnvMtion annembled at Dan- 
ville,, lint t<.r.iiv<-j:ly fiad they (^r^^Jirii/ed and cornrne.nc<;d buHineuM 
wh«;n the irjt<;llige,nce waw cr»mfnunif;atef| to thcfn, that (Jongrenn 
Ufu\ declined to act upon th<r petition of Kentiicky, and ha<j re- 
ferre.fl th'-. whole subject to the nr;w ^(overnment. Ani(er and 
(liHa,p|»oint,mr,fit we.re Ktrf)n^ly e-xprcHHed in all fjuartern. 'J'fie 
pa,rty which with invinciblr; firmne.i<H fiad uniformly adh«re.d to 
"law and order," now received a rude, nhock. 'I'he. party which 
VHj<uely anrl caufiounly a.dvocated imrnr^<liate inrlr^penden'te, con- 
trary to law, beca.me more, b(d<l and open in nr^'ini^ their prr)ject. 
Tlie trade, to iVew (Jrle,an«, recently opened by WilkiuHon, wan 
infule to loom larj<ely before the, publie, i-yc, and unfolded vinionM 
of futurr: wealth whi<;h daz/Ird tlie. iina^ination. 'I'he old con- 
federjition wa.K contemptible, from it.M helph^wH irnber.ility, Jind the 
new Koveriiriirrit, yet, in embryo, wart odioun jind un|)Opijbi.r. A 
proposition lit form a con>4titution without further dchiy wfin 
waiifily a.dvo<-,{i,t»(|^ },,nr| it waH jiroponed in r;onventif)n that the 
qurrMtion nhould be Hubfnitted to eacfj militia company in the 
dintri'^t, and that tli«; captain of naid company sihould rf;])ort the 



OirrLINE HISTOUY. 89 

result of tho voto. This j>ropOvsitii>ti n\vaktMi(\l tlnMUost p;\ssii>ii- 
uto opj)nsition, uml was votrtl down by n lars;o mj\jonty. Yet 
tlio aiuhi«;uous oharaotor of the resolutions tinally ndopteil, dis- 
plays the balanced condition of parties in the convtMition, and 
that ucitiuM* could fully carry out their d«>sii>ns. 'riu\v linally 
rest>lvcd that a sev(Mith con\(M»tiou be electt^l in (\Mobei", and as- 
seiid)le in \oveuiber, witJi general power to takt* tlu^ lu^st st<>pa 
for stH'uring »/(///</.\v.7(i« ////<> the union, and also th<- nttrii^tifion <>/' tfic 
JUi^''^'i''yi/>/>i ; that they have pow<M* to tiuin a constitutit>n, aj»il do 
gentM'ally what<>ver may seem necessary to the best intert^ts of 
\\ui district. We clearly recogni/e tin* linger of each party in 
the above residution, and may inf(>r that (\u'h t\dt tluMr inability 
to carry out decisive measiu'i^s. 

As tht> timt* for the (dection oC \\\c st>v«Mith convtMilion ap- 
proaclu'd,a publication appeannl in the (.ia'/.elt«\sigu«^d by iJt'orgo 
i\luler, the chit^f Justice of the tlistrict comM, which, in a concise 
and clear manniM- points out the particular chmses in the laws of 
A'irginia and the articles of oonleilerution, which would be vio- 
latt>il by tlu> foruuition of an ind«>p«Mident governnuMit, in the 
ujanner propost>d by the party of wliiidi Wilkinson was the h>a- 
der. 'IMiis p\d)licalion was uni\«Msally altribuled to (^olonel 
Thonuis Marshall, oi' l''avetl(\ llit> lather oC the late chi«*f justice 
INIarsliall. 'I'his g(>nllcmau hail tMuigratcd with his family to 
K»MitiU'ky in HS;"), had been appoint(>d sm-veyor of l'\'i\t'tto 
county, and luvd taken an active part in th«> early strugglt* of 
parties in Kentucky. His opposition to the project of indepen- 
deiu't\ contrary to law, was eaily, tl«>cided, and uiu'ompntmisinij, 
and two tickets were now formed in tin* county o\' iMiytMte, for 
tlu< approaching ciMiv<Mition. (\>lon(d Marshall was ;it \\\r head 
of' on«', and lltMUM'al \Vilkinsi)n oi' \\\o otlua*. The old l''Mj;lish 
j)arty nauu's t»f" I'ourt," and " Country," w«re givi-n [o tluMu by 
the wits of the day, and the canvass was conducted with a /.vnl 
and fervor proportioniMl t*) the niagnitud«> o{' \\\o tpiestions in- 
volv<*d in the issue. The eh^ction lasted l\>r live da\s, anil it 
soon biH'ame «>videnl, that tlu^ licki^t heailed by Marsh.ill was 
rumiiug ahe;id. Ihuing tlu' tdection, Wilkinson so far modilied 
bis tone, as t«> declare that his action in the convention should be 
regulated by the instructions ol' his C(»nstituents ; and by tli«* 
strength of his piM'sonal pt>pularily, ho was eh>cted, I<\»yett(» wan 
entitled to live r«»pres<'nlalives, of wlnun l«>m" wer(» elected from 
the tick(»t heatled by Marshall, and Wilkinson aloiu" was elecl<'d, 
of the <»pp«Ksite party. 

In i\o\tMul>er the <ltdegales assembled at hMUville. .Mini pro- 
i'eeded to business. Tlu' resolution ol' ('ougress, traiisuiittetl by 
Mr. Hrow II, was lirst r«d"eireil to the couuuittee of the w hole, w ith- 
out «)pposition. \ motion was then nwuh^ l»» refer tin' resolution 
of the last convention, upon the subject of the Mississippi tutvl- 
gatioa, to the conunitlei* also, in onler tluit tlu' whob* sidjjeet 
might be bef«»re them. The reslh^ss Jealousy of the " I.'iw and 
order pari}" took alaruj at this proposition, ami a keen and ani- 



40 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

mated debate arose upon the question of reference. "Wilkinson, 
Brown, Innis, and Sebastian, were in favor of the reference, while 
it was warmly opposed by Marshall, Muter, Crockett, Allen, and 
Christian. The reference was carried by a large majority. 
Regarding this as an unfavorable indication of the temper of the 
convention, Colonel Crockett left his seat on Saturday, and on 
Monday returned, with a remonstrance, signed by nearly five 
hundred citizens, against violent or illegal separation from their 
eastern brethren. This bold step undoubtedly made a deep im- 
pression upon the convention, and gives a lively indication of the 
strong passions awakened by the discussion. 

In the debate upon the question of reference, Wilkinson and 
Brown had glanced at the project of illegal separation, in a man- 
ner which showed that they were doubtful of the temper of the 
convention. General Wilkinson, after dwelling upon the vital 
importance of the navigation to Kentucky, and the improbability 
that Spain would ever grant it to Congress, concluded, with em- 
phasis, " that there teas one ivay, and only one, of obtaining this rich 
prize for Kentucky, and that way was so gvxirdcd hy laws, andfortijied 
by constitutions, that it was difficult and dangerous of access.'''' He 
added, " that Spain might concede to Kentucky alone, what she 
would not concede to the United States," and " that there was 
information within the power of the convention, upon this sub- 
ject, of the fii'st importance, which, he had no doubt, a gentleman 
in the convention would communicate." He sat down, and 
looked at Mr. Brown ; the eyes of all the members traveled in 
the same direction, expressive of very different emotions. Mr. 
Brown arose, and remarked, " that he did not consider himself at 
liberty to disclose the private conferences held with Don Gardo- 
qui, but this much he would say, in general, that provided they 
were unanimous, everything that they could ivish for loas within their 
reojchP He then resumed his seat. General Wilkinson again 
arose, and read a long manuscript essay upon the navigation of 
the Mississippi, giving the sheets to Sebastian, as they were 
read. This essay was addressed to the Spanish intendant. A 
motion was made to give the thanks of the convention to the 
general, for the essay, which was unanimously concurred in. 

A resolution, offered by Edwards, and seconded by Marshall, 
might be regarded as a test of the temper of the convention. It 
was " to appoint a committee to draw up a decent and respect- 
ful address, to the legislature of Virginia, for obtaining the 
independence of Kentucky, agreeably to the late resolution and 
recommendation of Congress." No opposition was made, and 
the committee was appointed, of whom Wilkinson was one, and 
the only one of his party, on the committee. In due time the 
committee reported, an amendment was moved, which resulted 
in the postponement of the whole matter to a future day. In the 
interval. General Wilkinson brought forward a preamble and 
resolution, which, after lamenting the divisions and distractions 
which appeared in the convention, and urging the necessity of 



OUTLINE HISTORY. M 

unanimity, proposed the appointment of a committee to draw up 
an appeal to the people, for instructions as to their future action, 
upon the great subjects before them. The committee was ap- 
pointed, of which he was chairman. He quickly reported an 
address to the people, which was referred to the committee of the 
whole. 

Before this was acted upon, the address to the Virginia legis- 
lature, which had been postponed, came up. The address was 
temperate, respectful, and clearly repelled the idea of any but 
constitutional measures. It prayed the good offices of the parent 
State, in procuring their admission into the Union, and if adopted, 
was decisive of the temper of the convention. It was finally 
adopted. Wilkinson's address to the people was never after- 
wards called up. The adoption of the address to Virginia gave 
it a quiet deathblow^, from which it did not attempt to recover. 
An address to Congress was also voted, and was drawn up by 
Williinson. The convention then adjourned, to meet again at a 
distant day. 

In the meantime the legislature of Virginia assembled, and, 
having received information of the refusal of Congress to act 
upon the application of Kentucky for admission, they passed a 
third act, requiring the election, in Kentucky, of a seventh con- 
vention, to assemble at Danville, in July 1789, and go over the 
whole ground anew. They gave this convention ample powers 
to provide for the formation of a State government. Two new 
conditions were inserted in this act, which gave serious dissatis- 
faction to Kentucky; but, upon complaint being made, they were 
readily repealed, and need not be further noticed. In other re- 
spects, the act was identical with its predecessors. An English 
agent, from Canada, during this winter, visited Kentucky, and 
called upon Colonel Marshall, and afterwards upon Wilkinson. 
His object seems to have been to sound the temper of Kentucky, 
and ascertain how far she would be willing to unite with Canada, 
in any contingency which might arise. The people, believing 
him to be a British spy, as he undoubtedly was,, gave certain 
indications, which caused him to leave the country, with equal 
secrecy and dispatch. 

In the meantime the people quietly elected delegates to the 
seventh convention, as prescribed in the third act of separation, 
which, in July, 1789, assembled in Danville. Their first act was 
to draw up a respectful memorial to the legislature of Virginia, 
remonstrating against the new conditions of separation, which, 
as we have said, was promptly attended to by Virginia, and the 
obnoxious conditions repealed by a new act, which required 
another convention to assemble in 1790. In the meantime the 
new general government had gone into operation ; General Wash- 
ington was elected president, and the convention was informed, 
by the executive of Virginia, that the general government would 
lose no time in organizing such a regular force as would effec- 
tually protect Kentucky from Indian incursions. This had 



42 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

become a matter of pressing necessity, for Indian murders had 
become so frequent, that no part of the country was safe. 

The eighth convention assembled in July, 1790, and formally 
accepted the Virginia act of separation, which thus became a 
compact, between Kentucky and Virginia. A memorial to the 
President of the United States and to Congress, was adopted, 
and an address to Virginia, again praying the good offices of the 
parent State in procuring their admission into the Union. Pro- 
vision was then made for the election of a ninth convention, to 
assemble in April, 1791, and form a State constitution. The 
convention then adjourned. In December, 1790, President Wash- 
ington strongly recommended to Congress to admit Kentucky into 
tlie Union. On the 4th of February, 1791, an act for that pur- 
pose had passed both Houses, and received the signature of the 
President. 

We have thus detailed as minutely as our limits would permit, 
the long, vexatious, and often baffled efforts, of the infant com- 
munity of the West, to organize a regular government, and 
obtain admission into the Union. And it is impossible not to be 
struck with the love of order, the respect for law, and the pas- 
sionate attachment to their kindred race, beyond the mountains, 
which characterized this brave and simple race of hunters and 
farmers. The neglect of the old confederation, arose, no doubt, 
from its inherent imbecility, but never was parental care more 
coldly and sparingly administered. Separated by five hundred 
miles of wilderness, exposed to the intrigues of foreign govern- 
ments, powerfully tempted by their own leading statesmen, repul- 
sed in every efibrt to obtain constitutional independence, they 
yet clung with invincible affection to their government, and 
turned a deaf ear to the syren voice, which tempted them with 
the richest gifts of fortune, to stray away from the fold in which 
they had been nurtured. The spectacle was touching and beau- 
tiful, as it was novel in the history of the world. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 43 



CHAPTER III 



No sooner was the new federal government organized than 
its attention was anxiously turned to the exposed condition of 
the western frontier. A useless effort to obtain peace for Ken- 
tucky, was quickly followed by a military force such as the west 
had never seen under the federal government, but which was 
still utterly inadequate to the wants of the country. 

General Harmar, at the head of three hundred and fifty regu- 
lars, was authorized to call around his standard fifteen hundred 
militia from Pennsylvania and Virginia. A considerable part of 
this force rendezvoused at Cincinnati, in September, 1790, and 
marched in hostile array upon the Miami towns. The result was 
most disastrous. Two large detachments, composed both of 
regulars and militia, were successively surprised, and routed with 
dreadful slaughter. The regulars were absolutely destroyed, and 
the militia sustained enormous loss. Harmar returned with loss 
of reputation, and the events of the campaign were such as to 
impress Kentucky with the belief that regulars were totally unfit 
for Indian warfare. They zealously endeavored to impress this 
truth upon the mind of the President, and were not a little discon- 
tented that he adhered to his own opinion in opposition to theirs. 

To satisfy them as much as possible, however, a local board of 
war was appointed in Kentucky, composed of General Scott, 
Shelby, Innis, Logan, and Brown, who were authorized to call 
out the militia, into the service of the United States, whenever 
they thought proper, to act in conjunction with regular troops. 
Under the direction of this board, an expedition of eight hundred 
mounted men under General Scott, under whom Wilkinson served 
as second in command, was got up against the north-western 
tribes. Some skirmishing ensued, some prisoners were taken, 
and about fifty Indians killed. No loss of any amount was sus- 
tained by the detachment, but no decisive or permanent impres- 
sion was made upon the Indians. 

Warned, by the disastrous campaign of Harmar, of the neces- 
sity of employing a greater force, the general government em- 
ployed two thousand regular troops, composed of cavalry, in- 
fantry, and artillery, in the ensuing campaign. The command 
was given to General St. Clair, the governor of the north-western 
territory. This gentleman was old and infirm, and had been 
very unfortunate in his military career, during the Revolutionary 
war. He was particularly unpopular in Kentucky, and no volun- 
teers could be found to serve under him. One thousand Ken- 
tuckians were drafted, however, and reluctantly compelled to 
serve under a gouty old disciplinarian, whom they disliked, and 
in conjunction with a regular force, which they regarded as 
doomed to destruction in Indian warfare. The consequence was 



44 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

that desertions of the militia occurred daily, and when the battle 
day came there were only about two hundred and fifty in camp. 

The army left Cincinnati about the 1st of October, and en- 
camped upon one of the tributaries of the Wabash on the even- 
ing of the 3d of November. Encumbered by wagons and ar- 
tillery, their march through the wilderness had been slow and 
painful. His Kentucky force had dwindled at every step, and 
about the 1st of November a whole regiment deserted. The 
general detached a regiment of regulars after them, to protect 
the stores in the rear, and, with the residue of his force, scarcely 
exceeding one thousand men, continued his march to the encamp- 
ment upon the tributary of the Wabash. Here he was assailed, 
at daylight, by about twelve hundred Indians, who surrounded 
his encampment, and, lurking under such cover as the woods af- 
forded, poured a fire upon his men, more destructive than the 
annals of Indian warfare had yet witnessed. His troops w^ere 
raw, but his ofiicers were veterans, and strove for three hours, 
with a bravery which deserved a better fate, to maintain the 
honor of their arms. Gallant and repeated charges were made 
with the bayonet, and always with temporary success. But 
their nimble adversaries, although retreating from the bayonet, 
still maintained a slaughtering fire upon the regulars, which 
swept away officers and men by scores in every charge. A re- 
treat was at length ordered, which quickly became a rout, and 
a more complete overthrow was never witnessed. The remnant 
of the troops regained fort Jefferson, twenty-nine miles from the 
battle ground, on the night after the battle, and thence retreated 
to Cincinnati, in somewhat better order. 

This dreadful disaster produced great sensation throughout the 
United States, and especially in Kentucky. A corps of mounted 
volunteers assembled with great alacrity, for the purpose of re- 
lieving St. Clair, who was at first supposed to be besieged in fort 
Jefferson, but upon the receipt of more correct intelligence, they 
were disbanded. 

In December, 1791, the ninth and last convention was elected, 
who assembled at Danville in April following, and formed the 
first constitution of Kentucky. George Nicholas, who had emi- 
nently distinguished himself in the Virginia convention which 
adopted the federal constitution, was elected a member of the 
Kentucky convention from the county of Mercer, and took an 
active and leading part in the formation of the first constitution. 
This constitution totally abandoned the aristocratic features of 
the parent State, so far as representation by counties was con- 
cerned, and established numbers as the basis. Suffrage was uni- 
versal, and sheriffs were elected triennially by the people. 

But while these departures from the constitution of Virginia dis- 
played the general predominance of the democratic principle in 
Kentucky, there are strong indications that the young statesmen 
of the west, were disposed to curb the luxuriance of this mighty 
element, by strong checks. The executive, the senate, and the 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 45 

judiciary, were entirely removed from the direct control of the 
people. The governor was chosen by electors, who were elected 
by the people for that purpose every fourth year. The mem- 
bers of the senate were appointed by the same electoral col- 
lege which chose the president, and might be selected indiffe- 
rently from any part of the State. The judiciary were appointed 
as at present, and held their offices dui-ing good behavior. 
The supreme court, however, had original and final jurisdiction 
in all land cases. This last feature was engrafted upon the 
constitution, by Colonel Nicholas, and was most expensive and 
mischievous in practice. The constitution was adopted, and 
the officers elected, in May, 1792. Isaac Shelby was elected 
governor, a brave and plain officer, who had gallantly served in 
the Revolutionary war, and distinguished himself at Kings' 
Mountain, and Point Pleasant. Alexander Bullitt was chosen 
speaker of the senate, and Robert Breckenridge of the house 
of representatives. The governor met both branches of the 
legislature in the senate chamber, and personally addressed 
them in a brief speech, in reply to which they voted an address. 
James Brown was the first secretary of state, and George Nich- 
olas the first attorney-general. John Brown and John Edwards 
(heretofore political opponents,) were elected, by joint ballot, 
senators to Congress. They fixed upon Frankfort as the future 
seat of government, by a process somewhat singular. Twenty- 
five commissioners were first chosen by general ballot ; then the 
counties of Mercer and Fayette, the rival competitors for the 
seat of government, alternately struck five names from the list 
until the commissioners were reduced to five. These last were 
empowered to fix upon the capital. 

The legislatm-e was busily engaged, during its first session, in 
organizing the government. The judiciary and the revenue 
principally engaged their attention. Acts passed, establishing 
the supreme court, consisting of three judges, county courts, and 
courts of quarter session, the latter having common law and 
chancery jurisdiction over five pounds, and a court of oyer and 
terminer composed of three judges, having criminal jurisdiction, 
and sitting twice in the year. Taxes were imposed upon land, 
cattle, carriages, billiard tables, ordinary licenses and retail stores. 

In the meantime Indian depredations were incessant, and 
General Washington, to the infinite distress of Kentucky, perse- 
vered in the employment of a regular force, instead of mounted 
militia, in the north-west. St. Clair was superseded and Gene- 
ral Wayne became his successor. A regular force, aided by 
militia, was again to be organized, and a final effort made to 
crush the hostile tribes. General Wilkinson received a commis- 
sion in the regular service, and joined the army of Wayne. In 
December, 1792, Colonel John Hardin, of Kentucky, who had 
commanded detachments under Harmar, was sent as a messen- 
ger of peace to the hostile tribes, and was murdered by them. 
Boats were intercepted at every point on the Ohio, from the 



46 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

mouth of Kenawlia to Louisville, and in some cases their crews 
murdered. Stations upon the frontiers, were sometimes boldly- 
attacked, and were kept perpetually on the alert. Yet the Pres- 
ident was compelled, by public opinion, in the east, to make an- 
other fruitless effort for peace with these enraged tribes, during 
the pendency of which effort, all hostilities from Kentucky were 
strictly forbidden. Great dissatisfaction and loud complaints 
against the mismanagement of government were incessant. In 
addition to the Indian war, the excise law told with some effect 
upon the distilleries of Kentucky, and was peculiarly odious. 
Kentucky had been strongly anti-federal at the origin of the 
government, and nothing had occurred since to change this origi- 
nal bias. 

Early in the spring of 1793, circumstances occurred which fan- 
ned the passions of the people into a perfect flame of disaffection. 
The French Revolution had sounded a tocsin which reverberated 
throughout the whole civilized world. The worn out despotisms 
of Europe, after standing aghast for a moment, in doubtful inac- 
tivity, had awakened at length into ill-concerted combinations 
against the young republic, and France was engaged in a life 
and death struggle, against Britain, Spain, Prussia, Austria, and 
the German principalities. With this war the United States had, 
strictly, nothing to do, and the best interests of the country clearly 
required a rigid neutrality ; which President Washington had not 
only sagacity to see, but firmness to enforce by a proclamation, 
early in 1793. The passions of the people, however, far outran 
all consideration of prudence or interest, and displayed them- 
selves in favor of France, with a frantic enthusiasm which threat- 
ened perpetually to involve the country in a disastrous war with 
all the rest of Europe. The terrible energy which the French 
Republic displayed, against such fearful odds, the haughty crest 
with wdiich she confronted her enemies, and repelled them from 
her frontier on every point, presented a spectacle well calculated 
to dazzle the friends of democracy throughout the world. The 
horrible atrocities which accompanied these brilliant efforts of 
courage, were overlooked in the fervor of a passionate sym- 
pathy, or attributed, in part, to the exaggerations of the British 
press. 

The American people loved France as their ally in the Revo- 
lution, and now regarded her as a sister republic contending for 
freedom against banded despots. The sympathy was natural, 
and sprang from the noblest principles of the heart, but was not 
on that account, less threatening and disastrous to the future 
happiness and prosperity of the country. Washington, fully 
aware of the danger, boldly and firmly strove to restrain the 
passions of his countrymen from overt acts of hostility to the 
powers at war with France, and in so doing, brought upon him- 
self a burst of passion, which put his character to the most 
severe test. In no part of the world did the French fever blaze 
more brightly than in Kentucky. Attributing to English perfidy 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 47 

in refusing to surrender the western posts, the savage murders, 
which desolated their frontier, they hated that nation with the 
same fierce fervor vi^ith which they loved France. The two pas- 
sions fanned each other, and united with the excise and the 
Indian war in kindling a spirit of disaffection to the general gov- 
ernment, which, more than once, assumed a threatening aspect. 

Citizen Genet, the ambassador of the French Republic, landed 
at Charleston in the spring of 1793, and was received with a 
burst of enthusiasm, which seems completely to have turned his 
brain. His progress through the country to New York, was like 
the triumphant march of a Roman conqueror. Treating the 
President's proclamation of neutrality with contempt, he pro- 
ceeded openly to arm and equip privateers, and to enlist crews 
in American ports to cruize against the commerce of England 
and Spain, as if the United States were openly engaged in the 
war, as an ally of France. Four French agents were sent by 
him to Kentucky, with orders to enlist an army of two thousand 
men, appoint a generalissimo, and descending the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi in boats, attack the Spanish settlements at the mouth of 
the Mississippi, and bring the whole of that country under the 
dominion of the French republic. The troops and officers were 
to receive the usual pay of French soldiers, and magnificent 
donations of land in the conquered provinces. 

There was a cool impudence in all this which startled the minds 
of many, but the great mass were so thoroughly imbued with 
the French fever, that they embraced the project with ardor, and 
regarded the firm opposition of Washington with open indig- 
nation, expressed in the strongest terms. General George Rogers 
Clark accepted the office of Generalissimo, with the high 
sounding title of "Major General in the armies of France and 
Commander in Chief of the French Revolutionary Legions on 
the Mississippi," and great activity was displayed in enlisting 
men and officers for the expedition. Upon the first intelligence 
of this extraordinary project, the President caused Governor 
Shelby to be informed of it, and explaining to him the mischief 
which would result to the United States, requested him to warn 
the citizens against it. The governor replied, that he did not 
believe that any such project was contemplated in Kentucky, 
" That her citizens were possessed of too just a sense of the 
obligations due to the general government to embark in such an 
enterprise." 

In the meantime democratic societies, somewhat in imitation 
of the terrible Jacobin clubs of France, were established in the 
east, and rapidly extended to Kentucky. There were established 
during the summer of 1793, one in Lexington, another in George- 
town, and a third in Paris. Their spirit was violently anti-fede- 
ral. The navigation of the Mississippi, the excise, the Indian 
■\var, the base truckling to England, the still baser desertion of 
France, in the hour of her terrible struggle with the leagued des- 
potism of the old world, became subjects of passionate declama- 



48 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

tioii in the clubs, and violent invectives in the papers. The pro- 
tracted negotiation then in progress with Spain, relative to the 
navigation of the Mississippi, although pressed by the executive, 
with incessant earnestness, had as yet borne no fruit. The sleep- 
less jealousy of the west, upon that subject, was perpetually 
goaded into distrust of the intentions of the general government. 
It was rumored that their old enemy. Jay, was about to be sent 
to England, to form an alliance with that hated power, against 
their beloved France ; and it was insinuated that the old project, 
of abandoning the navigation of the Mississippi, would be revi- 
ved the moment that the power in Congress could be obtained. 
Under the influence of all these circumstances, it would have 
been difficult to find a part of the United States in which anti- 
federal passions blazed more fiercely than in Kentucky. The 
French emissaries found their project received with the warmest 
favor. The free navigation of the Mississippi forever, would be 
the only direct benefit accruing to Kentucky, but French pay, 
French rank, and lands ad libitum, were the allurements held out 
to the private adventm*ers. 

In November, 1793, there was a second communication from 
the President to the governor. This stated that the Spanish 
minister, at Washington, had complained of the armament pre- 
paring in Kentucky, mentioned the names of the Frenchmen 
engaged in it, of whom Lachaise and Depeau Avere chief, and 
earnestly exhorted the governor to suppress the enterprise, by 
every means in his power, suggesting legal prosecution, and, in 
case of necessity, a resort to the militia. The governor of the 
north-western territory (the vinfortunate St. Clair), about the 
same time, communicated to Governor Shelby, that extraordinary 
preparations seemed to be going on for the enterprise. Two of 
the French emissaries also wrote to the governor, and we are 
tempted to give the letter of Depeau in full. Here it is : 

" Citizen Governor, 

It may appear quite strange to write to you on a subject, in 
which, although it is of some consequence. With confidence 
from the French ambassador I have been dispatched with more 
Frenchmen to join the expedition of the Mississippi. As I am to 
procure the provision I am happy to communicate to you, what- 
ever yoil shall think worthy of my notice, as I hope I have in 
no way disoblige you ; if I have, I will most willingly ask your 
pardon. For no body can be more than 1 am, Avilling for your 
prosperity and happiness. As some strange reports has reached 
my ears that your excellence has positive orders to arrest all citi- 
zens inclining to our assistance, and as my remembrance know 
by your conduct, in justice you will satisfy in this uncommon 
request. Please let me know as I shall not malie my supply 
till your excellence please to honor me with a small answer. I 
am your well wisher in remaining for the French cause, a true 
citizen Democrat. CHARLES DEPEAU." 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 49 

" Postscript. Please to participate some of these hand bills to 
that noble society of democrats. I also enclose a paper from 
Pittsburgh." 

The governor replied to citizen Depeau in a grave and formal 
manner, reciting, at length, the information and instructions he 
had received from the department of state, and concluding with 
the remark, that his official position would compel him to pay- 
some attention to them. As to whether he "participated" the 
handbills to the " noble society of democrats," the voice of his- 
tory is, unfortunately, silent. 

About the same time General Wayne WTote to the Governor, 
advising him that the regular cavalry, then wintering in Ken- 
tucky, under the command of Major Winston, would be subject 
to his orders, and that an additional force should be furnished, if 
necessary, to repress any illegal expedition from Kentucky. 
The reply of the governor to the secretary of state, is somewhat 
curious, and shows that the views of the brave and plain old 
soldier had become somewhat warped, from their original simpli- 
city, by the nice distinctions and quibbling subtleties of his legal 
advisers. The following extracts from his reply are given. 

*' I have great doubts, even if they (General Clark and the 
Frenchmen,) attempt to carry this plan into execution, (provided 
they manage the business with prudence,) whether there is any 
legal authority to restrain or to punish them, at least before they 
have actually accomplished it. For if it is lawful for any one 
citizen of this state to leave it, it is equally so for any number of 
them to do it. It is also lawful for them to carry with them any 
quantity of provisions, ammunition and arms. And if the act is 
lawful in itself, there is nothing but the intention with which it is 
done which can make it unlawful. But I know of no law which 
inflicts a punishment upon intention only, or any criterion by 
which to decide what would be sufficient evidence of that inten- 
tion." Again he says, "Much less would I assume power to 
exercise it against men whom I consider as friends and brethren, 
in favor of a man, whom I view as an enemy and a tyrant. I 
shall also feel but little inclination to take an active part in pun- 
ishing or restraining my fellow citizens for a supposed intention 
only, to gratify or remove the fears of the minister of a prince 
who openly withholds from us an invaluable right, and who se- 
cretly instigates against us a most savage and cruel enemy." 

These extracts are given as powerfully illustrative of the 
times. The course of reasoning and passions disclosed in them, 
were not peculiar to Governor Shelby, but were shared by a vast 
majority of the citizens of every class. Upon receiving this 
answer, the President gave orders to General Wayne to occupy 
fort Massac with artillery, and to take such other steps as might 
be necessary to arrest this mad expedition. 

In the mean time, the democratic societies resorted to every 
method of inflaming the popular mind upon the subject of the 
navigation of the Mississippi, and the jealousy of the east, 
4 



50 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

which they contended was the true cause of the faihire of the 
general government to procure it for them. They had invited a 
general meeting of the people in Lexington, in the spring of 
1794, Avhere resolutions were adopted of a violent character, 
breathing the deepest hostility to the general government, and 
inviting the citizens of the dilierent counties to hold meetings 
and elect delegates to a convention, whose object was not pre- 
cisely defined, but which looked in the old direction of separation. 
Just at this time, however, the intelligence came that citizen 
Genet had been recalled, that his acts were disavowed by the 
French government, and all his proceedings disapproved. At 
once, iMessieurs Lachaise and Depeau lost all authority, General 
Clark was stripped of his magnificent title, and the splendid 
vision of conquest in the south, which had dazzled the eyes of 
the Kentuckians, vanished into air. The project of a conven- 
tion, so fiercely demanded by the late resolutions, fell still-born, 
and a reasonable degree of tranquility was restored to the public 
mind. 

In the mean time preparations for another campaign against 
the Indians, were incessantly m-ged by the President. During 
the summer of 1793, a powerful regular force had been concen- 
trated at Cincinnati, and a requisition was made on Governor 
Shelby for one thousand mounted rifleman. None would volun- 
teer, and a draft was again resorted to. The reinforcement 
reached Wayne in October, and during its stay, had an opportu- 
nity of witnessing the energy and discipline infused into the 
regular force by its gallant commander. 

The season was too far advanced for active operations, and 
the Kentucky contingent was dismissed until the following spring. 
A much better opinion of the efficiency of a regular force was 
diffused through the country by the return of the mounted men, 
and in the following spring, fifteen hundred volunteers took the 
field with alacrity under the command of General Scott, and 
joined the regular force under Wayne. That intrepid com- 
mander, after one more ineffectual effort to obtain peace, marched 
into the heart of the hostile country, and on the morning of the 
20th of August, attacked them in a formidable position which 
they occupied near the rapids of the Miami. A dense forest, for 
miles had been overthrown by a tempest, and the Indians occu- 
pied this forest, upon which neither cavalry nor artillery could 
make any effectual impression. Wayne ordered the mounted 
riflemen to make a circuit far to the left and operate upon the 
right flank and rear of the enemy, while the regular infantry 
was formed, under the eye of the commander in chief, directly 
in front of the fallen timber. After allowing time for the 
mounted men to take their designated position, the general or- 
dered the regulai's to make a rapid charge with the bayonet 
upon the Indian position, without filing a shot until the enemy 
should be roused from their covert, and then to deliver a general 
fii*e. This order was promptly executed, and resulted in a total 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 51 

route of the enemy. The conquering troops pressed their ad- 
vantage, and never was victory more complete. The action 
was fought almost under the guns of a British fort, and the routed 
enemy fled in that direction. It was with the utmost difficulty 
that a collision was prevented, as the Kentucky troops were 
violently incensed against the British, who undoubtedly furnished 
the Indians with arms and ammunition. All the houses and 
stores around the fort were destroyed, notwithstanding the spi- 
rited remonstrances of the British commandant, but further hos- 
tilities were avoided. 

This brilliant success was followed by the most decisive results. 
A long series of defeats had injured the credit of the govern- 
ment, and the Indian tribes of the east and south, gave indica- 
tions of a disposition to co-operate with, their brethren in the 
north-west. But the shock of the victory at the Rapids, ^vas 
instantly felt in all quarters. A treaty was made with the hos- 
tile tribes, which was observed until the war of 1812, while the 
Six j\ations of the east, and the Cherokees in the south, instantly 
became pacific, even to servility. 

The effect in Kentucky was scarcely less propitious. A better 
feeling towards the general government was instantly visible, 
which manifested itself by the election of Humphrey Marshall, 
in the ensuing winter, to the Senate of the United States, over 
the popular and talented John Breckinridge; Marshall being a 
determined federalist, and his competitor a republican or 
democrat. 

During this winter an attempt was made by the legislature 
to remove by address two of the judges of the supreme court, 
George Muter and Benjamin Sebastian. Their crime was a de- 
cision in an important land suit, flagrantly illegal, and which 
would have been most mischievous in its consequences, if adlie- 
red to. The effort, as usual, failed, but the court revised its 
opinion and changed its decision. By another act, the courts of 
quarter session were abolished, as well as the court of oyer and 
terminer, and the district courts established in their places. All 
the judges expired with their courts. Original jurisdiction in 
land cases "was also taken away from the supreme court, and 
conferred upon the district courts. An act also passed obliging 
every white male, over sixteen, to kill a certain number of crows 
and sqnirrels annually, which is too characteristic of the times 
to be omitted. 

The good humor created by Wayne's victory was sadly disturb- 
ed by the intelligence received in the spring of 1795, that Jay had 
concluded a treaty with Great Britain, which, if ratified, would pro- 
duce the immediate surrender of the north-western posts, and 
insure peace, tranquillity, and rapid appreciation of property in 
Kentucky. Yet so much more powerful is passion than interest, 
that the intelligence of this treaty was received with a burst of 
fury, throughout Kentuck}', that knew no bounds. The people 
regarded it as a base desertion of an ancient friend struggling 



32 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

with a host of enemies, and a co%vardly truckling to England, 
from cold blooded policy, or a secret attachment to aristocratic 
institutions. Their senator, Marshall, with that firmness of pur- 
pose which eminently distinguished him through life, had voted 
for the conditional ratification of the treaty, against the wishes 
of avast majority of his constituents. This determined exercise 
of his own judgment, exposed him to popular odium, and even 
personal violence upon his return, from which he made a narrow 
escape. 

A treaty with Spain was also concluded in October, 1795, by 
which the right to navigate the Mississippi to the ocean, \vas 
conceded to the United States, together with a right of deposit 
at New Orleans, which, in effect, embraced all that Kentucky 
desired. Peace with the Indians, the surrender of the posts, the 
navigation of the Mississippi, had at length been obtained, by 
the incessant exertions of the general government, for Kentucky. 

But pending the negotiation Avith Spain, an intrigue was com- 
menced, between the agents of that power and certain citizens 
of Kentucky, which was not fully disclosed to the country until 
the year 1806, and the full extent of which is not even yet cer- 
tainly known. In July, 1795, the Spanish governor, Carondelet, 
dispatched a certain Thomas Power to Kentucky, Avith a letter 
to Benjamin Sebastian, then a judge of the Court of Appeals of 
Kentucky. In this communication he alludes to the conjidence 
reposed in the judge by his predecessor. General Miro, and the 
former correspondence which had passed between them. He de- 
clared that his Catholic majesty was willing to open the Missis- 
sippi to the western country, and to effect that object, and to nego- 
tiate a treaty, in relation to this and other matters, Sebastian 
w^as requested to have agents chosen by the people of Kentucky, 
who should meet Colonel Gayoso, a Spanish agent, at New 
Madrid, when all matters could be adjusted. Judge Sebastian 
communicated this letter to Judge Innis, George Nicholas and 
"William Murray, the latter a very eminent laAX'y^er of Kentucky, 
of the federal party, and they all agreed that Sebastian should 
meet Gayoso at Ncav Madrid, and hear what he had to propose. 
The meeting accordingly took place, and the outline of a treaty 
Avas agreed to, but before matters Avere concluded, intelligence 
was receiA'ed of the treaty concluded Avith Spain by the United 
States, by Avhich the navigation was effectually and legally se- 
cured. The Spanish governor broke up the negotiation, much 
to the dissatisfaction of Sebastian, Avho concluded that the regular 
treat}'' Avould not be ratified, and preferred carrying out the irreg- 
vlar negotiation then commenced. 

All communication then ceased, so far as is knoAvn, until 1797. 
The commissioners Avere busily engaged in marking the line of 
boundary between Spain and the United States, as fixed by the 
treaty, AA^hen Carondelet again opened the negotiation. His for- 
mer agent, Thomas PoAver, again appeared in LouisA'ille, Avith a 
letter to Sebastian, and a request that Sebastian Avould disclose 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 53 

its contents to Innis, Nicholas and Murray. Sebastian positively 
refused to hold any intercourse with Murray, but instantly show- 
ed the letter to Judge Tunis. The scheme unfolded in this letter 
was, " to withdraw from the federal union and form an indepen- 
dent western government. To effect this object it was suggested 
that these gentlemen should, by a series of eloquently written 
publications, dispose the public mind to withdraw from any fur- 
ther connection with the Atlantic States. In consideration of 
the devotion of their time and talents to this purpose, it was 
proposed that the sum of one hundred thousand dollars should be 
appropriated to their use, by his Catholic majesty. Should any 
one m office, in Kentucky, be deprived thereof, on account of his 
connection with Spain, the full value of said office was to be 
paid to him by his majesty." This article was inserted at the 
suggestion of Sebastian. 

To effect these great objects, it was proposed that twenty pie- 
ces of field artillery, with a large supply of small arms and mu- 
nitions of war, together with one hundred thousand dollars in 
money, should instantly be furnished to Kentucky by the King of 
Spain, as his majesty's quota in aid of the enterprise. Fort 
Massac was to be seized instantly, and the federal troops were to 
be dispossessed of all posts upon the western waters. The only 
stipulation for the benefit of his Catholic majesty was an exten- 
sion of his northern boundary, to the mouth of the Yazoo, and 
thence due east to the Tombigbee. For this miserable pittance 
of desert territory, this corrupt and worn out despotism was 
willing to violate its faith recently plighted in a solemn treaty, 
and, by treachery and intrigue, to sow the seeds of discord and 
revolution, where all was peace and confidence. Such was the 
moralit}' of courts in the eighteenth century. 

This proposal was received by Sebastian with great coolness, 
and submitted to Innis for his opinion. The testimony of Innis 
himself is all that we have to rely on, as to the manner in which 
he received the proposition. He declares that he denounced 
the proposal as dangerous and improper, and gave it as his opin- 
ion that it ought to be rejected. Sebastian concurred in this 
opinion, but desired Innis to see Colonel Nicholas, and have a 
written answer prepared for Power, declaring that whatever 
they concurred in would be approved by him. Innis saw Nich- 
olas, who wrote a refusal couched in calm but decisive language, 
which was signed by them both, and delivered to Power, through 
the medium of judge Sebastian., No disclosure was made by 
either of the parties of this proposal from the Spanish govern- 
ment. Power, in the mean time, visited Wilkinson, who still 
held a command in the regular army, and then was stationed in 
garrison at Detroit. Power's ostensible object in visiting Wilkin- 
son was to deliver to him a letter of remonstrance from Governor 
Carondelet, against the United States taking immediate posses- 
sion of the posts on the Mississippi. His real object was, no 
doubt, to sound him upon the Spanish proposition. Power after- 



54 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

wards reported to Carondelet, that Wilkinson received him cold- 
1}^, informed him that the governor of the north-west had orders 
from the President to arrest him, and send him on to Philadel- 
phia, and that there was no way for him to escape, but to permit 
himself to be conducted, under guard, to fort Massac, whence he 
could find his way to New Madrid. He states that in their first 
conference Wilkinson observed, bitterly, " We are both lost, with- 
out deriving any benefit from your journey." He pronounced the 
Spanish proposal a chimerical project, that the west having ob- 
tained, by the late treaty, all that they desired, had no motive to 
form any connection with Spain. That the best thing Spain' 
could do, would be honestly to comply with the treaty ; that his ' 
personal honor forbade him to listen to the project; that the late 
treaty had overturned all his ])lans, and rendered his labors for ten 
years useless; that he had destroyed his ciphers, and complained 
that his secret had been divulged ; that he might be named gover- 
nor of Natchez, and he might tlicn, perhaps, have power to realize 
his political projects. 

In this report to Carondelet, Power represents Sebastian as 
speaking to him in a more encouraging tone of the prospect of 
a union of Kentucky with Spain. Sebastian expressed the opin- 
ion that, in case of a war with Spain, Kentucky might be induced 
to take part against the Atlantic States. In conclusion, Power 
gives his own opinion, that nothing short of a war with France or 
the denial of the navigation of the Mississippi could induce Ken- 
tucky to separate herself from the eastern States. After visiting 
Wilkinson, instead of returning to Louisville, as he had at first 
intended, he was sent, by Wilkinson, under escort of Captain 
Shaumbergh, of the United States' army, to fort Massac, and 
thence returned to New Madrid. At Massac he received from 
Sebastian the letter of Nicholas and Innis. Nothing certainly 
was known of the particulars of this transaction, until 1806, 
W'hen it became public that Sebastian had received a pension of 
two thousand dollars from Spain, from about 1795 to 1806. 

After the English and Spanish treaties had been ratified, 
Washington retired from office, and John Adams, greatly to the 
dissatisfaction of Kentucky, was elected President of the United 
States. The eyes of the people became henceforth directed to 
the general government, and they participated fiercely in the old 
party struggle of federalist and republican, or democrat. If the 
administration of Washington was unpopular, that of Adams 
w as absolutely odious, in Kentucky. In no part of the Union 
were his measures denounced with more bitterness, nor his 
downfall awaited with more impatience. 

The only domestic question which excited much interest, was 
the propriety of calling a convention to revise the old constitu- 
tion. The people Avere becoming weary of seeing the governor 
and senate removed so far from their control, and equally weary 
of the sheriff's, which popular suffrage had given them. Accord- 
ing to the provisions of the constitution, a poll was opened in 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 55 

May, 1797, and the votes of the citizens taken for or against a 
convention. There were 5446 votes given for a convention, 
out of 9814 votes regularly returned. But five counties did not 
return the whole number of their votes, and the result was 
doubtful. 

A second vote was given in May, 1798, and there were returned 
8804 for a convention, out of 11,853 votes returned. But no less 
than ten counties failed to return the whole number of their 
votes, and eight counties did not vote at all on the subject. It is 
certain that there was not a majority for a convention upon the 
first vote, and probably not upon the second. By the constitu- 
tion, a majority of all the legal votes was required two years in 
succession, or else a majority of two-thirds of the legislature. 
So far as the vote of the people was concerned the convention 
had failed, but the legislature, believing such to be the will of 
their constituents, called a convention, by a constitutional major- 
ity, in the session of 1798 — 9. 

This session was rendered memorable, also, by the passage of 
certain resolutions declaratory of the powers of the general gov- 
ernment, and the rights and privileges of the States. At the 
opening of the session. Governor Garrard, who had succeeded 
Shelby, in his address to the legislature, denounced severely, the 
acts recently passed by congress, commonly known as the alien 
and sedition laws. Early in the session a series of resolutions, 
which were originally drawn up by Mr. Jefferson, were presented to 
the house by John Breckenridge, the representative from Fayette, 
and almost unanimously adopted. The only member Avho spoke 
against them, and steadily voted, generally alone, against the 
■whole series, was that William Murray, to whom, in conjunction 
with others, the letter of Carondelet was directed, and with 
whom Sebastian refused to hold any communication on the sub- 
ject. These resolutions, taken in connection with those passed 
at the succeeding session, in substance declare, " That the con- 
stitution of the United States is a compact between the several 
States, as States, each sovereign State being an integral party to 
that compact. That as in other compacts between equal sove- 
reigns, who have no common judge, each party has the right to 
interpret the compact for itself, and is bound by no interpretation 
but its own. That the general government has no final right in 
any of its branches, to interpret the extent of its OAvn powers. 
That these powers are limited, within certain prescribed bounds, 
and that all acts of the general government, not warranted by 
its powers, may properly be nullified by a State, within its own 
boundaries." These resolutions are remarkable, as clearly ex- 
pressing the political views of Mr. Jefferson, at the time, and as 
containing, not merely the germ, but the fully developed doctiine 
of nidlijication, which has since become so celebrated, and \^'hich 
has since been so heartily and strongly denounced, not only by 
Kentucky, but almost every other State in the Union. 

A copy of the resolutions was sent to each State in the Union, 



56 OUTLLNE HISTORY. 

and were assented to b}' none, save Virginia. Some of her sister 
sovereigns handled the Kentucky doctrine with great roughness, 
and exposed its falsehood Avith merciless severity. The resolu- 
tions were approved by Governor Garrard, and thus fastened upon 
Kentucky the mark of nullification, until the session of 1832, 
when the true doctrine was strongly proclaimed. 

In the spring of 1799 the members of the convention were 
elected, and in July that body assembled, and adopted the pre- 
sent constitution. In June, 1800, the new constitution went 
into operation. James Garrard was re-elected governor, and 
Alexander Bullitt lieutenant-governor. Never was a govern- 
ment changed with so little sensation. But the indifference of 
Kentucky to a change of government did not extend to national 
affairs. The defeat of Adams and the election of Jefferson, the 
downfall of the federalists, and the exaltation of the republican 
or democratic party, producei;! a whirlwind under which the Union 
rocked to its foundation. Kentuck}', with great unanimity, sup- 
ported Jefferson, and no State exulted more in his election. 

In the winter session of 1801, the legislature of Kentucky 
repealed the act establishing district courts, and established the 
circuit courts as they now exist. At the same session an insu- 
rance company was chartered in Lexington, to which banking 
powers were given, by a clause, which was not thoroughly under- 
stood by the members who voted for it, and thus was the first 
bank chartered in Kentucky. The political party which then 
controlled Kentucky held banks in horror, and never would 
have passed the bill, had they understood its provisions. 



CHAPTER IV. 

In the year 1802, Kentucky, in common Mdth the whole west- 
ern country, was thrown into a ferment, by the suspension of 
the American right of deposit at New Orleans, which had been 
guarantied by the Spanish treaty for three years, with the further 
provision, that at the end of three years, should the right of de- 
posit at New Orleans be withheld, some other place should be 
afforded, for the same purpose, near the mouth of that river. 
This right was now refused by Morales, the Spanish intendant, 
and no equivalent place of deposit was granted. The treaty was 
evidently violated, and the commerce of the west struck at in its 
most vital point. The excitement increased, Avhen it was under- 
stood that Louisiana had been ceded to France, and that this 
important point was held by Napoleon, then first consul of the 
republic. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 57 

A motion was made in the senate of the United States to 
authorize President Jeflerson instantly to take and hold possession 
of New Orleans; but milder counsels prevailed, and Mr. Monroe 
was dispatched to France, in order to arrange this difficulty with 
the first consul. He found Napoleon on the eve of a rupture 
with Great Britain, and fully impressed with the utter impossi- 
bility of retaining so distant and so assailable a colony as Lou- 
isiana, while Great Britain ruled the seas. He determined to 
place it beyond the reach of the English na^7^,by selling it to the 
Americans, before the English could equip an expedition against 
it, which he plainly saw would be one of the first measures 
adopted, after the rupture of the peace of Amiens. The Ameri- 
can minister expected to negotiate for a place of deposit at the 
mouth of the river, and was informed that for the trifling sum of 
fifteen millions he could purchase a magnificent empire. 

No time was lost in closing this extraordinary sale, as Bona- 
parte evidently apprehended that Louisiana would be taken by 
the British fleet, within six months after hostilities commenced. 
And thus the first ^rcat annexation of territory to the United 
States was accomplished. The Floridas, Oregon, Texas, have 
followed, and the end is not yet. 

In 1804, Christopher Greenup was elected governor of Ken- 
tucky, and Mr. Jeflerson was re-elected President of the United 
States, without any organized opposition. So popular and bril- 
liant had been his administration. 

Aaron Bm-r, who had been elected Vice President in 1801, had 
lost the confidence of his party, and was at variance with the 
President. In 1805, this extraordinary man first made his ap- 
pearance in Kentucky, and visited Lexington and Louisville. He 
then passed on to Nashville, St. Louis, Natchez, and New Orleans, 
and again returned to Lexington, where he remained for some 
time. General Wilkinson, at this time, commanded the United 
States' troops in Louisiana, and the aff'airs of the United States 
with Spain were in an unsatisfactory state. That miserable 
power resented the purchase of Louisiana, by the United States, 
and assumed a sulkiness of demeanor somewhat resembling that 
of Mexico in more modern times. In the spring of 1806, their 
forces advanced to the Sabine, in somewhat hostile array, and 
General Wilkinson had orders to be upon the alert, and repel 
them if they should cross that barrier. Such was the aspect of 
affairs, when in 1800, colonel Burr again appeared in the west, 
spending a large portion of his time at Blannerhasset's Island, 
on the Ohio river, but being seen in Lexington, Nashville and 
Louisville. 

This extraordinary man having quarreled with the President, 
and lost caste with the republican party, endeavored to retrieve 
his political fortunes by becoming a candidate for the office of 
governor, in New York, in opposition to the regular democratic 
candidate. He was supported by the mass of the federalists 
and a small section of the democrats who still adhered to him. 



6# OUTLINE HISTORY. 

He lost his election chiefly by the influence of Hamilton, who 
scrupled not to represent him as unworthy of political trust, and 
deprived him of the cordial support of the federalists. Deeply 
stung by his defeat, Burr turned fiercely upon his illustrious an- 
tagonist, and killed him in a duel. Hamilton w^as idolized by 
the federalists, and even his political adversaries were not insen- 
sible to his many lofty and noble qualities. Burr found himself 
abandoned by the mass of the democrats, regarded with abhor- 
rence by the federalists, and banished from all the legitimate and 
honorable walks of ambition. In this desperate state of his po- 
litical fortunes, he sought the west, and became deeply involved 
in schemes as desperate and daring as any which the annals of 
ill regulated ambition can furnish. 

The ground work of his plan, undoubtedly, was to organize a 
military force upon the western waters, descend the Mississippi, 
and wrest from Spain an indefinite portion of her territory ad- 
joining the Gulf of Mexico. ' The southwestern portion of the 
United States, embracing New Orleans and the adjacent territory, 
was, either by force or persuasion, to become a part of the new 
empire, of which New Orleans was to become the capital, and 
Burr the chief, under some one of the many names, which, in 
modern times, disguise despotic power under a republican guise. 
These were the essential and indispensable features of the plan. 
But if circumstances were favorable, the project was to extend 
much farther, and the whole country west of the Alleghenies 
was to be wrested from the American Union, and to become a 
portion of this new and magnificent empire. 

Mad and chimerical as this project undoubtedly was, when the 
orderly and law-respecting character of the American people is 
considered, yet the age in which it was conceived had witnessed 
Avonders, which had far outstripped the sober calculations of phi- 
losophy and surpassed the limits of probable fiction. When the 
historian, Gibbon, was closing his great work upon the decline 
and fall of the Roman empire, he expressed the opinion that the 
age of great and startling revolutions had passed away, never to 
return ; that mankind had become sobered down by centuries of 
experience, to a tame and moderate level, which would not admit 
of those brilliant materials for history which the past had af- 
forded. Scarcel}^ had this opinion been recorded, when the great 
drama opened in France, and for twenty-five years, the world 
stood aghast at the series of magnificent and wonderful pageants, 
which moved before them in the wild confusion of a feverish 
dream. Kings became beggars, and peasants became kings. 
Ancient kingdoms disappeared, and new and brilliant republics 
sprung up in their places. Names, boundaries, ranks, titles, reli- 
gions, all were tossed about like withered leaves before the wind. 
A lieutenant in a French regiment had mounted to the throne of 
western Europe, and drummers, corporals and privates, had be- 
come dukes, princes, and kings. 

It was not wonderful, then, that a man like Burr, ostracised in 



OUTLINE HISTORY. &9 

the east, and desperate in his fortunes, abounding in talent, energy', 
and courage, should have determined in the new world, like the 
Corsican in the old, to stand the hazard of the die, for empire or 
a grave. The unsettled relations then existing with Spain af- 
forded a specious cloak to his enterprise, and enabled him to 
give it a character suitable to the temper of the persons whom 
he addressed. To the daring youth of the west, desirous of 
military adventure, he could represent it as an irregular expedi- 
tion to be undertaken upon private account, against the posses- 
sions of a nation with whom the United States would shortly be 
at war. It was upon land what privateering was upon the ocean. 
He could hint to them that the United States' government would 
connive at the expedition, but could not openly countenance it until 
hostilities actually commenced. There is little doubt that many 
concurred in the enterprise, without being aware of its treasoiwble 
character, while it is certain that to others the scheme was expo- 
sed in its full deformity. 

In the prosecution of his object, he applied himself with sin- 
gular address to any one who could be useful to him in forwarding 
the great scheme. Blannerhasset's Island lay directly in his path, 
and he fixed his keen eye upon the proprietor as one who could 
be useful to him. This unfortunate man was an Irish gentleman, 
reputed to be of great wealth, married to a beautiful and accom- 
plished woman, secluded and studious in his habits, devoted to 
natural science, and as unfitted for the turbulent struggle of ac- 
tive ambitious life, as Burr was for those simple and quiet pur- 
suits, in which his victim found enjoyment and happiness. Blan- 
nerhasset's wealth, though, could be employed to advantage. 
Burr opened the correspondence by a flattering request to be 
permitted to examine Blannerhasset's grounds and garden, wiiich 
had been improved at great expense. Once admitted, he em- 
ployed all the address and eloquence of which he was master, 
in turning the whole current of Blannerhasset's thoughts, from 
the calm sedentary pursuits in which he had hitherto delighted, 
to those splendid visions of empire, greatness and wealth, with 
which his own ardent imagination was then so fiercel}' glowing. 
No better evidence of Burr's power need be desired, than the 
absolute command which he obtained over the will and fortune 
of this man. He moulded him to his purpose, inspired him with 
a frantic enthusiasm in his cause, and obtained complete com- 
mand of all that Blannerhasset had to offer. 

The scheme of separation from the Atlantic States had been 
too much agitated in Kentucky, not to have left some materials 
for BmT to work upon, and that he neglected no opportunity of 
rallying the fragments of the old party, may be readily believed. 
There is no doubt that General Adair concurred in his scheme, 
so far as an expedition against the Spanish provinces was con- 
cerned; and it is certain that Burr himself calculated upon the 
co-operation of Wilkinson, and held frequent intercourse with 
him. During the summer of 1806, the public mind in Kentucky, 



6» OUTLINE HISTORY. 

became agitated by rumors of secret expeditions and conspira- 
cies, in which Burr and others were implicated, but all was 
wrapped in mystery and doubt. 

At length a paper entitled the " Western World," published in 
Frankfort, by Wood & Street, came out with a series of articles, 
in which the old intrigue of Sebastian with Power, and the pre- 
sent project of Burr, were blended, in a somewhat confused man- 
ner, and some round assertions of facts were made, and some 
names implicated which created no small sensation. Sebastian, 
then a judge of the supreme court, was boldly asserted to be an 
intriguer with Spain, and a pensioner of the Spanish crown. 
Innis, then a judge of the federal court ; Brown, a senator in Con- 
gress from Kentucky ; Wilkinson, a general in the regular army, 
were all implicated. Burr was plainly denounced as a traitor, 
and the whole of his scheme was unfolded. There was a mix- 
ture of truth and error in these articles, which no one was 
then able to separate, and the. public mind was completely bewil- 
dered at the number of atrocious plots which were exposed, and 
at the great names implicated. The friends of some of the par- 
ties violently resented the articles, and pistols and dirks were re- 
sorted to, to silence the accusation. But the paper sturdily ad- 
hered to its charges, and an address was prepared and published, 
to the legislature elected in 1806, praying an inquiry into the 
conduct of Sebastian, which w^as circulated among the people 
for signatures, and was signed by a great number, particularly in 
the county of Woodford. 

In the meantime Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daviess, the attor- 
ney for the United States, appeared in open court, before Judge 
Innis on the 3d of November, and moved for process to compel 
the attendance of Burr, before the court, to answer to a charge 
of a high misdemeanor, in organizing a military expedition 
against a friendly power, from within the territory and jurisdic- 
tion of the United States. This motion was grounded upon the 
oath of the attorney, setting forth with great accuracy the prepa- 
rations then being made by Burr, and imputing to him designs 
which subsequent events proved to have been well understood 
by the attorney. This startling affidavit created immense sen- 
sation at the time. Burr was then popular in Kentucky, and 
was caressed and countenanced by her most eminent citizens. Da- 
viess was greatly admired, for those splendid powers of eloquence 
which he possessed, in a degi'ee rarely if ever surpassed, but la- 
bored under the odium of being an incurable federalist, and 
equally bold and eloquent in expressing his opinions. Mne- 
tenths of the public at the time, were startled at the boldness of 
the accusation, and seem to have attributed it to the well known 
hatred of the federalists to Colonel BmT. Be the cause, how- 
ever, what it might, the public feeling was strong in favor of 
Burr, and against the attorney, who was boldly and manfully 
discharging his duty. Judge Innis took time to consider the ap- 
plication, and after two days, overruled the motion. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 61 

Colonel Burr was in Lexington at the time, and was informed 
of the motion made by Daviess, in an incredibly short space of 
time after it was made. He entered the court-house shortly 
after Inrys had over-ruled the motion, and addressed the judge 
with a grave and calm dignity of manner, which increased if pos- 
sible the general prepossession in his favor. He spoke of the late 
motion as one which had greatly surprised him, insinuated that 
Daviess had reason to believe that he was absent, upon business 
of a private but pressing nature, which it was well known re- 
quired his immediate attention, that the judge had treated the ap- 
plication as it deserved, but as it might be renewed by the attor- 
ney in his absence, he preferred that the judge should entertain 
the motion now, and he had voluntarily appeared in order to give 
the gentleman an opportunity of proving his charge. Nowise 
disconcerted by the lofty tranquillity of Burr's manner, than 
which nothing could be more imposing, Daviess promptly ac- 
cepted the challenge, and declared himself ready to proceed as 
Boon as he could procure the attendance of his witnesses. After 
consulting with the marshal, Daviess announced his opinion that 
his witnesses could attend on the ensuing Wednesday, and with 
the acquiescence of Burr, that day was fixed upon by the court 
for the investigation. 

Burr awaited the day of trial with an easy tranquillity, which 
seemed to fear no danger, and on Wednesday the court-house 
was crowded to suffocation. Daviess upon counting his wit- 
nesses, discovered that Davis Floyd, one of the most important, 
was absent, and with great reluctance, asked a postponement of 
the case. The judge instantly discharged the grand jury. Colo- 
nel Burr then appeared at the bar, accompanied by his counsel, 
Henry Clay and Colonel Allen. The first of these gentlemen 
had emigrated to Kentucky from Virginia, in 1798, and had early 
attracted attention by the boldness with which he had advocated 
a provision in the new constitution for the gradual emancipation 
of slaves in Kentucky, then as now a subject of great delicacy. 
He had already given indications of those extraordinary powers 
of eloquence, and that daring boldness of character, which have 
since shone out with such surpassing splendor. Allen was a 
lawyer of character and celebrity, whose early and lamentable 
death, in the war with Great Britain, we shall have occasion 
hereafter to notice. Colonel Burr arose in court, expressed his 
regret that the grand jury had been discharged, and inquired the 
reason. Colonel Daviess replied, and added that Floyd was then 
in Indiana, attending a session of the territorial legislature. 
BmT calmly desired that the cause of the postponement might 
be entered upon the record, as well as the reason why Floyd did 
not attend. He then with great self-possession, and with an air 
of candor difficult to be resisted, addressed the court and crowded 
audience, upon the subject of the accusation. His style was 
without ornament, passion or fervor ; but the spell of a great 
mind, and daring but calm spirit, was felt with singular power 



6® OUTLINE HISTORY. 

by all "U'ho heard him. He hoped that the good people of Ken- 
tucky would dismiss their apprehensions of danger from him, if 
any such really existed. There was really no ground for them, 
however zealously the attorney might strive to awaken them. 
He was engaged in no project, inimical to the peace or tran- 
quillity of the country, as they would certainly learn, whenever 
the attorney should be ready, which he greatly apprehended would 
never be. In the mean time, although private business urgently 
demanded his presence elsewhere, he felt compelled to give the 
attorney one more opportunity of proving his charge, and would 
patiently await another attack. 

Upon the 25th of November, Colonel Daviess informed the 
court, that Floyd would attend on the 2d December following, 
and another grand jury was summoned to attend on that day. 
Colonel Burr came into court, attended by the same counsel as on 
the former occasion, and cooll}'" awaited the expected attack. 
Daviess, with evident chagrih, again announced that he was not 
ready to proceed, that John Adair had been summoned and was 
not in attendance, and that his testimony was indispensable 
to the prosecution. He again asked a postponement of the case, 
for a few days, and that the grand jury should be kept enpannelled 
until he could compel the attendance of Adair by attachment. 

Burr upon the present occasion remained silent, and entirely 
unmoved by any thing which occurred. Not so his counsel. 
A most animated and impassioned debate sprung up, intermin- 
gled with sharp and flashing personalities between Clay and Da- 
viess. Never did two more illustrious orators encounter each 
other in debate. The enormous mass, which crowded to 
suffocation, the floor, the galleries, the windows, the plat-form 
of the judge, remained still and breathless for hours, while these 
renowned, and immortal champions, stimulated by mutual rivalry 
and each glowing with the ardent conviction of right, encoun- 
tered each other in splendid intellectual combat. Clay had the 
sympathies of the audience on his side, and was the leader of 
the popular party in Kentucky. Daviess was a federalist, and 
was regarded as persecuting an innocent and unfortunate man, 
from motives of political hate. But he was buoyed up by the full 
conviction of Burr's guilt, and the delusion of the people on the 
subject, and the very infatuation which he beheld around him, 
and the smiling security of the traitor, who sat before him, stirred 
his great spirit to one of its most brilliant efforts. All, however, 
was in vain. Judge Tunis refused to retain the grand jury, unless 
some business was brought before them; and Daviess, in order to 
gain time, sent up to them an indictment against John Adair, 
\vhich was pronounced by the grand jury "not a true bill." The 
hour being late, Daviess then moved for an attachment to com- 
pel the attendance of Adair, which was resisted by Burr's coun- 
sel, and refused by the court, on the ground that Adair was not 
in contempt until the day had expired. Upon the motion of Da- 
viess the court then adjourned until the ensuing day. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 63 

In the interval, Daviess had a private interview with the judge, 
and obtained from him an expression of the opinion that it would 
be allowable for him as prosecutor to attend the grand jury in 
their room, and examine the witnesses, in order to explain to 
them the connexion of the detached particles of evidence, 
which his intimate acquaintance with the plot "would enable him 
to do, and without which the grand jury would scarcely be able 
to comprehend their bearing. When the court resumed its sit- 
ting on the following morning, Daviess moved to be permitted to 
attend the grand jury in their room. This was resisted by Burr's 
counsel as novel and unprecedented, and refused by the court. 
The grand jury then retired, witnesses were sworn and sent up 
to them, and on the fifth of the month they returned, as Daviess 
had expected " not a true bill." In addition to this, the grand 
jury returned into court a written declaration, signed by the 
whole of them, in which from all the evidence before them they 
completely exonerated Burr from any design inimical to the peace 
or well being of the country. Colonel Allen instantly moved the 
court that a copy of the report of the grand jury should be taken 
and published in the newspapers, which was granted. The po- 
pular current ran with great strength in his favor, and the United 
States' attorney for the time was overwhelmed with obloquy. 

The acquittal of Burr was celebrated in Frankfort, by a bril- 
liant ball, numerously attended ; which was followed by another 
ball, given in honor of the baffled attorney, by those friends who 
believed the charge to be just, and that truth for the time had 
been baffled by boldness, eloquence, and delusion. At one of 
these parties the editor of the " Western World," who had boldly 
sounded the alarm, was violently attacked, with the view of driv- 
ing him from the ball room, and was rescued with difficulty. 

These events are given as striking indications of the tone of 
public feeling at the time. Before Mr. Clay took any active part 
as the counsel of Burr, he required of him an explicit disavowal, 
upon his honor, that he was engaged in no design contrary to the 
laws and peace of the country. This pledge was promptly 
given by Burr, in language the most broad, comprehensive and 
particular. "He had no design,^'' lie said, "to intermeddle with, or dis- 
turb the tranquillity of the United States, nor its territories, nor any 
part of them. He had neither issued nor signed, nor promised a com- 
mission, to any person, for any purpose. He did not own a single 
musket, nor bayonet, nor any single article of military stores, nor did 
any other person for him, by his authority or knowledge. His views 
had been explained to several distinguished members of the administra- 
tion, were well understood and approved by the government. They were 
such as every man of honor, and every good citizen, must approve. He 
considered this declaration proper as well to counter-act the chimerical 
tales circulated by the malevolence of his enemies, as to satisfy Mr. Clay, 
that he had not become the counsel of a man in any way unfriendly to 
the laws, the government, or the well being of his country.'''' 

Thoroughly to appreciate the daring coolness and effrontery 



64 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

of this extraordinary man, as well as the fearful risk, which he 
faced with such imperturbable self-possession, the reader should 
understand, what was the real attitude in which he then stood. 
This declaration was made on the 1st December, 1806, at Frank- 
fort. On the 29th of July preceding, he had written to Wilkin- 
son, " I have obtained funds, and have actually commenced the 
enterprise. Detachments from different points and on diflerent 
pretences will rendezvous on the Ohio on the 1st November. 
Every thing internal and external favors views . Al- 
ready are orders given to contractors to forward six months provi- 
sions to any point Wilkinson may name. The project is brought 
to the point so long desired. Burr guarantees the result with his 
life and honor, with the lives, the fortunes, of hundreds — the best 
blood of the country. Wilkinson shall be second only to Burr. 
Wilkinson shall dictate the rank of his officers. Burr's plan of 
operations is to move down rapidly from the Falls by the 15th 
November, with the first five or ten hundred men, in light boats 
now constructing, to be at Natchez between the 5th and 15th 
of December, there to meet Wilkinson, ^-" there to determine, 
whether it will be expedient in the first instance, to SEIZE on, or 
pass by Baton Rouge ! !" 

Before the date of this letter he had fully unfolded his project 
to Gene)"al Eaton, which was to revolutionize the western coun- 
try, establish an empire, with New Orleans as the capital, and 
himself the chief. On the 24th .Tuly, 1806, General Dayton, one 
of Burr's firmest adherents, wrote to General Wilkinson in cy- 
pher, "Are you ready? Are your numerous associates ready? 
Wealth and Glory! Louisiana and Mexico!!" So much for 
Burr's intentions. Now for the risk of detection, which he 
braved with such undaunted composure. 

On the 25th of November, one week before his declaration to 
Mr. Clay, President Jefferson issued his proclamation, denouncing 
the enterprise, and warning the west against it. On the 1st of 
December, a messenger from the President arrived at the seat of 
government of Ohio, and instantly procured the passage of a law 
by which ten of Colonel Burr's boats, laden with provisions and 
military stores, were seized on the Muskingum, before they 
could reach the Ohio. At the very moment that he appeared in 
court, an armed force in his service occupied Blannerhasset's 
island, and boats laden with provisions and military stores, were 
commencing their voyage down the river, and passed Louisville, 
on the 16th of December. Scarcely was the grand jury dis- 
charged, and the ball which celebrated his acquittal, concluded, 
when the President's proclamation reached Kentucky, and a law 
was passed in hot haste, for seizing the boats which had escaped 
the militia of Ohio, and were then descending the river. Burr had 
left Frankfort about the 7th, and had gone to Nashville. The 
conclusion of his enterprise belongs to the history of the United 
States. But that portion of the drama which was enacted in 
Kentucky has been detailed with some minuteness, as affording 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 65 

a rich and rare example, of cool and calculating impudence, and 
of truth, loyalty and eloquence most signally baffled and put to 
shame, by the consummate art and self-possession, of this daring 
intriguer. 

The Kentucky legislature assembled, and the petition for an 
inquiry into the conduct of Sebastian was presented. A vigorous 
effort was made to stifle the inquiry, but in vain. The film had 
fallen from the public eye, and the people were not to be deluded 
twice, in such rapid succession. The inquiry was sturdily 
pressed. Sebastian resigned his office, hoping thus to stifle 
further examination; but the legislature refused to notice his re- 
signation, and the examination proceeded. Judge Innis was the 
principal witness, and apparently with great reluctance disclosed 
what has already been detailed as to the secret intrigue with 
Power. Other evidence made it evident, that he had enjoyed a 
pension of two thousand dollars per annum, from Spain, since 
1795. The public mind was violently agitated, by the sudden 
disclosure of these plots, and conspiracies, and in the minds of 
many Judge Innis \vas deeply implicated. Being a judge of the 
federal court, however, the legislature of Kentucky had no 
authority to investigate his conduct. At the succeeding session, 
however, it passed a resolution recommending an inquiry into the 
conduct of the judge, by the Congress of the United States, which 
was had, and resulted in his acquittal. 

The foreign relations of the United States were now becom- 
ing critical. The attack of the English frigate Leopard, upon 
the Chesapeake, exasperated the American people almost beyond 
control, and was nowhere more fiercely resented than in Ken- 
tucky. Mr. Madison succeeded Mr. Jefferson, in 1808, and Gen- 
eral Scott was elected governor of Kentucky. The breach be- 
tween the United States and Great Britain grew daily wider, and 
Kentucky became deeply engrossed in natiorlal politics. Great 
numbers of resolutions, replete with patriotism, and not a little 
marked by passion, were adopted by her legislature. 

The only act of a purely domestic nature which deserves at- 
tention, is the charter of the Bank of Kentucky, with a capital 
of $1,000,000, which was passed at the session of 1807. In the 
session of 1808-9, the limitation in actions of ejectment, was 
changed from twenty to seven years, where the defendant actu- 
ally resided upon the land, and claimed under an adverse entry 
or patent, and the new limitation was made available in all suits 
at law, or in equity for the recovery of land. This celebrated 
act has quieted all litigation upon original conflicting claims, and 
was introduced by Humphrey Marshall. 

No circumstances of domestic interest claim the attention of 
the historian, in a brief outline like the present, until the war 
which broke out between the United States and Great Britain in 
1812. The general history of that war belongs to the historian 
of the United States, but no history of Kentucky, however brief 
and general, can pass unnoticed, those stirring incidents in the 
5 



66 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

north-west and south-west, in which Kentucky acted so promi- 
nent a part. The principal causes of the war should also be 
briefly and generally adverted to. As has been repeatedly stated, 
the angry feelings occasioned by the war of Independence, were 
not quieted by the peace of 1783. Mortification and resentment 
rankled in the breasts of the parties long after the war had ter- 
minated, and the convulsions of the French revolution so vio- 
lently agitated the civilized world, that it became very difficult 
for a nation like the United States to remain undisturbed by the 
terrible struggle, of which the earth and the ocean were made 
the theatre. 

Being the second maritime power in the world, the United 
States became the carrier on the ocean, of a large portion of the 
commerce of Europe. Many English seamen, tempted by the 
high wages given by American merchants, were employed in our 
commercial marine ; and England claimed and exercised the right 
of impressing her own seamen wherever they might be found. 
The enormous navy which she maintained, required to be sup- 
ported by constant impressment; and under color of seizing her 
own citizens, she was constantly in the habit of stopping Ameri- 
can merchantmen, and selecting from the crew such men, as her 
subordinate officers chose to consider English, Irish or Scotch, 
and who were, frequently, native American citizens. Redress 
could seldom be obtained, and never except after interminable 
delay and vexation. All Americans upon the ocean thus became 
liable to be seized at the discretion of any British officer, and 
forced, under the discipline of the lash, to waste their lives in the 
most unhealthy climates, and in the most degraded stations. 
This grievance was the subject of protracted and bitter remon- 
strance, from the administration of Washington to the opening 
of the war; but Great Britain constantly refused to abandon the 
right, or rather the exercise of the power. In truth her extraor- 
dinary efforts by land and sea, called for all the resources of men 
and money, which could be made available, in any part of the 
world ; and the sixty thousand splendid and unequaled seamen, 
which manned the American marine, totally unprotected, save by 
diplomatic remonstrance, afforded too rich a resource to be aban- 
doned. 

To the embittering grievance of impressment, was added in 
1806 and 1807, a series of paper blockades, by means of which, 
not only American seamen, but American merchandize afloat, 
became subject to seizure and confiscation upon the high seas, 
under circumstances, which left the American government no 
choice but to abandon the ocean entirely, or submit to a whole- 
sale plunder upon the seas, destructive to their prosperity, and 
intolerable to national pride. By these orders in council the whole 
French empire, with its allies and dependencies, then embracing 
nearly all of Europe, were declared in a state of blockade. Any 
American vessel bound to, or returning from any port in any of 
these countries, without first stopping at an English port and ob- 



OUTLINE HISTORY. ^ 

taining a license to prosecute the voyage, was declared a lawful 
prize. This was in retaliation of Napoleon's Berlin and Milan de- 
crees, wherein he had declared the British islands, their depen- 
dencies and allies in a state of blockade, and had rendered every 
vessel liable to confiscation, which either touched at a British 
port, or was laden in whole or in part with British produce. This 
decree, however, was in retaliation of a previous decree, passed 
by the English government in 1806, whereby the whole imperial 
coast, from Brest to the Elbe, w^as declared in a state of blockade. 

All these decrees were haughty and high handed violations of 
national law, which allows of no mere paper blockades, and re- 
quires the presence of a sufficient force, to render them legal. 
Between these haughty belligerents, no American vessel could be 
free from liability to confiscation. If they were bound on a 
voyage to any European port, they must touch at an English 
port, and obtain a license, or become a lawful prize to some one 
of the thousand British cruisers which vexed the ocean. If they 
touched at an English port, or were laden in whole or in part with 
British merchandise, they were confiscated by the imperial edict, 
as soon as they reached a continental port. Both decrees were 
equally hostile to American commerce ; but the English had set 
the first example, and the practical operation of their orders in 
council was far more destructive than Napoleon's decree. One 
thousand American vessels, richly laden, became the prize of the 
British cruisers ; irritating cases of impressment were constantly 
occurring; the language of American diplomacy became daily more 
angry and impatient, that of England daily more cold and 
haughty, and in June, 1812, the American Congress declared war. 

By engaging in war, at that time, the United States unavoida- 
bly became the ally of Napoleon Bonaparte, who at that time 
governed Europe with a rod of iron, repressing all freedom, and 
grinding the hearts of the people, by a system of plunder, and 
violence, which had already begun to react. The federalists, 
since the days of Washington, had regarded the French revolu- 
tion with aversion, and looked upon Bonaparte with undisguised 
horror. The great strength of this party la)^ in the New Eng- 
land States, where the strict religious principles of the Old Puri- 
tans had taken deep root, and where revolutionary France was 
regarded as a power equally hostile to religion, to freedom and 
morality. They looked upon the war with deep aversion, and 
opposed it by all means in their power. Such is the force of 
passion, that this party, composed perhaps of the great mass of 
intelligence and property, and embracing a majority of the reli- 
gious and moral strength of the country, were so far blinded by 
their hatred to Napoleon, and French principles, as to become al- 
most insensible to the equally lawless, and intolerable despotism, 
with which Great Britain scourged the ocean. While it cannot 
be denied that the love of the democratic party for France, which 
originally sprung from gratitude, and a love of liberty, was so far 
blind and perverted, that they heartily sympathised with Napo- 



8d OUTLINE HISTORY. 

leon, and rejoiced in his triumphs. Both claimed to be entirely 
independent and American, yet the affections of the one leaned 
strongly to England, and those of the other to France. 

Our country was then a second rate power. England and 
France were the giant champions of the hostile principles, which 
warred with each other for twenty -five years, and the whole civi- 
lized world ranged themselves under one or the other of the hos- 
tile banners. England was the champion of the ancient institu- 
tions of Europe, which consisted of religion intimately inter- 
woven ^vith aristocracy. France attacked both, with a fury 
w^hich strengthened each by the alliance of the other. Both 
united were far too strong for the most virtuous democracy 
w^hich has ever yet existed; far less could they be overthrown by a 
democracy, trampling upon all freedom, and reveling in universal 
violence and plunder. He who understands mankind, will not 
wonder that the great mass of property and religion throughout 
the world, hated France, and sided with England ; nor will he be 
surprised that the ardent passions which originally embraced the 
French cause, from gratitude and sympathy with freedom, should 
still cling to their first love, after the original character of the 
contest had gradually changed, and the milk-white lamb of 1789, 
struggling for life against despotism, had been transformed into 
the ten-horned monster of 1812, trampling under foot the liber- 
ties of the world. 

Under this state of parties the war commenced. In Kentucky 
the federal party was so extremely weak, and the popular pas- 
sion for the war blazed with such fury, that scarcely any opposi- 
tion was perceptible. But in the New England States, where it 
predominated, it displayed itself with a strength and fervor, 
which seriously embarrassed the government, and has excited 
against the party generally, a degree of odium from which it 
will not easily recover. 

The first events of the war, upon land, were such as might 
naturally be expected, from a nation essentially pacific, mercan- 
tile and agricultural. An invasion of Upper Canada by Hull, 
resulted in the surrender of his army, and the loss of the whole 
territory of Michigan. An attempt to invade Canada upon the 
Niagara frontier, resulted in a total failure, attended with some 
disgrace and an immense clamor. By the loss of Michigan, all 
American control over the numerous Indian tribes of the north- 
west, was lost, and they poured down, from the great lakes, upon 
our extended frontier, in great numbers. 

The war spirit in Kentucky blazed forth with unprecedented 
vigor. Seven thousand volunteers at once offered their services 
to the government, and fifteen hundred were on the march for 
Detroit, when the intelligence of Hull's surrender induced them 
to halt. This disastrous news was received with a burst of indig- 
nant fur\% which no other event has ever excited in Kentucky. 
The author of this sketch was then a child, and well recollects 
hearing the news discussed by a company of married ladies, who 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 69 

unanimously pronounced Hull a traitor, and with great vehem- 
ence decl£ired that he ought to be gibbeted, or crucified — ordinary 
hanging being far too mild a punishment for so monstrous a 
traitor. 

The military ardor of the men seemed rather increased than 
diminished by the disaster, and a call of the governor for fifteen 
hundred volunteers, to march against the Indian villages of 
northern Illinois, was answered by more than two thousand vol- 
unteers, who assembled at Louisville under General Hopkins, 
and marched into the Indian country, until their provisions be- 
came scarce, and their ardor had become cooled by the protracted 
fatigue and hardships to which they were exposed, when, without 
having encountered the enemy, they suddenly abandoned their 
general and returned home, in defiance of all remonstrances. 

The residue of the Kentucky volunteers were placed under the 
orders of General Harrison, the governor of the Indiana territory, 
and since elected to the presidency. This gentleman had long 
been governor of Indiana, and in the preceding year had fought 
a bloody battle, at Tippecanoe, with the Indians, in which the 
brave and eloquent Daviess had lost his life. The last act of 
Governor Scott's administration, was to confer upon him the 
rank of major general in the Kentucky militia, and shortly after 
the same rank was given him by the President, in the regular 
service, w^th the chief command in the north-west. The plan 
of the campaign, as ledd at Washington city, was to assemble 
under this general, the militia of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and 
Pennsylvania, with such regular troops as could be raised, to re- 
take Detroit, overawe the north-western tribes, and conquer 
Upper Canada. 

The secretary of war evidentlj" regarded this as a simple and 
easy undertaking, and the autumn and winter of 1812-13 was 
spent in ill-digested, awkward and unsuccessful efibrts to carry 
out this plan. The face of the country presented obstacles to 
the march of an army, with the necessary baggage and supplies, 
which seem to have been totally overlooked by the secretary. 
The country to be traversed was little better than a wilderness of 
swamps and marshes, ^vhich, in the rainy season, were almost 
impassable. The command of the lake, so essential to a well 
digested plan, was entirely overlooked, and was in the posses- 
sion of the enemy. Volunteers were fm*nished in great numbers, 
and muskets in abundance, but the commissariat's and quarter- 
master's departments were in a state of total anarchy. The men 
were full of courage, and ardently desired to fight; the govern- 
ment was sincerely anxious to furnish them with what was ne- 
cessary; but every department was raw, inexperienced, and inef- 
ficient. Delays, disappointments, and blunders without number 
occm-red. The ardor of the volunteers expended itself in inglo- 
rious struggles with hunger, disease, and intolerable hardships 
and privations, and one of the finest of the Kentucky regiments, 
commanded by the brave and unfortunate Allen, was with much 



f% OUTLINE HISTORY. 

difficulty restrained from disbanding and returning home. The 
money expended in miserable and abortive efforts to drag pro- 
visions and ammunition through a marshy wilderness of nearly 
two hundred miles, would have nearly equipped a fleet sufficient 
to maintain the command of the lake, and the sums wasted 
in the quartermaster's department, would nearly have furnished 
transports for a sufficient force to have seized Maiden. But the 
secretary had planned the campaign as if this swampy wilder- 
ness was a high and healthy region, traversed thickly by the best 
tm'npike roads, and acted as if totally ignorant that such a body 
of water as lake Erie was in existence. i 

After a series of plans hastily conceived, partially executed, 
and then as hastily abandoned, after forced marches undertaken 
through horrible roads, without adequate object, and terminating 
in nothing, sometimes upon half rations, and a part of the time 
upon no rations at all, the army at length found itself about the 
1st of January, with the left wing at fort Defiance under General 
Winchester, and the right at Upper Sandusky under Harrison. 
The left wing was composed almost entirely of Kentucky volun- 
teers, and the right of militia from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia. The immediate object was to advance to the Rapids, and 
thence to make a march upon Detroit. The left wing took the 
lead, and the Kentuckians, with Wells' regiment of regulars, 
reached the Rapids on the 10th. Here they halted, and by order 
were to wait the arrival of Harrison. 

On the 14th, however, they received intelligence that two com- 
panies of Canadian militia and about two hundred Indians were 
at Frenchtown on the river Raisin, within striking distance, and 
instantly a burning thirst for battle, seized both officers and sol- 
diers. Frenchtown was about thirty-eight miles from the Rapids, 
and only eighteen miles from the British garrison of Maiden. 
The lake was frozen hard, and the march over the ice from Mai- 
den could be made in a few hom's. The British could in a few 
hours throw two thousand men upon Frenchtown, and no sup- 
port was nearer than Upper Sandusky, at least five days march 
distant. Yet a detachment of nine hundred and ninety Ken- 
tucky militia, was thrust forward, within the very jaws of the 
British garrison, to strike at this detachment of Indians and 
Canadians. Colonel Lewis commanded the detachment, and un- 
der him were Colonel Allen, Majors Graves and Madison. A 
forced march within less than two days brought them in view of 
the enemy, whom they attacked with the greatest bravery; Major 
Reynolds commanded the British, and made a spirited defence, 
from the picketed enclosures and houses near the village, but 
was driven from all his defences, under a continual charge, for 
more than two miles, with some loss. 

This battle was fought on the 1 8th January. Prompt intelligence 
of the action was sent to General Winchester, on the night after 
the battle, which reached him on the morning of the 19th. On that 
evening he commenced his march with a reinforcement of two 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 71 

hundred and fifty regulars under Colonel Wells, leaving three hun- 
dred men to guard the camp. On the evening of the 20th he 
reached Frenchtown, and found Colonel Lewis still in possession 
of the town, and encamped within a large picketed enclosure, 
which afforded an excellent protection against musketry, but none 
against artillery. There was room within the enclosure to the left 
of Colonel Lewis, for the whole of the regulars ; but Winchester 
encamped in open ground on the right, having his right flank 
within musket shot of some detached houses and enclosures which 
were not occupied. On the 21st all remained quiet, and the gen- 
eral determined on the following day, to throw up some works 
for the protection of the regulars, declining to avail himself of 
the picketing on the left of Lewis, from an absurd regard to mili- 
tary etiquette, which entitled regulars to the post of honor on the 
right. 

On the evening of the 21st, he learned that a large force was 
at Maiden, apparently preparing for a march, — yet he sottishly 
slighted the intelligence, and on that evening gave permission to 
Colonel Wells to return to the Rapids, and fixed his own head- 
quarters nearly a mile from the camp, at the house of Colonel 
Navarre. The night was intensely cold, and no picket Avas 
posted in advance, upon the road by which the enemy might be 
expected. At day-light on the morning of the 22d the camp was 
suddenly attacked by about two thousand British and Indians, in 
two divisions. The British regulars under Proctor advanced 
against the picketing with a rapid and firm step, and under a 
heavy fire of cannon and musketry, and were received by the 
Kentuckians, with a torrent of fire, which did vast execution. 
Thirty of the British regulars fell dead within musket shot of the 
lines, and three times that number of wounded were borne to the 
rear. The survivors retreated in great disorder, and contented 
themselves with a heavy cannonade from six field pieces, against 
the picketing. 

In the meantime, the Indians and Canadians attacked Wells' 
regiment, encamped in the open ground, with savage yells, and 
a slaughtering fire, from the cover of the houses, and enclosures 
which flanked them. After a brief action of only a few minutes, 
this regiment gave way in total confusion. Winchester came up 
from his distant quarters in time to witness the flight of this 
regiment, and strove to rally it within cover of the picketing oc- 
cupied by the Kentuckians ; but the panic was so complete that 
no order could be heard, and these unhappy men fled through a 
deep snow along the road by which they had advanced from the 
Rapids, thirty-six hours before. They were pursued by four times 
their number of Indians, and an indiscriminate and almost total 
butchery ensued. Colonels Allen and Lewis left the picketing, 
and exerted themselves bravely, to rally and re-form the fugi- 
tives, but Allen was killed and Lewis taken, as was also the com- 
mander-in-chief. Many Kentuckians of every grade united in 
the effort to rally the fugitives, and bring them within the shelter. 



^2 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

of the picketing, among whom were Woolfolk, Simpson and 
Meade, all of whom were killed. Scarcely a man of the fugi- 
tives escaped death or captivity, and not a Kentuckian who had 
sallied from the picketing, retm-ned. While this dreadful 
butchery was enacted within sight and hearing of both armies, 
the Kentuckians, now commanded by Majors Madison and Graves, 
remained within their enclosure, and for four hours kept the 
enemy at bay. During this time six field pieces played upon 
them incessantly, from various positions, and at length their am* 
munition was reduced to a single keg of cartridges. Proctor then 
summoned them, through General Winchester, to surrender, 
offering honorable conditions, and ample protection to the 
wounded. After considerable parley, the terms were accepted, 
and the whole detachment became prisoners of war. The con- 
ditions were faithfully kept, so far as the officers and men, who 
were unhurt, was concerned,, but inhumanly violated with regard 
to the wounded. These were left in Frenchtown, ivithout a guards 
as had been stipulated, under the care of the American surgeons, 
attended by a single British officer and a few interpreters. A 
number of drunken Indians entered the town on the morning 
after the battle, and the helpless wounded were murdered with 
circumstances of shocking barbarity. The wounded officers. 
Major Graves, Captains Hart and Hickman, were tomahawked, 
and two houses crowded with wounded officers and men, were 
set on fire, and consumed, with their helpless inmates. This 
dreadful crime is chargeable to the gross negligence, if not wilful 
connivance of Proctor, and is an indelible stain upon the honor 
of the British arms. 

The brave and veteran Shelby had succeeded Scott as governor 
of Kentucky, and upon the intelligence of the dreadful disaster at 
Raisin, was authorized, and requested by the legislature of Ken- 
tucky, to take the field in person, at the head of the reinforce- 
ments which volunteered their services in profusion, to supply the 
places of their countrymen who had fallen, or been led into cap- 
tivity. Four regiments instantly tendered their services, com- 
manded by the colonels, Dudley, Boswell, Cox and Caldwell; the 
whole forming a strong brigade under General Clay. 

A portion of this force was pushed forward by forced marches 
to reinforce Harrison, who was now nearly destitute of troops 
(their time of service having expired), and was lying at the 
Rapids, exposed to a coup de main, from the enemy who lay 
within striking distance at Maiden, and might by a little activity, 
repeat the terrible blow of the Raisin, upon the banks of the 
Maumee. The war had not lasted six months, there was but one 
regular British regiment in Upper Canada, and the United States 
had already lost the whole territory of Michigan, and instead of 
taking the offensive, was occupying a weak defensive position, 
within her own territory, the enemy being strongest upon the 
point of operations, and having complete command of the lake. 

Harrison employed himself during the winter in fortifying his 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 7S 

position below the Rapids, which -was called camp Meigs, in honor 
of Governor Meigs, of Ohio. It consisted of an area of about 
seven acres, enclosed by strong pickets, deeply sunk in the 
ground, and with block houses at the angles. It could not resist 
regular approaches, or heavy artillery, but was available against 
light artillery and sudden attacks, and enabled him to await the 
arrival of reinforcements. Proctor gave him ample time to re- 
ceive reinforcements and strengthen himself by fortifications, 
making no movement of consequence until late in April, although 
able at any time to throw a superior force upon his adversary. 

On the 12th of April, the advanced guard of the Kentucky 
reinforcement reached camp Meigs, and on the 26th of that 
month the British flotilla, having on board battering cannon, and 
abundant supplies for a siege, appeared upon the lake at the 
mouth of Maumee river. Shortly afterwards his gun boats as- 
cended the river to within two miles of the fort, the cannon were 
disembarked, and batteries were thrown up, both above and 
below the fort. A vast force of Indians, under the celebrated 
Tecumseh, attended the British army, and cut off communication 
with the interior. A heavy fire was opened from the British bat- 
teries on the 1st of May, which was returned at intervals from 
the fort, their supply of cannon balls being very limited, and 
their twelve pounders being principally supplied with balls from 
the enemy. 

On the 4th of May, General Clay, with the residue of the Ken- 
tucky brigade, had reached fort Defiance. The present General 
Leslie Combs, of Lexington, then a captain, gallantly volunteered 
to carry to the garrison the news of Clay's approach, and at the 
head of five men, attempted to descend the river in a canoe, for 
that purpose. But the swarms of Indians who infested the woods 
defeated the attempt, and after the loss of nearly all his men, he 
was compelled to return. Lieutenant David Trimble had better 
success, and Harrison was informed that Clay's brigade was de- 
scending the river from fort Defiance to his aid, and would proba- 
bly arrive on the 5th at daylight. General Harrison then sent 
orders to Clay by captain Hamilton, who ascended the river in a 
canoe, to land eight hundred men upon the northern shore, oppo- 
site the fort, to carry the British batteries, there placed, to spike 
the cannon and destroy the carriages, after which they were im- 
mediately to regain their boats and cross over to the fort. The 
residue of the brigade was ordered to land upon the southern 
shore, and fight their way through the Indians to the fort. 

Nothing was more easy than the execution of these orders, 
had the troops been well drilled, and had the object of Harrison, 
which was simply to silence the batteries, been distinctly under- 
stood by the officers. The batteries were slightly guarded, the 
mass of British infantry was in the camp two miles below, and 
the Indian force was on the opposite side of the river. Had the 
order been given to a captain and one hundred regulars, it would 
probably have been successfully executed. Clay received the 



74 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

order from Hamilton, and directed him to communicate it to 
Colonel Dudley, who was charged with its execution. Dudley 
received the order, and landed with the troops in the first twelve 
boats, upon the northern shore as directed. He does not seem to 
have thoroughly understood the object of Harrison, and he never 
communicated to his subordinates the precise nature of his orders. 
The great mass knew nothing more, than they were to fight an 
enemy on the northern shore, and were totally ignorant that 
when the cannon were spiked and the carriages destroyed, their 
object was accomplished. They accordingly rushed upon the 
batteries, which were abandoned in disorder by the artillerymen, 
and the real object of the expedition was in a moment accom- 
plished. A small force of Indians and Canadians, however, 
showed themselves upon the skirts of the wood, and opened a 
straggling fire, which was eagerly returned by the Kentuckians, 
and the retreating enemy w-as hotly followed up, in considerable 
disorder, for nearly two miles. The detachment was dispersed in 
small parties, no general command was retained over it, and no 
one seems to have understood, that they were expected to retreat 
rapidly to their boats as soon as the cannon were spiked. The 
consequences were such as might have been predicted. Proctor 
came up with a British force and intercepted their retreat, the In- 
dians crossed over in great numbers and reinforced the retreat- 
ing party, which had decoyed the Kentuckians into the woods, 
and the whole detachment, with the exception of about one 
hundred and fifty men, was killed or taken. The prisoners were 
taken within the walls of the old British fort, below, under a 
very slender guard, and while huddled together in this place, the 
Indians amused themselves in shooting them down and scalping 
them. This cruel sport continued for some time, until it was in- 
terrupted by the arrival of Tecumseh at full gallop, who instantly 
and with great indignation, put a stop to the massacre. A sortie 
was made about the same time from the fort, against a battery 
on the southern shore of the river, in which a company of Ken- 
tucky militia brilliantly distinguished themselves, but sustained 
great loss. 

On the whole, the 5th of May was disastrous to the American 
army. The movement on the northern bank was too critical and 
delicate to be performed by a corps of undisciplined volunteers, 
unless under the most precise instructions, thoroughly under- 
stood, by officers and men. The force was far too great for the 
object contemplated, which might have been accomplished by one 
fourth of the number, and was too small to defend itself against 
a force which was within forty minutes' march of the batteries, 
and was sure to be aroused, if there was the least delay. The 
news of the capture of fort George by General Dearborn, how- 
ever, alarmed Proctor, and the little effect produced by his fire, 
together with the large force which had reinforced Harrison, 
induced him to abandon the siege, and return to Maiden. The 
force under Proctor, including Indians, was probably 3200 men. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. TS 

Harrison's force exclusive of Clay's reinforcement was about 1200, 
and including Clay's brigade about 2500 rank and file fit for duty. 

Colonel Richard M. Johnson, then a member of Congress, had 
early in the spring, raised a regiment of mounted gunmen, who 
now joined General Harrison, and were engaged during the early 
part of the summer in distant, harassing, and fruitless expedi- 
tions against the Indian villages of the north-west. Proctor re- 
mained quiet at Maiden, organizing an Indian force for a second 
invasion of Ohio. Hai'rison remained at Upper Sandusky, busily 
engaged in preparing for decisive operations in the fall. 

The secretary had now practically learned the importance of 
commanding lake Erie. Lieutenant Perry of the navy, had been 
detached, from the squadron under command of Chauncey on 
lake Ontario, to superintend the equipment of a fleet on lake 
Erie, and take the command of it when ready for service. The 
plan of the present campaign, was sensible and military. It 
w^as simply to obtain command of the lake, and by means of 
a cheap and rapid water communication, to pour a superior force 
upon Upper Canada, and finish the war in the north-west by a 
single blow. All depended upon the result of the naval battle, 
to be fought with ships, which in June, existed in the shape of 
green timber growing upon the shore of lake Erie. Money 
however was lavishly, and now wisely expended, and under the 
active exertions of Perry, two brigs of twenty guns each, and 
seven smaller vessels, by the middle of summer began to assume 
the appearance of a fleet. All difficulties both of building and 
launching, were successfully overcome, and by the close of sum- 
mer, Perry was ready to engage the enemy. 

In the meantime Harrison had called upon the veteran Shelby, 
for a force not exceeding two thousand infantry. The governor 
instantly issued a proclamation, inviting volunteers to meet him 
at Newport, and announcing that he would lead them in person 
against the enemy. Four thousand mounted volunteers res- 
ponded to the call, who after some hesitation were accepted by 
Harrison, and proceeded without delay to the scene of operations. 

In the meantime a second feeble and abortive effort was made 
by Proctor to take camp Meigs, which failed disgracefully, after 
vast expense had been incurred in collecting stores and Indian 
auxiliaries, and the result of which displayed that imbecility 
had passed over to the enemy, and that energy and wisdom were 
beginning to prevail in the American conduct of affairs. Having 
failed to make any impression upon camp Meigs, Proctor at- 
tempted to carry fort Stephenson, a small picketed stockade, gar- 
risoned by Colonel Croghan of Kentucky with one hundred and 
fifty men, and so totally indefensible that Harrison had ordered 
Croghan to evacuate it, and rejoin the main army. It was com- 
pletely invested, however, before these orders could be obeyed, 
and successfully resisted the attack of fifteen hundred men. Only 
one assault was attempted, which was bravely repulsed with a 
slaughter which induced Proctor hastily to decamp and return to 



76 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

Maiden, after one of the feeblest and most disgraceful expedi- 
tions, which has ever disgraced the British arms. 

The crisis of the campaign had now arrived, and on the morn- 
ing of the 10th of September, the flotilla of lieutenant Perry en- 
gaged the British fleet under captain Barclay, a British officer 
of great experience, who had fought under Nelson at Trafalgar. 
The number of men in the respective squadrons was nearly equal; 
the British vessels carried sixty-three guns, and the American 
fift3^-four; the British had six vessels, and the American nine. But 
seven of the American vessels were mere gun boats, carrying 
most of them only one gun, and none of them more than three, 
while the remaining two, named the Lawrence and Niagara, 
carried tM'^enty guns each. A great proportion of the British 
armament consisted of long guns, while the two American brigs 
were armed almost exclusively with carronades. If the British 
official report is to be trusted, however, the weight of metal in a 
close action w^ould be immensely in favor of the American fleet, 
as most of their guns were thirty-tw^o and twenty-four pounders, 
while the great majority of the British guns, were nine, six 
and four pounders, and only a few as high as twenty-four and 
eighteen. A detachment of one hundred and fifty of the Ken- 
tuckj?^ volunteers served on board of Perry's fleet as marines, and 
upon this new element acquitted themselves with the greatest 
bravery. 

The action began between eleven and twelve o'clock, with 
scarcely a breath of air to stir the bosom of the lake. Perry in 
the LawTence, accompanied by two of the small vessels, bore 
down upon the enemy, but was not closely followed by lieuten- 
ant Elliot in the Niagara, and the rest of the small vessels. For 
two hom*s Perry remained exposed to the fire of the whole Brit- 
ish fleet, by which his vessel was cut to pieces, and three-fourths 
of his crew killed and wounded. Elliot during this time M'^as 
never within less than half a mile of the enemy, and the residue 
of the fleet was not nearer than a mile and a half, save the two 
small vessels which accompanied him. By two o'clock Perry's 
vessel was totally disabled, but the rest of his fleet was but little 
injured. The lake was so smooth, that the distant gun boats, 
from their long twenty-four and thirty-two pounders, threw their 
shot with great precision, and had made themselves felt in the 
action; but Elliot's brig, which formed so essential a part of the 
force, and which was armed almost exclusively with carronades, 
had as yet annoyed the enemy but little, and had fought princi- 
pally with two twelve pounders, the only long guns she had. At 
two o'clock. Perry left the Lawrence under command of her lieu- 
tenant, and in an open boat, rowed to the Niagara. Upon 
Perry's expressing dissatisfaction at the manner in which the 
gun boats were managed, Elliot volunteered to bring them up. 
He left the Niagara in a boat for that purpose, and passed swiftly 
down the line, ordering them to cease firing, and by the combined 
use of their sweeps and sails, to press forward into close action. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. ^ 77 

Instantly a new impulse was given to the whole line. The 
well known signal for close action, was now seen flying from the 
Niagara, and after a delay of fifteen minutes, to enable the gun 
boats to come up. Perry bore down upon the British line, passed 
through it, and delivered a raking fire of grape and cannister, 
from both broadsides, at half pistol shot distance. The dreadful 
cries from the Queen Charlotte and Lady Prevost, which followed 
this close and murderous discharge, announced the fatal accuracy 
with which it had been delivered. The gun boats were now 
within pistol shot, and a tremendous cannonade, accompanied by 
the shrill clear notes of many bugles from the English vessels, 
announced that they expected to be boarded, and M'ere summon- 
ing their boarders to repel the anticipated assault. No boarding, 
however, was attempted. The superior weight of the American 
mettle, was now telling, in close fight, when the full power of 
their carronades was felt, and in fifteen minutes the enemy sur- 
rendered, with the exception of two of their smallest vessels, 
which attempted to escape. The attempt proved fruitless, and 
the whole fleet of the enemy became the prize of the captors. 
When the smoke cleared away, so that the hostile fleets could 
be distinctly seen, they were found intermingled, within half pis- 
tol shot. The signal for close action was still flying from the 
mast head of the American commodore, and the small vessels 
were still sternly wearing their answering flag of intelligence 
and obedience. The loss on both sides, owing to the dreadful 
slaughter on board the Lawrence, was nearly equal. The Ameri- 
can loss was twenty-seven killed and ninety-six wounded, con- 
siderably more than half of which was sustained by the crew of 
the Lawrence. 

This victory, never surpassed in splendor, however it may have 
been in magnitude, was decisive of the fate of the campaign. 
It gave to Harrison the complete command of the lake, and the 
power of throwing an overwhelming force into the rear of 
Proctor, if' he should attempt to maintain his position at Detroit 
and Maiden. Such, however, was by no means his intention. 
No sooner did he learn that Harrison, at the head of a small 
regular force, and the powerful reinforcement of Kentuckians 
under Shelby, was crossing the lake, and about to operate upon 
his rear, than he abandoned his position with great precipitation, 
and commenced a rapid retreat, in the first stages of which he 
was deserted by more than one half of his Indian auxiliaries. 
The gallant Tecumseh, at the head of more than a thousand war- 
riors, however, remained faithful in adversity, and accompanied 
him, as is believed under a promise that the first favorable 
ground should be selected for a battle. No time was lost in avail- 
ing himself of his complete command of the lake. The horses 
of the Kentuckians were left upon the American shore, under a 
guard reluctantly draughted for that indispensable but inglorious 
service, and enclosed within an ample grazing ground, while 
their comrades were joyfully wafted to the hostile shore, where 



78 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

they debarked on the 27th of September. Proctor had retreated 
on the 24th of the same month. 

After detaching General McArthurto resume po.?session of De- 
troit, which had now been under British dominion for thirteen 
months, General Harrison, at the head of the Kentucky infantry, 
about one hundred and twenty regulars, and Colonel Johnson's 
regiment of mounted gunmen, commenced pursuit of Proctor. 
He came up with him on the 5th of October, upon the banks of 
the Thames, near the old Moravian village, Avhere a decisive bat- 
tle was fought. The ground occupied by the British, was the 
river bottom, about three hundred yards wide, and thickly set with 
beech trees. Their left rested upon the river and their right upon 
a swamp, which ran parallel to the river, and covered their right 
flank. Beyond this swamp their line was prolonged by their 
Indian allies under Tecumseh. There were probably about five 
hundred British regulars, rank and file, upon the ground, and from 
1000 to 1500 Indians. The force of Harrison, including the hand- 
ful of regulars and friendly Indians, was probably 3500 men. 
The English, however, presented a narrow front, and were well 
secured upon each flank, and the ground was extremely favora- 
ble to their Indian allies. Harrison's line of battle was formed of 
five brigades of Kentucky volunteers, under the generals Trotter, 
King, Chiles, Allen and Caldwell, the three first composing the 
division of ]Major General Henry; the two last commanded by 
Major General Desha. The division of Henry was formed in 
three lines, fronting the British regulars — that of Desha was 
formed at right angles to Henry facing the swamp, from which 
the Indian torrent was expected to burst. The venerable Shelby 
took his station at the point where the lines intersected. Colonel 
Johnson's regiment had originally been intended to turn the flank 
of the Indians, and operate in the rear, as in Wayne's battle, but 
General Harrison was informed by Colonel Wood, of the engi- 
neers, that the British regulars were deployed as skirmishers in 
loose order, and he instantly determined to charge them with 
the mounted gun men. 

Colonel Johnson, finding that the whole of his regiment could 
not act with effect upon the English troops, directed his brother 
to charge the English with one battalion, while he charged the In- 
dians with the other. The charge upon the British was completely 
successful, and the whole regiment threw down their arms and 
surrendered. The charge upon the Indians, from the nature of 
the ground, and the more vigorous resistance, proved unsuccessful. 
The horsemen recoiled in disorder, and dismounting, commenced 
an irregular skirmish with the Indians. Colonel Johnson, who 
had gallantly led a forlorn hope of twenty men, was desperately 
wounded, and borne off" before the close of the action. A vigorous 
fire was kept up by the Indians for a considerable time after the 
English had surrendered, but the fall of the brave Tecumseh, and 
the overwhelming force opposed to them, soon compelled them to 
a flight. Proctor fled early in the engagement, and was pursued 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 79 

for several miles by several American officers — John Chambers 
and Charles S. Todd, aids to General Harrison, together \vith 
majors Wood and Payne. All was vain, however. The victorj' 
was decisive, and closed the hostilities, so long protracted, in the 
north-west. They continued with increasing fury upon the eas- 
tern and southern borders of the Union, but as Kentucky had no 
direct shai-e in the campaign of 1814-15, save in the croMning 
victory at New Orleans, it is inconsistent with the plan of this 
sketch to notice any but the last event. 



CHAPTER V. 

The battle of New Orleans was the most brilliant event of the 
last war. It created a deep sensation at the time, and the vast 
political consequences which have resulted from it, have en- 
graved it deeply and indelibly upon the minds of the American 
people. The overthrow of Napoleon in 181-4, had rendered dis- 
posable a large part of that veteran British force, which had 
marched under AYellington, thi'ough six campaigns of uninter- 
rupted victory, in Spain. New Orleans at that time, contained 
about 17,000 inhabitants, and was then as now, the great empo- 
rium of tlie Mississippi valley, and its possession by a hostile 
force would inflict incalculable evil, upon tlie whole country west 
of the AUeghenies. 

At the close of 1814, a force of from eight to twelve thousand 
veteran and incomparable British troops, was placed under the 
command of Sir Edward Packenham, the brotlier-in-law of Wel- 
lington, and an officer who in a subordinate station, had brilliantly 
distinguished himself at the battle of Salamanca. His orders 
Avere to seize and hold New Orleans, and in pursuance of that 
object he eliected a landing at the mouth of the Mississippi on the 
22d of December, after destroying a flotilla of six gun boats, which 
attempted to prevent the disembarkation of this might)' armament. 
Such was the principal maritime force, which the American gov- 
ernment had prepared to resist this invasion. The land forces 
Avere upon a similai- beggarly scale. General Andrew Jackson, 
of Tennessee, since so celebrated throughout the civilized world, 
was the American commander-in-chief, and when the Aanguard 
of the British force encamped a few miles below the city, he had 
only two regiments of regular troops, amounting to less than 
seven hundred men, and about 3000 citizens, without discipline, 
and poorly provided with arms, to meet the bronzed veterans of 
tlie Peninsula. A division of Kentucky militia was descending 
the Mississippi, under General Thomas, to aid in the defence, but 
had not yet arrived, and when it did come, was almost entirely 



80 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

without arms or ammunition, nor were there any adequate maga- 
zines in the city, from wliich they couhi be supplied. Several 
boat loads of arms and munitions of war had been shipped at 
Pittsburgh, and were then struggling through the shoals of the 
Ohio; but when they might be expected to arrive, if ever, was 
matter of conjecture. Such was the preparation for defence. 

In the meantime their formidable enemy was upon them, 
within two hours' march of the city, which was entirely unforti- 
fied, and filled with consternation. On the very night of their 
landing, Jackson promptly marched to meet them. The British 
force present under arms was about 4500 men. The force with 
which Jackson made the attack was about 2500, having left one 
brigade of Tennessee militia under General Carroll, and a corps 
of Louisiana militia under Governor Claiborne in the rear, to 
guard against any attempt which might be made by the residue 
of the British force. The American schooner Caroline, com- 
manded by Lieutenant Henly, of the navy, was ordered to drop 
down the river until abreast of the British camp, and co-operate 
with the land forces in the attack. The British troops Avere en- 
camped upon the very verge of the river, which was high at the 
time, and only prevented by the levee from overflowing the en- 
campment. The Caroline floated slowly down the river, and at- 
tracted no notice from the enemy, who had no suspicion of her 
character. When abreast of the encampment, wdiich was lit up by 
numerous fires, the Caroline dropped her anchor and brought her 
broadside to bear. The enemy in crowded masses, were before 
her, their blood-red uniforms, and gilded accoutrements, glaring 
in the light of an hundred fires. Her guns loaded with grape 
and musket balls, were discharged within half range, upon this 
dense mass, with fatal accuracy. The enemy was completely 
surprised by this attack, and great confusion ensued. The Caro- 
line poured in repeated broadsides, in rapid succession, which 
was answered by vollies of musketry, quickly followed by show- 
ers of Congreve rockets, one of which exploded directly over her 
deck. A portion of the British force sought shelter behind the 
levee, while the residue were withdrawn from the bank, and the 
fires completely extinguished. A dense fog now settled over the 
river and encampment, which added to the darkness of the night. 

For some time the silence was broken only by the regular broad- 
sides of the schooner, and the equally regular discharges of the 
mortar battery. But other sights and sounds quickly followed. 
A tremendous roar of musketry, was soon heard, about one half 
mile back from the river, and the horizon in that direction was 
lit up for a mile in extent by a stream of fire. Scarcely had this 
occurred, when another burst of musketry, intermingled with the 
sharper reports of rifles, in irregular but heavy vollies, upon the 
very verge of the river, and above the late encampment, an- 
nounced to the British commander that Jackson was upon him 
in two divisions, and that in the murky mist, where the fight was 
waged, discipline must yield to native daring. The British 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 81 

troops, accustomed to the regular battles, and splendid evolutions 
of the Peninsula, were entirely out of their element in this wild- 
cat fight, in the mud and darkness, of the Mississippi. They 
were ignorant of the number of their enemies, and totally igno- 
rant of the ground. Great confusion on both sides ensued. The 
American troops occasionally fired upon each other, and the 
British did the same. An English ofiicer who was present des- 
cribes it as a desperate and bloody struggle in the dark, where 
wounds were given by swords, knives, bayonets, butts of guns, 
musket and rifle balls in profusion, amidst shouts, cries, and 
curses, which might have awakened the dead. 

After a vehement struggle of two hours, the parties separated 
as if by mutual consent, and sullenly retired to their respective 
camps. The British remained under arms until daylight, 
not knowing when or from what quarter the attack might be 
renewed, and during the long winter night, the silence was 
broken only by the cries of the miserable wounded, who were 
left in their blood, as they had fallen, over the whole theatre of the 
battle. The American loss, in killed, wounded and prisoners, was 
two hundred and thirteen. The English loss was nearly five 
hundred. The force present on the field, under Jackson, in this 
battle, was composed of Coffee's brigade of Tennesseeans, the 
seventh and forty-fourth regiments of regulars, a company of 
riflemen, a company of marines, two battalions of city volunteers, 
and a regiment of Mississippi volunteer dragoons, who were not 
actually engaged. Upon retiring from the British camp, Jackson 
instantly ordered up Carroll's brigade of Tennesseeans, directing 
Governor Claiborne alone to hold the position in the rear, intend- 
ing with this reinforcement to renew the attack. Carroll promptly 
obeyed the order, and in one hour after midnight was upon the 
ground ready for action. 

Jackson in the meantime had ascertained the force of the 
enemy from the prisoners taken in the battle, and further learned 
that they would be reinforced in the morning by two additional 
regiments. He declined renewing the attack, therefore; and 
withdrawing his force from the immediate vicinity of the enemy, 
he formed them behind a shalloAv ditch, which crossed the bottom 
at right angles to the river, connecting the river with a swamp. 
The bottom was rather more than one thousand yards broad. 
The earth had been thrown out of the ditch upon the upper side 
and formed a natural, but lovt^ breast work. This was greatly 
strengthened by an additional quantity of earth thrown upon it, 
from the upper side, leaving a shallow trench on the upper side 
of the breastwork, in which the men stood, and which in rainy 
weather, was more than ankle deep in mud and water. The ditch 
was extended some distance into the swamp, which was nearly 
impassable beyond it. Cofiee's brigade had charge of the flank 
resting upon the swamp. Carroll's brigade and the regulars 
were posted in the centre, and the Louisiana militia had charge 
of the river quarter. The troops were incessantly employed in 
6 



82 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

strengthening the lines, and the arrival of the Kentucky militia 
was anxiously expected. 

On the morning after the night skirmish, Sir Edward Packen- 
ham, with two more regiments of the British force arrived, and 
no good reason can be given for his tardiness and delay in 
availing himself of his overpowering superiority. He certainly 
had from five to seven thousand men present under arms, and it 
is equally certain that General Jackson had not much more than 
half that number, fit for duty. When Jackson retired behind the 
ditch, then oftering no serious defence, there was nothing to pre- 
vent Packenham's advancing upon him. Kentucky had not then 
appeared, and the British were in full force, save two regiments 
which had not yet come up. Napoleon would have seized the 
golden opportunity, and would have pressed the retiring militia 
so closely as to have given no leisure for that formidable breast- 
work, against which courage -and discipline toiled in vain. 

No movement of consequence was made by the British from 
the 24th to the 28th of December, which precious interval was 
improved by Jackson in incessant labor upon his works, and in 
the most active exertions to procure arms from the city and 
neighborhood, and have them prepared by workmen, who were 
employed day and night, in fitting them for service. The right 
bank of the river also engaged Jackson's attention, which was 
completely open to the British, and as they had destroyed the 
schooner Caroline with hot shot, they had complete command of 
the river below. Jackson threw up some hasty works on the 
right bank, and manned them with a few hundred militia, badly 
armed; but there was nothing on the right bank capable of even 
delaying Packenham's march, so late as the 8th of January. 

On the 28th, after the loss of four days,Packenham moved for- 
ward, with a heavy mass against the front of the American lines, 
while a smaller column under Lieutenant Colonel Rennie, a gal- 
lant Scotch ofiicer, attempted to turn the left of the line, where it 
rested upon the swamp. The demonsti'ation in front under 
Packenham was repulsed by a converging fii-e of artillery from 
the whole line, for Jackson had availed himself of the ample 
time given him by the enemy, to mount some heaxy guns taken 
from ships, along his line, and they were worked by the officers 
and seamen of the Caroline, with a skill and accm-acy that told 
fearfully upon the advancing column. The demonstration of 
Rennie upon the left flank, if made with a large force and pro- 
perly supported, would probably have been successful. He found 
the swamp passable, although with difficulty, and succeeded in 
turning the left of the line. He was there met by a portion of 
Coffee's brigade, with whom he skirmished, until he was recalled 
by Packenham. 

This demonstration called Jackson's attention more particu- 
larly to his left. The breastwork was extended farther into the 
swamp, and platforms were constructed in the water, upon which 
the men could stand, and by which they could readily pass to the 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 83 

extremity of the line. Baffled in this tardy and feeble effort to 
advance, Packenham then commenced regular approaches, as 
if he were attacking a Spanish town strongly fortified, and after 
several days' labor, opened a battery of heavy artillery against 
the earthen breastwork. His guns were ineffectual, however, and 
were quickly dismounted by the American artillery. It seems 
then suddenly to have occurred to Packenham, that the opposite 
bank of the river afforded a passage to the city, and was but 
slightly defended, and he instantly determined to employ his 
whole force, in deepening the canal that led from the British 
fleet to the Mississippi, in order to bring up the boats from the 
fleet, and thus command both banks of the river. This proved 
a herculean undertaking, and was not completed until the eve- 
ning of the 6th of January. 

In the meantime a division of Kentucky militia, commanded by 
General Thomas, more than 2000 strong, arrived in camp, and 
two additional regiments of Louisiana militia arrived. The Ken- 
tucky troops could at first, only muster five hundred muskets, 
and the Louisiana reinforcements were miserably armed. But 
the men were hardy and brave, and immense exertions were 
made to arm them, which were partially successful. Even on 
the day of battle, however, there were six hundred men under 
Jackson ready and anxious to fight, who could not procure a 
musket, to defend their country. Never ^vas there a more strik- 
ing contrast between the activity, energy, and inexhaustible re- 
sources of a general, and the imbecility of a government. 

Having now allowed his enemy time to receive all his rein- 
forcements, to entrench himself behind formidable works, to 
manufacture and repair arms for his naked troops, — having first 
directed his enemy's attention to the vulnerable point in his line 
of defence, by a weak demonstration, and then given him ten 
days to strengthen it, Packenham at last determined to attack. 
Having now fifty boats at command, one Avould suppose that he 
would prefer advancing by the right bank, which was unfortified, 
rather than by the left, which bristled with entrenchments. Both 
would lead to within reach of the city^ and by the former rout, 
he would turn those terrible lines, before which he had halted 
seventeen days, and render all Jackson's labor useless. With 
his ample corps of sappers and miners, he might have bridged 
the Mississippi, in the time employed in deepening the canal. 
Even after the boats arrived, twenty-four hours would have trans- 
ported his whole force to the opposite shore. He determined, 
however, to make a demonstration with only 1400 on the right 
bank, and with the residue of his force, to assail the terrible lines 
in front. Orders were given to that effect, on the evening of the 
7th. Colonel Thornton was to cross the river with 1400 men at 
midnight, and assail General Morgan, who commanded on the 
right bank, at day light. At the same time the main body, in 
three columns, on the left bank, was to assail Jackson's line. Pack- 
enham would lead the centre column in person. Lieutenant 



84 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

Colonel Rennie the left column, which was to assault the line 
upon the river ; and Lieutenant Colonel Jones, the right column, 
which was destined to turn the left of the line through the 
swamp, and attack the rear of the centre. 

The preparation in the American lines, was of the most for- 
midable kind. The right of the line resting on the river, was 
strengthened by an advanced redoubt, and that whole quarter 
was defended by the Louisiana militia and the regulars. Car- 
roll's Tennessee brigade and about 1 100 Kentucky militia, formed 
the centre ; and Coffee's brigade of Tennesseeans guarded the left 
flank, extending far into the swamp. General Thomas being 
sick. General Adair commanded the Kentuckians, who formed a 
corps de reserve, and were directed to march to the assailed point, 
and strengthen the line there. It was well understood that an 
attack would be made on the morning of the 8th, and the Ken- 
tucky troops were marched to the lines before day, and halted 
about fifty yards in rear of the centre, until the grand point of 
attack should be disclosed. It was intended that the line should 
have a depth of ten files at the point of attack, so that the 
stream of fire should be incessant. The front rank alone would 
fire, as fast as the nine ranks behind could pass forward their 
loaded muskets, receiving those discharged, in their places. 
When the point of attack had been clearly disclosed, the Ken- 
tucky troops were ordered to close up, with Carroll's brigade of 
Tennesseeans, upon whom it was evident, the storm was about to 
burst. 

Two rockets thrown into the air were the signals to move for- 
w^ard, and the three columns, the veterans of six glorious cam- 
paigns, covered with renown as with a garment, and hitherto 
victorious in every field, rushed against an earthern breastwork, 
defended by men who had hurried from the plough and the work- 
shop, to meet the invaders of their country. The fog lay thick 
and heavy upon the ground, but the measured step of the centre 
column was heard long before it became visible, and the artil- 
lery opened upon them, directed by the sound of the mighty host, 
which bore forward as one man to the assault. At the first burst 
of artillery, the fog slowly lifted, and disclosed the centre column 
advancing in deep silence, but with a swift and steady pace. 

The field was as level as the surface of the calmest lake, and 
the artillery ploughed through the column, from front to rear, 
without for a moment slackening its pace or disordering the 
beautiful precision of its formation. Its head was pointed 
against the centre of the Kentucky and Tennessee line, where 
ten ranks of musketry stood ready to fire as soon as it came 
within one hundred and fifty yards ; the musketry opened along a 
front of four hundred yards, and converged upon the head of the 
column, with destructive effect. There was not a moment's 
pause in the fire. The artillery along the whole line discharged 
showers of grape, the roll of musketry was in one deep unin- 
terrupted thunder, like the roar of an hundred water falls, and 



OUTLINE HISTORY. ^ 

the central breastwork for four hundred yards, was in a bright 
and long continued blaze, which dazzled the eye. Yet still the 
heroic column bore forward, into the very jaws of death, but no 
longer maintained the beautiful accuracy of its formation. The 
head of the column actually reached the ditch, and were there 
killed or taken. The residue paused and seemed bewildered 
for a moment, and then retired in disorder under the same exter- 
minating torrent of fire, which had greeted their advance. Their 
commander Packenham had perished; Generals Gibbs and Keane, 
the next in command, had also fallen. A host of inferior officers 
had shared the same fate, and their organization for the time 
was destroyed. 

General Lambert now succeeded to the command, and rallied 
the column for a second effort. The officers who had survived 
the terrible burst of fire from the lines, were seen busily reform- 
ing the ranks and encouraging the men. In a few minutes all 
ti-aces of disorder disappeared, and again the column moved for- 
ward, with as rapid a step, and proud a front as at first. Again 
the artillery tore its ranks with grape shot, until it came within 
range of small arms, when the same uninterrupted thunder of 
musketry ensued. The column did not again persevere in ad- 
vance with the heroic fortitude which marked the first effort. 
They broke and fled in confusion, before arriving within one 
hundred yards of the lines, and no efforts of their officers could 
induce them again to advance. 

The river column, under Lieutenant-colonel Rennie, advanced 
against the redoubt with a resolution which nothing but death 
could control. The same fatal fire of artillery and musketry en- 
veloped its ranks. But through all it persevered in advance, and 
mounted the walls of the redoubt with loud cheers, compelling 
its defenders to retire to the breastwork. The redoubt was com- 
manded by the breastwork, and the British troops were exposed 
to a destructive fire, which proved fatal to their gallant com- 
mander and most of the inferior officers. They maintained their 
ground, at an enormous loss, until the central column was dis- 
comfited, when they gave way and retired in confusion. 

The column under Colonel Jones had no better success. They 
found the left flank greatly strengthened since the 28th, and ex- 
tending so far into the swamp, that it could not be turned. They 
were greeted with the same deadly fire from (Joffee's brigade, 
which had proved fatal to the other columns, and were with- 
di-awn to the shelter of the wood, about the time that Packen- 
ham's division was repulsed. The battle was over upon the left 
bank, and deep silence succeeded the intolerable roar, which had 
just tortured the senses. Enormous masses of smoke, hovered 
a few feet above the breastwork, and slowly drifted over the 
bloodstained field. Horrid piles of carcasses marked the rout of 
the centre column, which thickened as it approached the lines. 
The hostile ranks were cowering behind a ditch, within half 



86 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

range of the artillery, unwilling to advance or retreat. Upon 
the right bank the battle was still going on. 

Previously to the morning of the 8tli, General Morgan had been 
detached to the opposite bank with about 1000 militia. Some 
slight defences were hastily thrown up, and a shallow ditch 
formed part of the line, easily passable at every point. Before 
day of the 8th, one hundred and eighty Kentucky militia, and a 
regiment of Louisiana militia, were thrown over to reinforce 
Morgan, raising his force to about 1700 men. The position, al- 
though weak in other respects, was well garnished with artilleiy, 
and if occupied by well trained troops, could easily have resisted 
Thornton's attack. As it was, however, the militia gave way, 
and the British veterans drove Morgan's whole force before them. 
Although scarcely a tenth of Morgan's force was composed of 
Kentuckians, and although the Kentuckians formed the strength 
of that central force which repulsed Packenham, yet the flight of 
one hundred and eighty Kentuckians upon the right bank, is con- 
spicuously set forth in General Jackson's ofiicial report, while 
the steady bravery of 1100 men under Adair, upon the left bank, 
is left to be gathered from other sources. 

. The further proceedings before New Orleans, belong to the 
biographer of Jackson, or the historian of the war. But it would 
be improper to dismiss this subject, without some observations 
upon the force of the respective armies. Some American writers 
rate the British force at 14,000, and state Jackson's force at 4000. 
Some British writers estimate Jackson's force at 25,000, and 
sink their own to one-fifth of that number. General Jackson 
states his force at 4698 rank and file, present upon the field. 
Major Pringle, of the British army, states that the field return, on 
the day preceding the battle, shows that the three columns 
which attacked Jackson's lines on the left bank, numbered pre- 
cisely 5493 rank and file. This he admits is exclusive of Thorn- 
ton's force, 1400 rank and file, and also exclusive of the cavalry, 
two squadrons, the artillery, the sappers and miners, the engi- 
neers, etc. Permitting each party to state his own force, and 
taking their accounts as true, it will appear that Jackson had 
4698 rank and file, a portion without arms, and of course not en- 
gaged, while the British had 6893 rank and file, actually em- 
ployed, and the cavalry, the artillery, the sappers and miners, about 
1000 rank and file in all, stood idle. The British certainly had 
nine regiments of grenadiers, one of cavalry, a large body of ma- 
rines, a corps of artillery, a corps of sappers, engineers, etc. 
Two of the regiments, the fifth and ninety-third, are known to 
have exceeded a thousand men; two more, the eighty-fifth and 
ninety-fifth, were less than three hundred strong; while three 
more, the seventh, twenty-first and forty-third, averaged eight 
hundred apiece. It is probable that each party may somewhat 
understate his force, but these statements are the best data for 
forming an opinion. The British loss, by their own account, was 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 8T 

2070, but by the American inspector general, was reported as 
2600. 

Peace had actually been agreed upon at Ghent, several weeks 
before the battle, and was soon afterwards ratified. The war 
opened with disgrace, and terminated with glory. It is impossi- 
ble to regard the military operations of Jackson before New Or- 
leans, without being struck with the extraordinary firmness, 
vigor, prudence and activity, displayed upon the one side; and the 
singular tardiness, and absence of the higher military qualities, 
conspicuous in all Packenham's movements. Every moment of 
time was precious to Jackson, and was improved by him, with 
that activity, and energy, which is the precursor of success. On the 
morning of the 24th December, Packenham was within two hours' 
march of the city, and three-fourths of his whole force was 
present under arms. Jackson was before him, with a gi'eatly infe- 
rior force, and on that day retired behind the shallow ditch, which 
he afterwards made impregnable by sixteen days' labor. Why 
did not Packenham follow him closely ? He ivaited four days, 
until joined by the residue of his force, and then advanced. During 
these four days, the shallow ditch had been deepened, the earthen 
pile had been trebled in height and thickness, and heavy cannon 
had been procured from the shipping and mounted upon the 
works. Yet still the breastwork could have been turned on its 
right, as Rennie's demonstration showed. Ten more days, how- 
ever, were given to make every thing impregnable, and to re- 
ceive large reinforcements from Kentucky and Louisiana. The 
British bravery and discipline certainly shown out with a bril- 
liant splendor, which was never surpassed on their proudest 
fields. But we look in vain for the mind of a commander. 



CHAPTER VI. 



After the close of the war, the civil history of Kentucky is 
memorable by the dreadful monetary derangement, which led to 
the passage of the relief laws, and gave rise to the most embit- 
tered and violent conflict of parties, which has ever occurred in 
Kentucky. 

In 1816, George Madison was elected governor, and Gabriel 
Slaughter lieutenant governor. Madison died a few months after 
his election, and the question agitated Kentucky, whether the 
lieutenant governor became governor during the four years, or 
whether a new election could be ordered by the legislature. The 
question was settled after an animated conflict, against the 



88 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

power of the legislature to order a new election, and Slaughter 
became governor until 1820. 

In the meantime the financial affairs of the civilized world 
were in a painful state of disorder. The long wars of the 
French revolution had banished gold and silver from circulation 
as money, and had substituted an inflated paper currency, by 
which nominal prices were immensely enhanced. At the return of 
peace, a restoration of specie payments, and the return of Europe 
to industrial pursuits, caused a great fall in the nominal value of 
commodities, accompanied by bankruptcy upon an enormous 
scale. In Kentucky the violence of this crisis was enhanced by 
the charter of forty independent banks, with an aggregate capi- 
tal of nearly ten miUion of dollars, which were by law permitted 
to redeem their notes with the paper of the bank of Kentucky, 
instead of specie. 

These banks were chartered at the session of 1817-18. The 
bank of Kentucky had then resumed specie payments, and was 
in gpod credit. In the summer of 1818, the state was flooded 
with the paper of these banks. Their managers were generally 
without experience or knowledge of finance, and in some in- 
stances, destitute of common honesty. The consequences were 
such as might have been anticipated. Speculation sprung up in 
all directions. Large loans were rashly made and as rashly ex- 
pended. Most of these bubbles exploded within a year, and few 
were alive at the end of two years. In the meantime the pres- 
sure of debt became terrible, and the power to replevy judg- 
ments was extended by the legislature from three to twelve 
months by an act passed at the session of 1819-20. During the 
summer of 1820, the cry for further relief became overwhelming, 
and vast majorities of both houses, were pledged to some measure 
which should relieve the debtor from the consequences of his 
rashness. The reign of political quackery was in its glory. The 
sufferings of the patient were too acute, to permit him to listen to 
the regular physician who prescribed time, industry and economy, as 
the only honest and just remedy. He turned eagerly to the 
quacks, who promised him instantaneous relief, by infallible 
nostrums and specifics, io?'//wm^ pain — ivit/wut self-denial, and without 
paying the penalty ivhich nature always imposes, upon any gross viola- 
tion of her laws. 

General Adair had been elected governor of Kentucky in 1820, 
and heartily concurred with the legislature in the acts passed at 
the ensuing session. The great cry of the people was for money, 
and their heaviest complaint was debt. Therefore, the legisla- 
ture of 1820—21, chartered the bank called the Bank of the Com- 
monwealth, which was relieved from all danger of suspension, 
by not being required even to redeem its notes in specie. Its 
paper was made payable and receivable in the public debts and 
taxes, and certain lands owned by the state, south of Tennessee 
river, were pledged for the final redemption of its notes. Its 
business was to pour out paper in profusion, in order to make 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 89 

money plenty. But how was debt to be relieved ? Easily. The 
creditor was required to receive this bank paper in payment of 
his debt, and if he refused to do so, the debtor was authorized to 
replevy the debt for the space of two years. 

But these were not the only acts of this mad session. They 
had already one bank, the old Bank of Kentucky, then in good 
credit, its paper redeemable in specie, and its stock at par or 
nearly so. By the terms of its charter, the legislature had the 
power of electing a number of directors, which gave the control 
of the board. This power was eagerly exercised during this 
winter. An experienced conservative president and board were 
turned out by the legislature, and a president and board elected 
who stood pledged before their election, to receive the paper of 
the Bank of the Commonwealth, in payment of the debts due the 
Bank of Kentucky. This was no doubt intended to buoy up 
their darling bank, and sustain the credit of its paper. But the 
effect was instantly to strike down the value of the stock of the 
Bank of Kentucky to one half its nominal value, and to entail 
upon it an eternal suspension of specie payments. 

The paper of the new bank sunk rapidly to one half its nomi- 
nal value, and the creditor had his choice of two evils. One 
was to receive one half his debt in payment of the whole, and 
the other was to receive nothing at all for two years, and at the 
end of that time, to do the best he could, — running the risk of 
new delays at the end- of that time, and of the bankruptcy of his 
securities. Great was the indignation of the creditor, at this 
wholesale confiscation of his property, and society rapidly ar- 
ranged itself into two parties, called relief and anti -relief. With 
the first party, were the great mass of debtors, and some brilliant 
members of the bar, such as John Rowan, William T. Barry and 
Solomon P. Sharpe. A great majority of the voting population 
swelled its ranks, and it was countenanced by the governor, and 
furnished with plausible arguments by the eminent lawyers al- 
ready named, to whom may be added the name of Bibb. With the 
anti-relief party, were ranged nearly all the mercantile class, a 
vast majority of the bar and bench, and a great majority of the 
better class of farmers. The mass of property and intelligence, 
was drawn up in array, against the mass of numbers, and an 
angry conflict commenced in the newspapers, upon the stump, in 
the taverns and highways, which gradually invaded the most pri- 
vate and domestic circles. Robert Wickliffe, of Fayette, George 
Robertson, since chief justice of Kentucky, then an eminent 
lawyer of Garrard, and Chilton Allen, an eminent lawyer of 
Clark, were early engaged in the conflict, and were regarded as 
leaders of the anti-relief party. 

The question of the power of the legislature to pass the act, 
was raised at an early day, and was quickly brought before the 
circuit courts. Judge Clarke, of Clarke county, boldly decided 
the act unconstitutional, in the first case which came before him, 
and brought upon himself a tempest of indignation, which 



90 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

thoroughly tested the firmness of his character. He was sum- 
moned to appear before a called session of the legislature, which 
was convened in the spring of 1822, and violent efforts were made 
to intimidate, or remove him by address. The gallant judge de- 
fended his opinion with calm reason, and invincible firmness, 
and partly from a want of a constitutional majority, partly per- 
haps from the suggestion, that the legislature should await the 
decision of the supreme court of Kentucky upon the subject, the 
legislative storm blew over, leaving the judge as it found him. 
He adhered steadily to his decision, and was quickly supported 
by Judge Blair of Fayette, in an opinion replete with learning, 
temper and eloquence. Great was the indignation of the party 
at this refractory spirit displayed by the inferior judiciary. 

But all awaited the decision of the supreme court. That high 
tribunal was then occupied by John Boyle, chief justice, and Wil- 
liam Owsley and Benjamin Mills, associate judges. These gen- 
tlemen had passed the meridian of life, and had been drilled for 
a long series of years, to the patient and abstract severity of 
judicial investigation. In simplicity and purity of character, in 
profound legal knowledge, and in Roman -like firmness of pur- 
pose, the old court of appeals of Kentucky have seldom been sur- 
passed. The question came directly before them in the case of 
Lapsley vs. Brashear, at the fall term 1823, and their decision 
was awaited, with intense anxiety by all parties. Terrible de- 
nunciations of popular vengeance in advance, if they dared to 
thwart the will of a vast majority of the people, were intended 
to warp their judgments or operate upon their fears. They had 
maintained an unbroken silence until called upon to act, but 
when the case came directly before them, the judges delivered 
their opinion, sa-iathn, and at length, and calmly concurred with 
their brethren of the circuit court, that the act of the legislature 
was in violation of the constitution of the United States, and 
totally void. The clause of the constitution with which the act 
conflicted, was thsft vi^hich prohibited the states from passing any 
law impairing the obligation of contracts. In the article on the 
court of appeals, in the following pages, a concise summary of 
the reasoning of the court is given. 

The opinion created an immense sensation in the State, and 
the conflict of parties was renewed with redoubled fury. Clark 
and Blair were completely forgotten, and the great popular party 
of Kentucky, prepared to sweep from their path, and make an 
example to future ages of the three calm and recluse students, 
who had dared to set up reason against rage, and the majesty of 
truth and law, against the popular will. The great majority, had 
been accustomed to make and to unmake, to set up and to pull 
down at its sovereign will and pleasure. Presidents, governor, 
senators, representatives, had long been the creatures of its 
power, and the flatterers of its caprice. James the first had not 
a more exalted notion of his divine prerogative than the great 
majority had of its undoubted right to govern. The power of the 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 91 

judiciary had heretofore been so unobtrusive, that its vast extent 
and importance had escaped attention, and the masses were 
startled to find that three plain citizens, could permanently ar- 
rest the action, and thwart the wishes of that majority, before 
which presidents, governors and congresses, bowed with implicit 
submission. Many good honest citizens looked upon it, as mon- 
strous, unnatural, unheard of in a republican government. It 
shocked all the notions of liberty and democracy which had 
grown with their grov^^th, and violently wounded that sense of 
importance allied to arrogance, which always attends a long exer- 
cise of unresisted power. 

The judiciary, by the constitution, held their offices during good 
behavior. Nothing less than two-thirds of both houses could 
remove them. Could they hope to obtain tliis majority? The 
canvass of 1824, was conducted with the hope of obtaining this 
result. General Joseph Desha was the candidate of the relief 
party for the office of governor, and canvassed the state with 
that energy and partizan vehemence, for which he was remark- 
able. He was elected by an overwhelming majority. A vast 
majority of both houses were of the relief party. The governor 
and the legislature met in December, with passions heated by the 
fierce canvass through which they had passed, and the unspar- 
ing wounds which they had received from their enemies. The 
sword was fairly drawn, and the scabbard had been thrown away 
by both parties. So exasperated were the passions, that the mi- 
nority was as little disposed to ask quarter, as the majority was 
to give it. The three judges were summoned before the legisla- 
tive bar, and calmly assigned reasons at length, for their deci- 
sion. These reasons were replied to, with great speciousness and 
subtlety ; for the great talents of Rowan, Bibb and Barry, were 
at the command of the relief party, and their manifestos were 
skillfully drawn. A vote was at length taken, and the constitu- 
tional majority of two-thirds could not be obtained. The mi- 
nority exulted in the victory of the judges. 

But their adversaries were too much inflamed to be diverted 
from their purpose, by ordinary impediments. The edict of 
" Dclenda est CartJiago^'' had gone forth, and the party rapidly 
recovering from their first defeat, renewed the assault in a formi- 
dable direction, which had not been foreseen, and when success 
was clearly within their reach. The majority could not remove 
the judges by impeachment or address, because their majority 
although large, was not two-thirds of each house. But they 
could repeal the act by which the court of appeals had been or- 
ganized, and could pass an act organizing the court anew. The 
judges would follow the court as in the case of the district court 
and court of quarter sessions, and a bare majority would suffice 
to pass this act. A bill to this efiect was drawn up, and debated 
with intense excitement, dming three days, and three protracted 
night sessions. Wicklifie, denounced the party, with fierce and 
passionate invective, as trampling upon the constitution, deli- 



92 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

berately, knowingly and wickedly. Rowan replied with cold and 
stately subtlety, perplexing when he could not convince, and sedu- 
lously confounding the present act, with the repeal of the dis- 
trict court and with the action of Congress, in repealing the 
federal circuit court sj^stem, and displacing its judges by a bare 
majority. On the last night, the debate was protracted until 
past midnight. The galleries were crowded with spectators as 
strongly excited as the members. The governor and lieutenant 
governor M'Afee were present upon the floor, and mingled with 
the members. Both displayed intense excitement, and the gov- 
ernor was heard to urge the calling of the previous question. 
Great disorder prevailed, and an occasional clap and hiss, was 
heard in the galleries. The bill was passed by a large majority 
in the house of representatives, and by a nearly equal majority 
in the senate. 

No time was lost in organizing the new court, which consisted 
of four judges. William T. Barry was chief justice, and John 
Trimble, James Haggin and Reginald Davidge, were associate 
justices. Francis P. Blair was appointed clerk, and took forci- 
ble possession of the records of Achilles Sneed, the old clerk. 
The old court in the meantime, denied the constitutionality of 
the act, and still continued to sit as a court of appeals, and de- 
cide such causes as were brought before them. A great majority 
of the bar of Kentucky recognized them as the true court, and 
brought their causes by appeal before their tribunal. A great 
majority of the circuit judges, obeyed their mandates, as impli- 
citly as if no reorganizing act had passed. A certain propor- 
tion of cases, however, were taken up to the new court, and some 
of the circuit judges obeyed their mandates exclusively, refusing 
to recognize the old court. A few judges obeyed both, declining 
to decide which was the true court. 

This judicial anarchy could not possibly endure. The people 
as the final arbiter was again appealed to by both parties, and 
the names of relief and anti-relief became merged in the title of 
old court and new court. Great activity was exerted in the can- 
vass of 1825, and never were the passions of the people more 
violently excited. The result was the triumph of the old court 
party by a large majority in the popular branch of the legisla- 
ture, while the senate still remained attached to the new court; 
the new popular impulse not having had time to remould it. 

In consequence of this difference between the political com- 
plexion of the two houses, the reorganizing act still remained 
unrepealed, and the canvass of 1826, saw both parties again ar- 
rayed in a final struggle for the command of the senate. The 
old court party again triumphed, and at the ensuing session of 
the legislature the obnoxious act was repealed, the opinion of 
the governor to the contrary notwithstanding, and the three old 
judges re-established, de facto as well as de jure. Their salaries 
were voted to them, during the period of their forcible and ille- 
gal removal, and all the acts of the new court have ever been 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 93' 

treated as a nullity. This is one of the most signal triumphs of 
law and order over the fleeting passions, which for a time over- 
come the reason of the most sober people, which is recorded in 
the annals of a free people. It is honorable to the good sense of 
the people of Kentucky, and strikingly displays their inherent at- 
tachment to sober and rational liberty. 

The new court party acquiesced in the decision of the people, 
and abandoning state politics, they strove to forget their defeat in 
a new issue of a national character, in which the state became 
as deeply excited in the year 1827, as it had been in its domestic 
policy. Adams had been elected president in 1824, by the vote 
of Mr. Clay, and by his influence in the house of representatives 
over the delegates from Kentucky and Missouri. Jackson had 
been his strongest competitor, and was personally more popular 
in the west than Adams. Mr. Clay received the appointment of 
secretary of state from Adams, and of course became identified 
with his administration. The ancient dislike to New England, 
was still strong in Kentucky, and the new court party in mass 
threw themselves into the opposition to Adams' administration, 
and boldly denounced Mr. Clay as an apostate from the ancient 
republican party, although Mr. Adams for nearly twenty years 
had been a member of that party, and had formed a distinguished 
part of president Monroe's administration. 

The great mass of the old court party, warmly and passion- 
ately sustained Clay in his vote, and adhered to the administra- 
tion of which he formed the life and soul. The old issues in 
1827 were completely forgotten, and national politics were dis- 
cussed with an ardor unknown in Kentucky since the war fever 
of 1812. It quickly became obvious that in this new issue, the old 
court party were losing their preponderance in the state. The 
unpopular name of Adams told heavily against them, and the 
sword of Jackson and the glory of New Orleans, were thrown 
into the scale. 

Both parties prepared for the gi-eat contest of 1828 in Ken- 
tucky, with intense interest. Their gubernatorial election came 
off" in August, and the old court party, which had now assumed 
the name of "National Republican," selected General Thomas 
Metcalfe as their candidate for governor, while the opposite party 
adopted the popular name of " Democratic Republicans," selected 
"William T. Barry, the late chief justice of the new court, as their 
candidate. Metcalfe had commenced life as a stone mason, and 
by the energy of his character, had risen to honor and distinction. 
He had been a representative in congress for nearly ten years, 
and was possessed of great personal popularity. After an active 
canvass Metcalfe was elected by a small majority, but the oppo- 
site party carried their lieutenant governor and a majority of the 
legislature, and it was obvious that they had a majority of the 
votes in their ranks. 

At the November election Jackson carried the state by a 
majority of eight thousand, and Adams was beaten in the United 



94 / OUTLINE HISTORY. 

Stntrs by an ovenvholiiiing voto. Allhou<::li Clay w.i^ not ilirectly 
involved in this issue, yet the weight ot" the popular verdict fell 
heavily upon him. The party that had supported Adams in the 
United States instantly rallied upon Clay, and organized for 
another struggle in 183'2. against Jackson, who would certainly bo 
a CMudidate for r(^-election. With Clay directly before the people, 
the "National Republican" party in Kentucky, felt confichMit of 
regaining their ascendency in the State. His brilliant eloquence, 
his courage, his energy of character, his indomitable sjiirit, 
made hiu\ a (it competitor for Jackson, who possessed some of the 
same qualities in an equal degree. During the conllicts of 18'39 
and IS.'^O, the Jackson supremacy was maiutained in the legisla- 
ture, and in the delegates to Congress, but in the fall of 1831, the 
"Clay party"' as it was called by many, obtained a majority in 
the legislature, and this was strikingly made man i test to the 
Union by the election of Clay to the senate of the United States. 
A majority of the congressional delegation, however, were still of 
the " Democratic" or Jackson party, and it was uncertain which 
party hail obtained a majority of the popular vote. 

The great contest of lS3'.i came on. Jackson and Clay were 
competitors for the presidency, and Kentucky had to choose a 
successor to ]\Ietcalte in the gubernatorial chair. Judge Bucktier 
was the candidate selected by the "Nationals," and Breathitt by 
the '' Democrats" or Jackson party. Great eii'orts were made by 
both parties, and Breathitt was elected by more than one thousand 
votes. Immense rejoicings upon one side, and bitter mortilica- 
tion upon the other, were occasioned by this result. But the 
"Nationals" instantly called a convention, which was nume- 
rously attended, and organized for a decisive struggle in No- 
vember, with a spirit exasperated, but not cowed by their recent 
defeat. The "Democrats" or "Jackson pai-ty" also held a con- 
vention, and it became obvious that the preliminaiy trial of 
strength in August, was only a prelude to the decisive contlict 
which was to come olY in November. The intervening months 
were marked by prodigious activity on both sides, and the excite- 
ment became so engrossing, that all ages and both sexes, were 
drawn into the vortex. The result was a signal and overwhelm- 
ing triumph of tlie "National Republicans." The popular ma- 
jority exceeded seven tJiousand, and the pai'ty which tlien 
triumphed has held uninterrupted possession of political power 
in the State ever since. But although the triumph o{ Clay was 
signal in Kentucky, he was totally defeated by Jackson in the 
general election, and that popular chieftain wa^ re-elected by a 
great majority. 

National politics have almost entirely engrossed the attention 
of Kentucky since the termination of the great relief struggle. 
Her domestic history since 18*27, is so closely interwoven with 
that of the general government, that it would be impossible to 
give a satisfactory view of the subjects which engrossed the at- 
tention of the people, without entering into details forbidden by 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 95 

the plan of an outline sketch like the present. A few events 
belonging exclusively to her domestic history may be briefly 
noticed. 

The fate of the Commonwealth's Bank, and the replevin laws 
connected with it, was sealed by the triumph of the old court 
party. The latter were repealed, and the former was gradually 
extinguished by successive acts of the legislature, which directed 
that its paper should be gradually burned, instead of being re- 
issued. Jn a very few years its paper disappeared from circula- 
tion, and was replaced by the paper of the United States' Bank, 
of which two branches had been established in Kentucky, the 
one at Lexington and the other at Louisville. It was the policy 
of the great Jackson party of the United States to destroy this 
institution entirely, and the re-election of Jackson in 1832, sealed 
its doom. It became obvious to all that its charter would not be 
renewed, and the favorite policy of that party was to establish 
state banks throughout the Union, to supply its place. 

As soon as it became obvious that the charter of the bank of 
the United States would not be renewed, the legislature of Ken- 
tucky, at its sessions of 1833 and 1834, established the Bank of 
Kentucky, the Northern Bank of Kentucky, and the Bank of 
Louisville, the first with a capital of .$5,000,000, the second with 
a capital of .$3,000,000, the third with a capital of $5,000,000. 
The result of this simultaneous and enormous multiplication of 
state banks throughout the United States, consequent upon the 
fall of the National Bank, was vastly to increase the quantity of 

f)aper money afloat, and to stimulate the wildest spirit of specu- 
ation. The nominal prices of all commodities rose with por- 
tentous rapidity, and states, cities and individuals, embarked 
heedlessly and with feverish ardor in schemes of internal im- 
provement, and private speculation, upon the most gigantic scale. 
During the years of 1835 and 1836, the history of one State is 
the history of all. All rushed into tVie market to borrow money, 
and eagerly projected plans of railroads, canals, slack-water navi- 
gation and turnpike roads, far beyond the demands of commerce, 
and in general without making any solid provision for the pay- 
ment of the accruing interest, or reimbursement of the principal. 
This fabric was too baseless and unreal to endure. 

In the spring of 1837, all the banks of Kentucky and of the 
L^nion suspended specie payments. Kentucky was then in the 
midst of a scheme of internal improvement, upon which she was 
spending about ^1,000,000 annually, embracing the construction of 
turnpike roads and the improvement of her rivers, and she was 
eagerly discussing railroad projects upon a princely scale. Her 
citizens were generally involved in private speculations, based 
upon the idea that the present buoyant prices would be perma- 
nent, and both pubhc and private credit had been strained to the 
utmost. 

In this state of things the legislature of 1837 met, and legal- 
ized the suspension of the banks, refusing to compel them to 



/ 



96 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

resume specie payments, and refusing to exact the forfeiture 
of their charters. A general effort was made by banks, govern- 
ment and individuals, to relax the pressure of the crisis, as much 
as possible, and great forbearance and moderation was exercised 
by all parties. The effect was to mitigate the present pressure, 
to delay the day of reckoning, but not to remove the evil. Specie 
disappeared from circulation entirely, and the smaller coin was 
replaced by paper tickets, issued by cities, towns and individuals, 
having a local currency, but worthless beyond the range of their 
immediate neighborhood. The banks in the meantime were con- 
ducted with prudence and ability. They forbore to press their 
debtors severely, but cautiously and gradually lessened their cir- 
culation and increased their specie, until after a suspension of 
rather more than one year, they ventured to resume specie pay- 
ment. This resumption was general throughout the United 
States, and business and speculation again became buoyant. 
The latter part of 1838 and nearly the whole of 1839, witnessed 
an activity in business, and a fleeting prosperity, which some- 
what resembled the feverish ardor of 1835 and 1836. But the 
fatal disease still lurked in the system, and it was the hectic 
flush of an uncured malady, not the ruddy glow of health, 
which deluded the eye of the observer. 

In the autumn of 1839, there was a second general suspension 
of specie payments, with the exception of a few eastern banks. 
It became obvious that the mass of debt could not much longer 
be staved off. Bankruptcies multiplied in every direction. All 
public improvements were suspended; many states were unable 
to pay the interest of their respective debts, and Kentucky was 
compelled to add fifty per cent, to her direct tax, or forfeit her in- 
tegrity. In the latter part of 1841, and in the year 1842, the tem- 
pest so long suspended, burst in full force over Kentucky. The 
dockets of her courts groaned under the enormous load of law- 
suits, and the most frightful sacrifices of property were incurred 
by forced sales under execution. All at once the long forgotten 
cry of relief again arose from thousands of harassed voters, and 
a new project of a Bank of the Commonwealth, like the old one, 
was agitated, with a blind and fierce ardor, which mocked at the 
lessons of experience, and sought present relief at any expense. 

This revival of the ancient relief party, assumed a formidable 
appearance in the elections of 1842, but was encountered in the 
legislature with equal skill and firmness. The specific measures 
of the relief party were rejected, but liberal concessions were 
made to them in other forms, which proved satisfactory to the 
more rational members, and warded off the fury of the tempest 
which at first threatened the most mischievous results. The 
middle term of the circuit courts was abolished. The magis- 
trates were compelled to hold four terms annually, and forbidden 
to give judgment save at their regular terms. The existing banks 
were required to issue more paper, and give certain accommoda- 
tions for a longer time and a regular apportionment. These con- 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 97 

cessions proved satisfactory, and at the expense of vast suffer- 
ing, during the years 1843 and 1844, society gradually assumed a 
more settled and prosperous state. 

In order to preserve a record of the succession of chief magis- 
trates, vi^e may observe that judge James Clark, was elected gov- 
ernor in 1836, Robert P. Letcher in 1840, and judge William 
Owsley in 1844. The first will be recollected as the circuit judge 
who first had the hardihood to pronounce the relief law uncon- 
stitutional. The last was a member of the old court of appeals. 
Their successive election to the first office within the gift of the 
people, was a late and well merited reward for the signal ser- 
vices which they had rendered their country, at a period when 
all the conservative features of the constitution, were tottering 
beneath the fury of a revolutionary tempest. Governor Letcher 
had long occupied a seat in congress, and had inflexibly opposed 
the great Jackson party of the Union in its imperious sway. 

General Harrison was before the people as a presidential can- 
didate, during the years 1836 and 1840, when both Clark and 
Letcher were elected, and was warmly supported by that party 
in Kentucky, which successively bore the name of "Anti-relief," 
"Old Court," "National Republican" and "Whig." When Ows- 
ley was a candidate in 1844, Clay was again before the people 
as a candidate for the presidential chair, and was opposed by 
James K. Polk, of Tennessee, a member of the old Jackson party, 
which had assumed the popular title of " Democratic Republi- 
can." Clay was supported as usual in Kentucky, with intense 
and engrossing ardor, and obtained its electoral vote by a ma- 
jority exceeding nine thousand. He was supported by the whig 
party of the Union, with a warmth of personal devotion, which 
has seldom been witnessed, and was never surpassed in the 
annals of popular government. Parties were so equally 
balanced, that the result was in doubt to the last moment, and 
was finally decided by the state of New York, which out of 
nearly 500,000 votes cast, gave Polk a plurality over Clay of less 
than 6000. 

The great national issue involved in this election, was the an- 
nexation of Texas to the United States. Polk was the champion 
of the party in favor of annexation, and Clay opposed it as tend- 
ing to involve the country in foreign war and internal discord. 
This tendency was vehemently denied by the adversai-ies of 
Clay, and annexation was accomplished by the election of Polk. 
Foreign war has already followed in the train, and internal dis- 
cord seems slowly upheaving its dismal front, among the States 
of the confederacy. 

With the year 1844, we close this sketch. The war with 
Mexico which grew out of the policy then adopted, is still 
raging, and the spirit of indefinite territorial aggrandizement 
which then triumphed, has not yet developed its consequences. 
A brief record of the past is here presented. The daxkening 
7 



98 OUTLINE HISTORY. 

shadows of coming events, present a dim and troubled prospect, 
which we leave to the pencil of the future historian. 



In the foregoing " Outline History," reference has necessarily 
been made and considerable space devoted to the political trans- 
actions that occurred in Kentucky previously to her admission 
into the Union as an independent State. That there were at 
that time two rival parties for popular favor, is obvious from 
what has been already written ; and that their rivalship was char- 
acterized by great and bitter personal animosity, is no less true. 
Angry and fierce contests, and crimination and recrimination 
marked the period, and the temper of the times can be clearly 
discerned from the nature of the charges brought on one side, 
and the manner in which they were repelled by the other. Mr. 
McClung, the writer of the Outline History, has given a summary 
of the facts, as stated by the two historians, Mr. Marshall and 
Mr. Butler, as he understands them, but declines to draw any 
conclusion from them — leaving that to the reader's judgment. 
The principal allegation against the Honorable John Brown, then 
a conspicuous member of Congress, and three times subsequently 
thereto elected a senator in Congress from the State of Kentucky, 
is, that in a letter to Judge Muter, he communicated the substance 
of an interview between himself and Gardoqui in confidence, and 
that he afterwards in a convention held at Danville, maintained 
an ominous silence on the same subject. This seeming secrecy 
and reserve were held to be evidences of a criminal purpose, and 
as such are commented upon with great acrimony by the first 
named historian. 

Since the preparation of the outline history, and after it had 
passed through the hands of the stereotypist, attention has been 
called to the following letter from Mr. Madison, which discloses 
the fact that so far from its being the wish of Mr. Brown to con- 
ceal the interview with Gardoqui, or invest it with mystery, he 
communicated it at the time to Mr. Madison himself, then a mem- 
ber of Congress from Virginia, and known to be one of the pro- 
foundest statesmen and purest patriots in the country ; and that 
whatever of reserve may have appeared in his communications 
or manner to others, was in accordance with the advice of Mr. 
Madison himself. It is due to the truth of history that the letter 
of Mr. Madison should be inserted here. In the opinion of the 
author of this work, it is a triumphant vindication of the motives 
of Mr. Brown, and he believes it will be generally so considered. 

Copy of a letter from James Madison, ex-president of the Uni- 
ted States, to Mann Butler, Esq., (as published in Appendix to 
second edition of Butler's History of Kentucky, page 518.) 

"MoNTPELiER, October 11, 1834. 
"Dkar Sir: I have received your letter of the 21st ult., in which you wish 
to obtain my recollection of what passed between Mr. Brown and me in 1788 on 
the overtures of Gardoqui, ' that if the people of Kentucky would erect them- 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 



99 



selves into an Independent State, and appoint a proper person to negotiate with 
him, he had authority for that purpose, and would enter into an arrangement with 
them for the exportation of their produce to New Orleans.' 

" My recollection, with which reference to my manuscript papers accord, leaves no 
doubt that the overture was communicated to me by Mr. Brown. Nor can I doubt 
that, as stated by him, I expressed the opinion and apprehension that a knowl- 
edge of it in Kentucky, might, in the excitement there, be mischievously employed. 
This view of the subject evidently resulted from the natural and known impa- 
tience of the people on the waters of the Mississippi, for a market for the pro- 
ducts of their exuberant soil ; from the distrust of the Federal policy, produced 
by the project for surrendering the use of that river for a term of years ; and from 
a coincidence of the overture in point of time, with the plan on foot for consoli- 
dating the Union by arming it with new powers, an object, to embarrass and 
defeat which, the dismembering aims of Spain would not fail to make the most 
tempting sacrifices, and to spare no intrigues. 

" I owe it to Mr. Brown, with whom I was in intimate friendship when we 
were associated in public life, to observe, that I always regarded him, whilst 
steadily attentive to the interests of his constituents, as duly impressed with the 
importance of the Union, and anxious for its prosperity. I pray you to accept 
with my respects, my cordial salutations. 

Signed "JAMES MADISON." 

" Mann Butler, Esq." 




SKETCH 



COURT OF APPEALS 



The Constitution of Kentucky — ^like that of the United States, and those, also, 
of all the States of the Anglo-American Union — distributes among three depart- 
ments of organic sovereignty, all the political powers which it recognises and 
establishes. And to effectuate, in practice, the theoretic equilibrium and security 
contemplated by this fundamental partition of civil authority, it not only declares 
that the Legislature shall exercise no other power than such as may be legisla- 
tive — the Judiciary no other than that which is judicial — nor the Executive any 
other than such as shall be executive in its nature; but it also, to a conservative 
extent, secures the relative independence of each of these depositaries of power. 
If courts were permitted to legislate, or the legislature were suffered not only 
to prescribe the rule of right, but to decide on the constitutional validity of its 
own acts, or adjudicate on private rights, no citizen could enjoy political security 
against the ignorance, the passions or the tyranny of a dominant party: And if 
judges were dependent for their offices on the will of a mere legislative majority, 
their timidity and subservience might often add judicial sanction to unconstitu- 
tional enactments, and thereby, instead of guarding the constitution as honest and 
fearless sentinels, they would help the popular majority to become supreme, and 
to rule capriciously, in defiance of all the fundamental prohibitions and guaranties 
of the people's organic law. As the legislature derives its being and authority 
from the constitution, which is necessarily supreme and inviolable, no legislative 
act prohibited by any of its provisions, can be law ,• and, consequently, as it is the 
province of the judiciary, acting as the organ of the judicial function of popular 
sovereignty, to declare and administer the law in every judicial case, it must be 
the duty, as well as privilege, of every court to disregard every legislative viola- 
tion of the constitution, as a nullity, and thus maintain the practical supremacy 
and inviolability of the fundamental law. But the will to do so, whenever proper, 
is as necessary as the power; and, therefore, the constitution of Kentucky pro- 
vides that the judges of the Court of Appeals, and also of inferior courts, shall be 
entitled to hold their offices during good behavior; and, moreover, provides that 
no judge shall be subject to removal otherwise than by impeachment, on the trial 
of which there can be no conviction, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the 
Senate — or by the address of both branches of the legislature, two-thirds of each 
branch concurring therein. 

The first constitution of Kentucky, which commenced its operation on the 1st 
of June, 1792, also prohibited the legislature from reducing a judge's salary du- 
ring his continuance in office. But the present constitution, adopted in 1799, 
contains no such prohibition. It is not difficult to perceive which of these con- 
stitutions is most consistent with the avowed theory of both as to judicial inde- 
pendence ; for, certainly, there can be no sufficient assurance of judicial indepen- 

(101) 



102 SKETCH OF THE 

dence, when the salary of every judge depends on the will of a legislative majority 
of the law-making department. 

But to secure a permanent tribunal for adjudicating on the constitutionality of 
legislative acts, the existing constitution of Kentucky, like its predecessor in 
this respect, ordained and established "A Supreme Court," and vested it with ul- 
timate jurisdiction. Section one and two of the 4th article reads as follows : 

"Sec. 1. The judicial power of this commonwealth, both as to matters of law and 
equity, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, which shall be styled the Court of Appeals, 
and in such inferior courts as the General Assembly may, from time to time, erect and es- 
tablish. 

"Sec. 2. The Court of Appeals, except in cases otherwise provided for in this constitution, 
shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be co-extensive with the state, under such 
restrictions and regulations, not repugnant to this constitution, as may, from time to time, be 
prescribed by law." 

As long as these fundamental provisions shall continue to be authoritative, there 
must be in Kentucky a judicial tribunal with appellate jurisdiction "co-extensive 
with the State," and co-ordinate with the legislative and executive departments. 
And this tribunal being established by the constitution, the legislature can neither 
abolish it nor divest it of appellate jurisdiction. The theoretic co-ordinacy of the 
organic representatives of the three functions of all political sovereignty, requires 
that the judicial organ, of the last resort, shall be as permanent and inviolable as 
the constitution itself. The great end of the constitution of Kentucky, and of 
every good constitution, is to prescribe salutary limits to the inherent power of nu- 
merical majorities. Were the political omnipotence of every such majority either 
reasonable or safe, no constitutional limitations on legislative will would be ne- 
cessary or proper. But the whole tenor of the Kentucky constitution implies that 
liberty, justice and security, (the ends of all just government,) require many such 
fundamental restrictions : And not only to prescribe such as were deemed proper, 
but more especially to secure their efficacy, was the ultimate object of the people in 
adopting a constitution : And, to assure the integrity and practical supremacy of 
these restrictions, they determined that, as long as their constitution should last, 
there should be a tribunal, the judges of which should be entitled to hold their 
offices as long as the tribunal itself should exist and they should behave well and 
continue competent, in the judgment of as many as one-third of each branch of the 
legislature, on an address, or of one-third of the senate, on an impeachment : And, 
to prevent evasion, they have provided that, whilst an incumbent judge of the 
Appellate Court maybe removed from his office by a concurrent vote of two-thirds, 
neither the appellate tribunal, nor the office itself, shall be subject to legislative 
abolition. 

There is a radical difference in the stability of the supreme and inferior courts. 
The first is constitutional — the last is only statutory. As the constitution itself 
establishes the Court of Appeals, this tribunal can be abolished by a change of the 
constitution alone. But as the circuit courts are established by statute, the su- 
preme power, that is, a legislative majority, may repeal it, and thereby abolish 
these courts ; and, of course, the office of judge ceases with the abolition of his 
court. It would be certainly incompatible with the genius of the constitution to 
abolish the circuit courts, merely to get clear of the incumbent judges: Yet, as 
the power to abolish exists, the motive of the abolition cannot judicially affect the 
validity of the act. And, as the organization of inferior courts is deferred, by the 
constitution, to legislative experience and discretion; and as, moreover, a new 
system of such courts may often he usefully substituted for one found to be inel- 
igible, the legislature ought not to be restrained from certain melioration, by a 
fear of shaking the stability of the judiciary. The constitutional inviolability of 
the Court of Appeals, which may rectify the errors of the inferior tribunal, may 
sufficiently assure judicial independence and rectitude. 

The fundamental immutability of the Court of Appeals, and the value of the du- 
rable tenure by which the judges hold their offices, have been impressively illus- 
trated in the history and results of "/Ae relief system,''^ and resulting "o/rf and new 
court,^^ which agitated Kentucky almostto convulsion for several years — the most 
pregnant and memorable in the annals of the State. That system of legislative 
"relief," as it was miscalled, was initiated in 1817-18, by retrospective prolonga- 



COURT OF APPEALS. 103 

tions of replevins, of judgments and decrees — and it was matured, in 1820, by 
the establishment of the Bank of the Commonwealth, without either capital or the 
guaranty of state credit, and by subsidiary enactments extending replevins to two 
years in all cases in which the creditor should fail to endorse on his execution his 
consent to take, at its nominal value, local bank paper greatly depreciated. The 
object of the legislature, in establishing such a bank, and in enacting such co-op- 
erative statutes as those just alluded to, was to enable debtors to pay their debts 
in much less than their value, by virtually compelling creditors to accept much 
less, or incur the hazards of indefinite and vexatious delays. 

The constitutionality of the Bank of the Commonwealth, though generally doubt- 
ed, was sustained by many judicial recognitions by the Court of Appeals of 
Kentucky, and finally by an express decision in which the then judges (Robert- 
son, chief justice, and Underwood and Nicholas, judges) without expressing their 
own opinions, deferred to those incidental recognitions by their predecessors, and 
also to the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of 
Craig vs. Missouri, in which that court defined a " bill of crtdit^'' prohibited by 
the national constitution, to be a bill issued, as currency, by a State and on the 
credit of the State. The notes of the Bank of the Commonwealth, though issued 
by and in the name of the State of Kentucky, were not issued on the credit of 
the State, but expressly on the exclusive credit of a nominal capital dedicated 
by the charter — and this known fact produced the rapid depreciation of those 
notes ; and, consequently, the same Supreme Court of the United States, affirmed 
the said decision of the Appellate Court of Kentucky, as it was compelled to do 
by its own authority, in Craig vs. Missouri, unless it had overruled so much of 
that decision as declared that it was an indispensable characteristic of a prohib- 
ited " bill of credit," that it should be issued on the credit of the State, There is 
much reason for doubting the correctness of these decisions by the national 
judiciary — and, if they be maintained, there is good cause for apprehending that 
the beneficent policy of the interdiction of State bills of credit may be entirely 
frustrated, and the constitutional prohibition altogether paralysed or eluded. 

When the validity of the statutes retrospectively extending replevins, was 
brought before the Court of Appeals, the three judges then constituting that court, 
(Messrs. Boyle, chief justice, and Owsley and Mills, judges,) delivered separate 
opinions, all concurring in the conclusion that those statutes, so far as they retro- 
acted on contracts depending for their effect on the law of Kentucky, were incon- 
sistent with that clause in the federal constitution, which prohibits the legisla- 
tures of the several states in the union from passing any act " impairing the 
obligation of contracts,''^ and also, of course, with the similar provision in the 
constitution of Kentucky, inhibiting any such enactment by the legislature of 
this State. A more grave and eventful question could not have been presented 
to the court for its umpirage. It subjected to a severe, but decisive ordeal, the 
personal integrity, firmness and intelligence of the judges, and the value of that 
degree of judicial independence and stability contemplated by the constitution. 
The question involved was new and vexed ; and a majority of the people of the 
State had approved, and were, as they seemed to think, vitally interested in 
maintaining their constituent power to enact such remedial statutes. 

Under this accumulated burthen of responsibility, however, the court being of 
the opinion that the acts impaired the obligation of contracts made in Kentucky 
antecedently to their date, honestly and firmly so decided, without hesitation or 
dissent. The court argued, 1st. That every valid contract had two kinds of obli- 
gation — the one moral, the other legal or civil ; that the fundamental interdicts 
applied to the legal obligation only, because, as moral obligations are as immuta- 
ble as the laws of God, and depend on the consciences of men, and therefore 
cannot be impaired by human legislation or power— consequently, it would be 
ridiculously absurd to suppose that the constitution intended to interdict that 
which, without any interdiction, could not be done. 2d. That, as moral obliga- 
tion results from the sanctions of natural law, so civil obligation arises from the 
sanctions of human law ; that, whenever the laws of society will not uphold nor 
enforce a contract, that contract possesses no civil obligation, but may be alone 
morally obligatory ; that the obligation, whether moral or civil, is the chain, tie, 
or ligature, which binds, coerces, persuades, or obliges the obligor; that all civil 
obligation, therefore, springs from and is regulated by the punitory or remedial 



104 SKETCH OF THE 

power of human law ; that the destruction or withdrawal of all such power, 
must annihilate all merely civil obligation ; that, consequently, that which im- 
pairs such power must, to the same extent, impair such obligation; and, that, 
whatever renders the remedial agency of the law less certain, effectual or valua- 
ble, impairs it; and, also, necessarily impairs, therefore, the obligation which it 
creates. 3d. That the civil obligation of a contract depends on the law of the 
place when and where it is made; and that any subsefjueni legislation that 
essentially impairs the legal remedy for maintaining or enforcing that contract, 
must, consequently, so far, impair its legal obligation. 4th. That, if a retro- 
active extension of replevin from three months to two years, would not impair 
the obligation of a contract made under the shorter replevin law, the like prolon- 
gation to one hundred years would not impair the obligation; and, if tliis would 
not, the abrogation of all legal remedy could not. 5th. That it is impossible that 
legislation can destroy or impair the leiral obligation of contracts, otherwise than by 
operating on the legal remedies for enforci^ig them ; and, tliat, consequently, any 
legislation retro-actively and essentially deteriorating legal remedy, as certainly 
and essentially impairs the legal obligation of all contracts on which it so retro- 
acts: And, finally, therefore, that the retrospective extension of replevin in 
Kentucky, was unconstitutional and void. , 

Unanswerable and conclusive as this mere skeleton of the court's argument 
may be, yet the decision excited a great outcry against the judges. Their 
authority to disregard a legislative act as unconstitutional was, by many, denied, 
and they were denounced as ^'■usurpers, — tyrants, — kings." At the succeeding 
session of the legislature, in the fall of 1823, a long, verbose, and empty pre- 
amble and resolutions, for addressing them out of office, were reported by John 
Rowan, to which the judges responded fully and most effectually. But after 
an able and boisterous debate, the preamble and resolutions were adopted by a 
majority less than two-thirds. The judges — determined to stand (jr fall by the 
constitution — refused to abdicate. At the next session of the legislature, in 
1824, there then being a still larger majority against the judges and their de- 
cision, — but not quite two-thirds, — the dominant party now became furious and 
reckless, passed an act, mis-entitled " an act to reorganize the Court of Appeals ;" 
the object and effect of which, if sustained, were to abolish the "r^M" constitu- 
tional "raur/," and substitute a " /few " legislative " rawr/." The minority in 
that legislature united in a powerful protest against the " reorganizing act," 
which, on the presentation of it to the house of representatives by George Rob- 
ertson, by whom it was written, was, unceremoniously, ordered to be entered on 
the journal of that house, without being read. A copy, however, which was 
read in the senate, was refused a place on the journal of that body, — and a "new 
court" senator, coming into the other house immediately afterwards, and there 
learning that the protest had, unheard, been admitted to the journal of that house, 
told Mr. Rowan that it was '■^ the devil,*'' and if embalmed in the record, would 
blow " the new court party sky high." Whereupon, a reconsideration was mo- 
ved, and the memorable document was kicked out of that house also. But it 
could not be strangled. It lived and triumphed. It was published as an unan- 
swerable text, and rallied and electrified the friends of the constitution, order, 
and justice. 

The "new court" (consisting of William T. Barry, chief justice, and James 
Haggin, John Trimble, and Rezin H. Davidge, judges,) took unauthorized pos- 
session of the papers and records in the office of the Court of Appeals, appointed 
Francis P. Blair, clerk, and attempted to do business and decide some causes, 
their opinions on which, were published by Thomas B. Monroe, in a small duo- 
decimo volume, which has never been regarded or read as authority. The judges 
of the constitutional Court of Appeals were thus deprived, without their consent, 
of the means of discharging official duties properly ; and, the people not know- 
ing whether the " old " or the " new court" was the constitutional tribunal of 
revision, some appealed to the one, and some to the other. In this perplexing cri- 
sis of judicial anarchy, the only authoritative arbiter was the ultimate sovereign — 
the freemen if the Slate at the polls. To that final and only tribunal, therefore, 
both parties appealed ; and no period, in the history of Kentucky, was ever more 
pregnant, or marked with more excitement, or able and pervading discussion, 
than that which immediately preceded the annual elections in the year 1825. 



COURT OF APPEALS. l'^ 

The portentous agony resulted in the election, to the house of representatives, of 
a decisive majority in favor of the " old court," and against the constitutionality 
of the "new court." But only one-third of the senators having passed the ordeal 
of that election, a small " new courf'' majority still remained in the senate ; and, 
disregarding the submission of the question to the votes of the people, that little 
majority refused to repeal the "reorganizing act," or acknowledge the existence 
of the " old court." This unexpected and perilous contumacy, brought the antag- 
onist parties to the brink of a bloody revolution. For months the commonwealth 
was trembling on the crater of a heaving volcano. But the considerate prudence 
of the " old court party" prevented an eruption, by forbearing to resort to force 
to restore to the " old court" its papers and records, which the minority guarded, 
in Blair's custody, by military means — and, also, by appealing, once more, to the 
constituent body, in a printed manifesto prepared by George Robertson, signed 
by the members constituting the majority of the popular branch of the legisla- 
ture, and exposing the incidents of the controversy and the conduct of the defeated 
party. The result of this last appeal was a majority in the senate, and an 
augmented majority in the house of representatives in favor of repealing as 
unconstitutional, the " act to reorganize the Court of Appeals." That act was 
accordingly repealed in the session of 1826-7, by " an act to remove the uncon- 
stitutional obstructions which have been thrown in the way of the Court of 
Appeals," passed by both houses the 30th December, 1826 — the governor'' s objec- 
tions notwithstanding. The " new court" vanished, and the " old court," redeemed 
and reinstated, proceeded, without further question or obstruction, in the discharge 
of its accustomed duties. 

As soon as a quietus had been given to this agitating controversy, John Boyle, 
who had adhered to the helm throughout the storm in a forlorn hope of saving 
the constitution, resigned the chief-justiceship of Kentucky, and George M. Bibb, 
a distinguished champion of the " relief" and " new court" parties, was, by a 
relief governor and senate, appointed his successor. Owsley and Mills retained 
their seats on the appellate bench until the fall of 1828, when they also resigned, 
and, being re-nominated by Gov. Metcalfe, who had just succeeded Gov. Desha, 
they were rejected by a relief senate, and George Robertson and Joseph R. Un- 
derwood (both " anti-relief" and " old court"5^efe appointed to succeed them. 
Then Bibb forthwith resigned, and there being no chief justice until near the 
close of 1829, these two judges constituted the court, and, during that year, de- 
clared null and void all the acts and decisions of the " new court," and disposed 
of about one thousand cases on the docket of the Court of Appeals. In December, 
1829, Robertson was appointed chief justice, and Richard A. Buckner judge of 
the Court of Appeals. And thus, once more, ^^ the old court ^ was complete, 
homogeneous and peaceful, and the most important question that could engage 
the councils or agitate the passions of a state, was settled finally, and settled 
right. 

This memorable contest between the constitution and the passions of a popular 
majority — between the judicial and legislative departments — proves the efficacy of 
Kentucky's constitutional structure, and illustrates the reason and the importance 
of that system of judicial independence which it guaranties. It demonstrates 
that, if the appellate judges had been dependent on a bare majority of the people 
or their representatives, the constitution would have been paralyzed, justice 
dethroned, and property subjected to rapine, by tumultuary passions and numer- 
ical power. And its incidents and results not only commend to the gratitude of 
the living and unborn, the proscribed judges and the efficient compatriots who 
dedicated their time and talents for years to the rescue of the constitution, but 
also, impressively illustrate the object and efficacy of the fundamental limitations 
in the will of the majority — that is, the ultimate prevalence of reason over pas- 
sion — of truth over error — which, in popular governments, is the sure offspring, 
only, of time and sober deliberation, which it is the object of constitutional checks 
to ensure. 

As first and now orpranized, the Court of Appeals consists of three judges, one 
of whom is commissioned '■'■ chief justice of Kentucky.'''' In the year 1801, the 
number was increased to four, and Thomas Todd (who had been clerk of that 
court, and in the year 1807 was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the 
United States) was the first who was appointed fourth judge. In the year 1813, 



106 



SKETCH OF THE 



the number was prospectively reduced to three; and, all the incumbents having 
immediately resigned, two of them (Boyle and Logan) were instantly re-cora- 
missioned, and Robert Trimble, who was commissioned by Gov. Shelby, having 
declined to accept, Owsley, who had been one of the four judges who had re- 
signed, was afterwards also re-commissioned ; and ever since that time, the court 
has consisted of three judges only. 

All the judges have always received equal salaries. At first the salary of each 
judge was $666.66. In the year 1801, it was increased to $833.33 ; in the year 
1806, to $1000 ; in the year 1815, to $1500 ; in the year 183T, to $2000 ; and in 
the year 1843, it was reduced to $1500. During the prevalence of the paper of 
the Bank of the Commonwealth, the salaries were paid in that currency, which 
was so much depreciated as, for some time, to reduce the value of each salary to 
about $750. 

The following is a chronological catalogue of the names of all who have been 
judges of the Appellate Court of Kentucky: 



CHIEF JUSTICES. 



Harry Innis, com. June 28, 


1792 


John Boyle, com 


. M'ch 20, 


1810 


George Muter, ' 


Dec. 7, 


1792 


George M. Bibb,* " 


Jan. 5, 


1827 


Thomas Todd, ' 


' Dec. 13, 


1806 


George Robertson, " 


Dec. 24, 


1829 


Felix Grundy, ' 


' April 11, 


1807 


E. M. Ewing, " 


April 7, 


1843 


Ninian Edwards, ' 


' Jan. 5, 


1808 


Thos. A. Marshall, " 


June 1, 


1847 


George M. Bibb, ' 


' May 30, 


1809 


* Resigned Dec. 23, 1S28. 








JTTD< 


3ES. 






Benj. Sebastian, com. June 28, 


1792 


William Owsley, com 


April 8. 


1810 


Caleb Wallace, 


' June 28, 


1792 


John Rowan, " 


Jan. 14, 


1819 


Thomas Todd, 


' Dec. 19, 


1801 


Benjamin Mills, " 


Feb. 16. 


1820 


Felix Grundy, 


" Dec. 10, 


1806 


George Robertson, " 


Dec. 24, 


1828 


Ninian Edwards, 


' Dec. 13, 


1806 


Jos. R. Underwood, " 


Dec. 24, 


1828 


Robert Trimble, 


' April 13, 


1807 


.Richard A. Buckner, " 


Dec. 21, 


1829 


William Logan,* 


' Jan. 11, 


1808 


Samuel S. Nicholas, " 


Dec. 23, 


1831 


George M. Bibb, 


' Jan. 31, 


1808 


Ephraim M. Ewing, " 


March 5, 


18.35 


John Boyle, 


' April 1, 


1809 


Thos. A. Marshall, " 


M'ch 18, 


1835 


William Logan, 


' Jan. 20, 


1810 


Daniel Breck, " 


April 7, 


1843 


James Clark, 


' M'ch 29 


1810 


.^Tames Simpson, " 


June 7, 


1847 



* Resigned January 30,1808. 

Of the chief justices. Muter, Boyle, and Robertson were in commission, collec- 
tively, about 41 years — Muter for about 11, Boyle 16, and Robertson nearly 14 
years ; and of all the justices of the court, Logan, Mills, and Owsley held their 
stations longest. 

In the year 1803, Muter, very poor and rather superannuated, was induced to 
resign by a promise of an annuity of $300, which, being guarantied by an act of 
the legislature in good faith, was complained of as an odious and unconstitutional 
^'provision,'''' and was taken away by a repealing act of the next year. 

Under the first constitution of 1792, the appellate judges were required to state 
in their opinions such facts and authorities as should be necessary to expose the 
principle of each decision. But no mode of reporting the decisions was provided 
by legislative enactment until 1815, when the governor was authorized to appoint 
a reporter. Previously to that time, James Hughes, an eminent "land lawyer," 
had, at his own expense, published a volume of the decisions of the old District 
Court of Kentucky whilst an integral portion of Virginia, and of the Court of 
Appeals of Kentucky, rendered in suits for land — commencing in 1785 and end- 
ing in 1801 : Achilles Sneed, clerk of the Court of Appeals, had, in 1805, under 
the authority of that court, published a small volume of miscellaneous opinions, 
copied from the court's order book; and Martin D. Hardin, a distinguished 
lawyer, had, in 1810, published a volume of the decisions from 1805 to 1808, at 
the instance of the court in execution of a legislative injunction of 1807, requiring 
the judges to select a reporter. George M. Bibb was the first reporter appointed 
by the Governor. His reports, in four volumes, include opinions from 18 — to 



COURT OF APPEALS. 107 

18 — . Alexander K. Marshall, William Littell, Thomas B. Monroe, John J. 
Marshall, James Dana, and Benjamin Monroe were, successively, appointed, and 
reported afterwards. The reports of the first, are in three volumes — of the second, 
in six — of the third, in seven — of the fourth, in seven — of the fifth, in nine — and 
the last, who is yet the reporter, has published seven volumes. Consequently, 
there are now forty-six volumes of reported decisions of the Court of Appeals of 
Kentucky. Of these reports, Hardin's, Bibb's, and Dana's are most accurate — 
Littell's, Thomas B. Monroe's and Ben. Monroe's next. Those of both the 
Marshall's are signally incorrect and deficient in execution. Dana's in execution 
and in the character of the cases, are generally deemed the best. Of the decis- 
ions in Dana, it has been reported of Judge Story that he said they were the best 
in the Union — and of Chancellor Kent, that he said he knew no state decisions 
superior to them. And that eminent jurist, in the last edition of his Commenta- 
ries, has made frequent reference to opinions of chief justice Robertson, and has 
commended them in very flattering terms. 

The comprehensive jurisdiction of the court imposes upon it duties peculiarly 
onerous. An act of Assembly of 1796, confers on this Appellate Court jurisdic- 
tion of appeal or writ of error, "in cases in which the inferior courts have juris- 
diction." A writ of error may be issued to reverse a judgment or decree for one 
cent; but, by an act of 1796, no appeal can be prosecuted to reverse a judgment 
or decree, unless i,t relate to a franchise or freehold, or (if it do not) unless the 
amount of it, "exclusive of costs," be at least $100. But in cases of decretal 
divorces, and in fines for riots and routs, the legislature has denied to the court 
any revising jurisdiction. Still, although it has no original jurisdiction excepting 
only in the trial of clerks, and although it has no criminal jurisdiction in any 
case of felony, the average number of its annual decisions has, for many years, 
been about five hundred. The court is required to hold two terms in each year — 
one commencing the first Monday in May, the other the first Monday in Septem- 
ber: and no term is allowed to be less than forty-eight juridical days. By a rule 
of court, any party may appear either by himself or his counsel, and in person or 
by brief. And a majority of the cases have been decided without oral argument. 

A statute of 1816 enacted, that "a// reports of cases decided in England since 
the 4th of July, 1776, should not be read in court or cited by the court." The 
object of this strange enactment was to interdict the use of any British decision 
since the declaration of American independence. The statute, however, literally 
imports, not that no such decision shall be read, but that " c//" shall not be. And 
this self-destructive phraseology harmonises with the purpose of the act — that is, 
to smother the Fight of science and stop the growth of jurisprudence. But for 
many years, the Court of Appeals inflexibly enforced the statute — not in its let- 
ter, but in its aim. In the reports, however, of J. J. Marshall, and Dana, and 
Ben. Monroe, copious references are made (without regard to this interdict) to 
post-revolutionary cases and treatises in England, and now that statute may be 
considered dead. 

The Appellate Court of Kentucky has generally been able, and always firm, 
pure, and faithful. Tt has been illustrated by some names that would adorn any 
bench of justice or age of jurisprudence. And it might have been oftener filled 
by such jurists, had not a suicidal parsimony withheld from the judges an ade- 
quate compensation for the talents, learning, labor, and responsibility which the 
best interests of the commonwealth demand for the judicial service, in a court 
appointed to guard the rights and the liberties of the people, and to settle con- 
clusively the laws of the commonwealth. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



BAPTIST CHURCH 



The Baptists were the pioneers of religion in Kentucky. They came with the 
earliest permanent settlers. In 1776,William Hickman, sr., commenced here his 
labors in the Gospel ministry.* He was the first to proclaim " the unsearchable 
riches of Christ," in the valley of the Kentucky. He was on a tour of observation 
merely, and after a stay of several months, returned to Virginia, remained several 
years, and then located in this state, where he labored faithfully in the field of 
the gospel for more than fifty years. In 1779, John Taylor, Joseph Reding, 
Lewis Lunsford, (the Patrick Henry of the pulpit), and several other ministers 
of Virginia, visited Kentucky. They found many of their brethren, but owing 
to the constant alarm from savage depredations, and the other stirring incidents 
peculiar to new settlements amid the wilds of a strange and unbroken forest, 
there seemed to be but little concern manifested for religion. These ministers 
had but few opportunities for preaching. They did preach, however, at a few of 
the stations. Their object was chiefly to see the country, with reference to sub- 
sequent settlement. They found it destitute of almost everything except grass 
for their horses, and meat from the woods, procured at the risk of life. They 
could do but little more than feast their eyes upon the luxuriant soil, which the 
Indians had resolved should never be cultivated.! These ministers, except Red- 
ing, returned to Virginia, but some of them, a few years later, took permanent 
residence in Kentucky. 

In 1780, many Baptists removed to this state, chiefly from Virginia ; but it was 
not until the next year, that there was an organized church. This was the Gil- 
bert's creek church. When Lewis Craig left Spottsylvania county, Va., most of 
his large church there came with him. They were constituted when they started, 
and were an organized church on the road — wherever they stopped, they could 
transact church business. They settled at Craig's station on Gilbert's creek, a 
few miles east of where the town of Lancaster, Garrard county, is now situated.:^ 
There were now a number of eflScient ministers in Kentucky. 

In 1782, several other churches are known to have been constituted, viz : Sev- 
ern's valley, II (now Elizabethtown), and Nolynn, both now in Hardin county. 
Also Cedar creek, now in Nelson county.§ 

In 1783, the first Baptist church and the first worshiping assembly of any 
order, was organized on South Elkhorn, five miles south of Lexington, by Lewis 
Craig, principally out of members dismissed from the church on Gilbert's creek. 
This church was for forty years one of the most prosperous churches in the state; 
but its candlestick has been removed.** 

After the close of the American Revolution, a flood of Baptists poured into 
Kentucky, chiefly from Virginia, and churches began to spring up every where 
in the wilderness. It was still a time of great peril. Before houses of worship 
were erected, the worshipers would assemble in the forest, each man with his 
gun ; sentinels would be placed to guard against surprise from the Indians, while 
the minister, with a log or stump for his pulpit, and the heavens for his sounding 
board, would dispense the word of life and salvation. 

" The groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned 
To hew the shaft, and lay the architrave, 
And spread the roof above them, ere he framed 
The lofty vault, to gather and roll back 
The sound of anthems, in the darkling wood, 

* John Taylor's History of Ten Churches, p. 48. || Benedict, vol. 2, p. 542. 

t Bene<lict's History of the Baptists, vol. 2, p. 228. § Asplund's Register of 1790, p. 32. 

t History of Ten Churches, p. 42. *■* History of Ten Churches, p. 50. 
(108) 



HISTORICAL SKETCH, ETC. 109 

Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down, ^ 

And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks 
And supplications."* 

In 1785, three associations were organized, viz. : The Elkhorn, comprising 
all the regular Baptist churches then north of the Kentucky and Dix rivers ; the 
Salem, comprising all the churches of the same order south of those rivers ; and 
the South Kentucky, comprising all the separate Baptist churches in the State. 
These associations, which were constituted of some three or four churches each, 
increased with great rapidity. In 1790, there were attached to them 42 churches 
and 3105 members; viz.: Elkhorn, 15 churches and 1389 members; Salem, 8 
churches and 405 members: and South Kentucky, 19 churches and 1311 members. 
The population of Kentucky at that period was about 73,000. So there was 
one Baptist to about every twenty-three inhabitants. Besides, there were many 
churches not yet associated; and many members just moved into the state, who 
were not yet attached to the churches. There were, too, at this period, 42 or- 
dained ministers and 21 licentiates; or one ordained minister to every 1825 of the 
inhabitants. This was a tolerably fair proportion of Baptist leaven to the whole 
lump of people.f 

Among the ministers of that day, were John Gano, Ambrose Dudley, John 
Taylor, Lewis Craig, William Hickman, Joseph Reding, William E. Waller, 
Augustine Eastin, Moses Bledsoe, John Rice, Elijah Craig, William Marshall, 
and other kindred spirits — itT^iT'Cf ardent piety, untiring zeal, indomitable energy 
of character, of vigorous and well-balanced intellects, and in every way adapted 
to the then state of society. Pioneers to a wilderness beset with every danger 
and every privation, they were the first ministers of the brave, the daring, and 
noble spirits who first settled and subdued this country — such men as the Boones, 
the Clarkes, the Harrods, the BuUitts, the Logans, the Floyds, and the Hardins 
would respect and venerate, and listen to with delight and profit. It has been the 
good fortune of the writer to hear some of these venerable ministers preach. 
Some of them survived many years the men of their own generation. But age 
seemed to bring to them few of its infirmities. They retained almost to the last 
the vigor of their manhood's prime ; and although they could not be called lite- 
rary men, they were nevertheless distinguished for their intelligence, for com- 
manding talents, for profound acquaintance with the doctrines of the Bible, and 
were^possessed of a knowledge of men and things, which eminently qualified 
them to be teachers and guides of the people. 

In 1793, an attempt was made to bring about a union between the Regular and 
Separate Baptists, which failing of success, sundry churches of the South Ken- 
tucky association withdrew from that body, and organized the Tate's creek as- 
sociation.:^: The oldest churches in this association were organized at the dates 
following: Tate's creek, now in Madison county, 1785 ;§ White Oak, in the 
same county, 1790 ;|| and Cedar creek, now Crab Orchard, Lincoln county, 
1791.§ 

In 1798, the number of churches in the Elkhorn association being 33, and its 
territory extending from the Holstein on the south, to Columbus, Ohio, on the 
north; and from the mouth of Beargrass on the west, to the Virginia line on the 
east, it was deemed expedient to dismiss the churches north of Licking river for 
the purpose of forming a new organization; and accordingly the Bracken asso- 
ciation was constituted. The oldest churches in this association are, Limestone 
creek** (now extinct), near the present city of Maysville, and Washington, both 
constituted in 1785 ; and Mayslick church, constituted 1791. ff 

The general harmony of the denomination was undisturbed, and their pro- 
gress steady and healthful. In 1799, commenced what is known to this day as 
the Great Revival, which ccmtinued through several years. During its prevalence, 
the accessions to the churches in. every part of the state were unprecedented. The 
Baptists escaped almost entirely those extraordinary and disgraceful scenes pro- 
duced by i\ie jerks, the rolling and the barking exercises, &c., which extensively 
obtained among some other persuasions of those days. The work among the 

* Bryant. || Benedict, vol. 2, p. 540. 

t Asplund's Recrister, p. 33. § Asplund, p, 32. **Ibid. 

t Benedict, vol. 2., p. 238. ft Benedict, ut supra. 



110 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

Baptists was deep, solemn, and powerful ; but comporting with that decency and 
order so emphatically enjoined in the scriptures. During this revival, large ad- 
ditions were made to the churches in every quarter of the State. The Elkhorn 
association, at its annual meeting in 1801, reported an addition of 3011 members 
by baptism during the current year ; and in 1802, an accession of twelve churches 
was reported, making the whole number of iftembers, 5310. So numerous were 
the churches, and so extensive still were the boundaries, it was thought advisable 
again to divide the association, and accordingly those churches lying along the 
Ohio river, west of the Bracken association, were dismissed and organized into 
the North Bknd association. 

To the South Kentucky, the accessions were almost equal to those of the Elk- 
horn association. It too became of such unwieldy dimensions, as to demand a 
division. It was accordingly separated into two bodies, in 1802 ; the part north 
of the Kentucky river being denominated the North District association, and 
the part south of the river, the South District association. 

The Tate's creek association reported in 1801, the addition of 1148 members 
by baptism. The Salem association also shared largely in the blessings of this 
revival. It received upwards of 2000 members. Its boundaries were extended 
north of Salt river, where enough churches were gathered to justify the organiza- 
tion of the Long Run association in' 1803.* 

The Green river association, lying in what are now Warren, Barren, Green, 
and Adair counties, was constituted in 1800, about the beginning of the Great 
Revival in that section of the state. It contained at first, nine churches, eight 
ministers, and about three hundred and fifty member^. The very first year of its 
existence, it increased to more than one thousand members, and in 1804, it con- 
tained 38 churches, and comprised so much territory that it was deemed sound 
policy to divide it into three bodies. The middle portion of the churches retained 
the old name of the association : those of the northern portion were organized 
into the Russel's creek association ; and those of the southern portion, into the 
Stockton's valley association. | 

This revival had the happy effect to bring about a union between the Regular 
and Separate Baptists. These distinctive names were imported from Virginia, 
and mean the same as those of Particular and General Baptists in England — the 
former meaning those who hold to Calvinistic, and the latter those holding Ar- 
minian sentiments. Several unsuccessful efforts had been made to effect a union 
between the Regular and Separate Baptists in Kentucky; but the Great Revival 
removed all obstacles. Melted into love by its influences, these kindred parties 
then mingled into one. In 1801, terms of union previously agreed upon by a 
committee appointed for the purpose, were ratified by the two parties in their 
respective associations. The names Regular and Separate were henceforth to 
be laid aside, and that of the United Baptists used in their stead. Thus was con- 
summated the " General Union." 

But the harsh note of discord was heard just as the sweet melody of revival and 
brotherly love began to subside, and ere they had ceased. In 1796, James Gar- 
rard, a Baptist minister and a member of Cooper's run church, Bourbon county, 
was elected Governor of Kentucky. He appointed to the office of secretary of 
state, Harry Toulmin, who had been a follower of Dr. Priestly in England, and 
a minister of the Unitarian persuasion. Mr. Toulmin was a gentleman of talents 
and erudition.:^ It was owing perhaps to the intimacy existing between Gov. 
Garrard and Secretary Toulmin, arising in part from their official relations, that 
the former became tinctured with Unitarian sentiments. Be that as it may, it is 
certain that in 1802, Mr. Garrard and the pastor of Cooper's run church, Augus- 
tine Eastin, a minister of considerable eminence, began to propagate Arian, or 
rather, Socinian sentiments. The majority of Cooper's run church, and several 
neighboring churches to which Mr. Eastin preached, espoused the doctrines of 
Garrard and their ministers. Every eflfort was made to reclaim these individuals 
and churches. The Elkhorn association promptly attended to the case, but failing 
to effect their return to the old paths, reluctantly dropped them from connection 
and correspondence. It may be recorded to the credit of this association, and of 

♦Benedict, vol. 2, pp. 230-244. % Butler's History of Kentucky, p. 262. 

tib. p. 239. 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH. Ill 

the Baptists, that although Garrard and Eastin were much beloved, and of pow- 
erful influence, yet they could take but a very inconsiderable fraction with them, 
which declined gradually and noiselessly away. Unitarianism could never obtain 
favor with the Baptists.* 

About the same time, in the South District association, a very popular minister, 
John Bayley, embraced the sentiments of the Restorationists. He was generally 
believed to be a very pious man, and the majority of the association was devo- 
tedly attached to him; and insisted, that although he preached this doctrine, yet 
he did it in such a manner as not to offend the most delicate ear. The minority, 
however, thought differently, refused all fellowship for him and his adherents, and 
claimed to be the association. The neighboring associations acknowledged their 
claim : the other party could not obtain any countenance from the associations 
in the General Union, and again assumed the old name of the South Kentucky 
association of Separate Baptists. f 

About 1804, Carter Tarrant, David Barrow, John Sutton, Donald Holmes, Ja- 
cob Gregg, George Smith, and other ministers of less note, with many of their 
members, declared for the abolition of slavery ; alledging that no fellowship 
should be extended to slaveholders, as slavery, in every branch of it, both in 
principle and practice, was a sinful and abominable system, fraught with peculiar 
evils and miseries, which every good man ought to abandon and bear testimony 
against. They called themselves " Friends of Humanity," but are known in the 
records of those times by the name of " Emancipators." The associations 
generally declared it " improper for ministers, churches, or associations to meddle 
with the emancipation of slavery, or any other political subject; and advised 
them to have nothing to do with it in their religious capacity." These resolu- 
tions gave great offence to the "Friends of Humanity;" and they withdrew from 
the General Union of Baptists, and in 1807, formed an association of their own, 
called "The Baptized Licking-Locust Association, Friends to Humanity." They 
were quite numerous at first, but they soon dwindled — consumed in the fires of 
their own zeal. Not a vestige of them remains.:!: 

In 1809, a respectable and highly influential portion of the ministers and 
churches of the Elkhorn association withdrew, not only from that body, but from 
the General Union of Baptists in the state, and organized the " Licking Asso- 
ciation OF Particular Baptists." This schism had its foundation in a personal 
difliculty between Jacob Creath and Thomas Lewis, about a negro trade! The 
former was pastor, and the latter a member of the Town-fork church, a few miles 
west of Lexington. The matter was not suffered to remain in the church where 
it properly belonged ; it became a topic of general conversation, and of the 
printing press ; other churches became involved in it ; it gathered other matters 
in its progress ; when finally, it was thrust upon the association, and schism 
ensued. Jl 

But notwithstanding these adverse events, the course of the Baptists was on- 
ward. They were refreshed with many revival seasons. In 1812, they had 13 
associations, 285 churches, 183 ministers, and 22,694 members. The population 
of the state at that time was rising 400,000. So that the proportion of the Bap- 
tists to that of the inhabitants was about one to twenty .§ 

During the next twenty years, no event transpired among the Baptists deemed 
of sufficient consequence to claim a notice in this brief sketch, except the schism 
produced by what is generally known as the " reformation," begun and carried 
on b}' Alexander Campbell. This is not the place nor the occasion to discuss the 
principles involved in that unfortunate controversy. Suffice it to say, that in 1829, 
and for several years thereafter, until 1832, a great many divisions in associations 
and churches occurred. But in spite of all this, the Baptists stood firm, and 
still retained their accustomed ratio to the population of the state. In 1832, after 
this storm had spent its fury, after the greatest secession from the Baptist ranks 
ever known in their history in Kentucky, they had 33 associations, 484 churches, 
236 ordained ministers, and 34,124 members. The population of the state, by 
the census of 1830, was 687,917 — so that the Baptists still retained their propor- 
tion of about one to twenty of the inhabitants.** 

» Benedict, vol. 2, p. 231 . || Benedict, vol. 2. p. 233-4. 

t Il>.. 241. § Benedict, vol. 2.. p. 545. and Bap. Mem'l. Feb. 1846, p. 54. 

i Baptist Herald of 1814, p. 80. ** Baptist Memorial. «t supra, p. 55. 



, 



112 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

The depletion proved to be sanative. The increase of the Baptists since then 
has been unprecedented. Disturbed by no serious discord, if we except the 
clamor raised against missionary and other benevolent efforts, they have been 
blessed with many remarkable instances of divine favor. In the next ten years 
they had doubled their numbers ! But it is not in this way alone that they have 
been the most blessed. They have been aroused to every good work. They have 
engaged, with considerable zeal, in the cause of missions, foreign and domestic. 
They have now a Genkral Association, for the purpose of aiding weak churches, 
and of supplying the destitute portions of the state with the gospel. They have 
also a state society for foreign missions; and a state bible society for the circula- 
tion of the holy scriptures in all lands. The board of the American Indian mis- 
sion association is located in Louisville. They have a weekly newspaper and a 
monthly magazine published in the state. The subject of education, too, has 
engrossed a large share of their attention. The Georgetown college is under 
their patronage, and is one of the most respectable and flourishing literary insti- 
tutions in the West. The Western Theological institute of the Baptists is situa- 
ted in Covington. We have not the means of arriving at the precise number of 
Baptists now (March 1847), in the state ; but there are in the General Union, 42 
associations, 685 churches, and at least 65,000 members. To these add the 
7,085 anti-missionary Baptists, many of whom claim to be United Baptists, and 
differ from the great body of their brethren only in relation to the propriety of 
missionary and kindred institutions, and we have the present grand total of the 
Baptists in Kentucky, 72,085 members, which we are sure falls under the actual 
number. The proportion of the Baptists to the population of the state may safely 
be set down at one to eleven. Thus it will be seen that the Baptists have steadily 
and rapidly increased — that they have come triumphantly through every trial. 
Hitherto hath the Lord helped them. 

In looking over the list of the early Baptist ministers, the pioneers of the gos- 
pel in our state, we cannot choose one for a biographical sketch, agreeably to the 
suggestion of the compiler of this work. Out of a host equally deserving, it 
would be invidious to make a selection. Besides, the brief space that remains 
for us, would not allow of justice to any one of them. We will therefore let it 
suffice to submit some characteristic anecdotes and sketches of several of them. 

W^iLLiAM Hickman, as the first preacher in Kentucky, claims of course, the 
first attention. He commenced his ministry in this state. Then he returned to 
Virginia, and for several years labored there with great success. In 1784, he be- 
came a permanent resident in the state. Here he encountered peculiar trials. 
The country was sparsely populated, while tribes of wandering savages were 
continually making depredations on the property and lives of the settlers. But 
Mr. Hickman was not silent because of danger. He traveled extensively, and 
even in the most distant and exposed settlements, and at the peril of his life, bore 
the tidings of salvation. Elder John Taylor said of him in 1822, " Though now 
about 76 years of age, he walks and stands erect as a palm tree, being at least 
six feet high, and of rather slender form. His whole deportment is solemn and 
grave, and is much like Caleb, the servant of the Lord, who at fourscore years 
of age was as capable to render service in war, as when young. This veteran 
can yet perform a good part in the gospel vineyard. His style of preaching is 
plain and solemn, and the sound of it like thunder in the distance; but when he 
becomes animated, it is like thunder at home, and operates with prodigious force 
on the consciences of his hearers." He was pastor a number of years to the 
church at the " Forks of Elkhorn." He baptised, it is thought, as many persons 
as any minister that ever labored in the state. 

Lewis Craig was the founder of the first worshipping congregation in Ken- 
tucky. He had been a valiant champion of the cause in Virginia. He was sev- 
eral times imprisoned in that state for preaching the gospel. The first time, he 
was arrested in company with several other ministers. The prosecuting attorney 
represented them to be a great annoyance to the county by their zeal as preachers. 
" May it please your worships," said he, " they cannot meet a man upon the road, 
but they must ram a text of scripture down his throat." As they passed on to 
prison, through the streets of Fredericksburgh, they united in singing the lines, 
" Broad is the road that leads to death," &c. 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 113 

They remained in prison one month, and while there, Mr.C. preached through the 
grate to large crowds, and was the means of doing much good. Once after this, he 
was imprisoned three months. Mr. Taylor says of him, " He was in the gospel 
ministry near sixty years, and was about eighty-seven when he gave up the ghost. 
As an expositor of scripture, he was not very skillful, but dealt closely with the 
heart. He was better acquainted with men than with books. He never dwelt 
much on doctrine, but most on experimental and practical godliness. Though he 
was not called a great preacher, perhaps there was never found in Kentucky so 
great a gift of exhortation as in Lewis Craig : the sound of his voice would make 
men tremble and rejoice. The first time I heard him preach, I seemed to hear 
the sound of his voice for many months. He was of middle stature, rather 
sloop shouldered, his hair black, thick set and somewhat curled, a pleasant coun- 
tenance, free spoken, and his company very interesting; a great peace-maker 
among contending parties. He died suddenly, of which he was forewarned, 
saying, I am going to such a house to die ; and with solemn joy he went on to the 
house, and with little pain, left the world." 

John Taylor was well qualified to labor as a pioneer, having learned by pre- 
vious hazards in Virginia, to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 
When first settled in Kentucky, he itinerated for ten years with much credit to 
himself, and profit to the cause. He had a fine constitution and much bodily 
strength ; was as bold as a lion, yet meek as a lamb. In preaching, he attempted 
nothing but scriptural plainness. The weapons of his warfare were wielded with 
much power. No man knew better than he, how to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, 
with all long suffering and doctrine. When he used the rod of correction, all 
Avere made to tremble. He was very efficient as a preacher. His judicious 
zeal, strong faith, and remarkable industry, qualified him to be useful to many 
souls. He was always cheerful, yet solemn, and willing to preach when reques- 
ted. His whole demeanor, at home and abroad, was uniformly Christian-like. 
The labors of his ministry extended from the Kentucky to the Ohio river. It 
was his custom to visit six or eight associations every year. His great skill in 
discipline and faithfulness in preaching endeared him to all the followers of 
Christ. He lived to see his children and his children's children rise up and call 
him blessed. He died in his 82d year.* 

John Gang settled in Kentucky in 1787. He was one of the most eminent 
ministers in his day. He was a native of New Jersey. He spent many years 
as an itinerant, traveling over the United States, from New England to Georgia. 
He was pastor for about twenty-five years in the city of New York, and his la- 
bors were greatly blessed. During the revolutionary war, he was chaplain to the 
army, and by his counsels and prayers greatly encouraged the American soldiery 
in those times of peril which tried meri's souls. Many interesting anecdotes are 
related of him, several of which we will quote from Benedict. One morning, 
while in the army and on his way to pray with the regiment, he passed by a 
group of officers, one of whom (who had his back towards him) was uttering his 
profane expressions in a most rapid manner. The officers, one after another, 
gave him the usual salutation. " Good morning. Doctor," said the swearing 
Lieutenant. " Good morning, sir," replied the chaplain; "you pray early this 
morning." " I beg your pardon, sir," " O, I cannot pardon you : parry your 
case to your God." 

One day he was standing near some soldiers who were disputing whose turn 

it was to cut some wood for the fire. One profanely said, he would be d d 

if he cut it. But he was soon afterwards convinced that the task belonged to 
him, and took up the axe to perform it. Before, however, he could commence, 
Mr. Gano stepped up and asked for the axe. " ! no," said the soldier, " the 
chaplain shan't cut wood." " Yes," replied Mr. Gano, " I must." " But why?" 
asked the soldier. " The reason is," answered Mr. G., "I just heard you say that 

you would be d d if you cut it, and I had much rather take the labor off your 

hands, than that you should be made miserable forever." 

While he resided in New York, he was introduced to a young lady as the 

* Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers, p. 220. 

8 



114 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

daughter of a very prominent citizen. "Ah ! " replied he. " and I can tell a good 
match for her, and he is an only son." The young lady understood his meaning; 
she was, not long after, united to this Son, and has, for about forty years, been 
an ornament to his cause. 

Dr. Furman, of Charleston, S. C, who knew him intimately, says : "As 
a minister of Christ, he shone like a star of the first magnitude in the American 
churches, and moved in a widely extended field of action. For this office, God 
had endowed him with a large portion of grace, and with excellent gifts. He 
believed, and therefore spake.'''' Having discerned the excellence of gospel truths, 
and the importance of eternal realities, he felt their power on his own soul, and 
accordingly he inculcated and urged them on the minds of his hearers with per- 
suasive eloquence and force. He was not deficient in doctrinal discussion, or 
what rhetoricians style the demonstrative character of a discourse ; but he ex- 
celled in the pathetic — in pungent, forcible addresses to the heart and conscience. 
The careless and irreverent were suddenly arrested, and stood awed before him, 
and the insensible were made to feel. * * * * He lived to a good old age ; 
served his generation according to the will of God ; saw his posterity multiply- 
ing around him ; his country independent, free, and happy ; the church of Christ, 
for which he felt and labored, advancing; and thus he closed his eyes in peace ; 
his heart expanding with the sublime hope of immortality and heavenly bliss. 
Like John, the harbinger of our Redeemer, " he was a burning and a shining 
light, and many rejoiced in his light." Resembling the sun, he arose in the 
church with morning brightness, advanced regularly to his station of meridian 
splendor, and then gently declined with mild eflTulgence, till he disappeared, 
without a cloud to intercept his rays, or obscure his glory." 

Such were some of the early ministers of Kentucky. They are but examples 
of the dispositions, and talents, and high moral worth of their companions and 
compeers, a sketch of whom we must omit, and who aided these to unfurl the ban- 
ner of the cross in the valley of the Kentucky, and to maintain it against every 
danger and privation. The Christians of this State may as proudly refer to their 
ancestors, in all that is noble and elevating in man, as may the politician. If 
theirs were mighty in battle and wise in counsel, ours were no less so, and in a 
nobler sense, because in a higher and holier enterprise. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



CHRISTIAN CHURCH 



BACON COLLEGE. 

This institution, located at Harrodsburg, Ky., was chartered by the common- 
wealth of Kentucky in the winter of 1836-7. Though it has not yet completed 
the tenth year of its existence, and has had to contend with no ordinary difficul- 
ties, it has already secured an enviable reputation, and is making steady progress 
in gaining the confidence of the public. The course of studies is equal to that 
which is generally adopted in the best regulated American colleges ; and the of- 
ficers, without exception, have had long and successful experience in the busi- 
ness of teaching. The following is a list of the 



THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 115 

FACULTY. 

James Shannon, President, and Professor of Intellectual, Moral, and Political 
Science. 

Samuel Hatch, Professor of Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Geology, &c. 
Henry H. White, Professor of Mathematics and Civil Engineering. 
George H. Matthews, Professor of Ancient Languages. 
E. Askew, Teacher of the Preparatory Department. 

During the last session, one hundred and thirteen students were received into 
Bacon college, from the states of Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Mis- 
sissippi, Lousiana, Indiana, Ohio, and New York. About the same number have 
already been received the present session, with a reasonable prospect of a large 
increase. Tuition for the college year of ten months is forty dollars, with an 
extra charge for fuel of one dollar each half session. 

Boarding can be had in respectable families, in the town and its vicinity, at 
rates varying from one dollar and seventy-five cents to two dollars per week ; so 
that the whole cost of boarding and tuition for the college year of forty-two 
weeks need not exceed one hundred and fifteen dollars. 

The session begins on the first Monday in September, and ends on the last 
Friday in June, which is the annual commencement. 

Connected with the Institution, are two literary and debating societies, each of 
which has a respectable library. Whole number of volumes in the libraries per- 
taining to the college about sixteen hundred. 

In Bacon college the authority of Christianity is fully recognized ; but nothing 
that savors in any degree of a sectarian character is either taught or required. 
The institution was established by the Christian churches of Kentucky, and 
from them it derives its principal support. Efficient aid has also been received, 
at various times, from men of liberal and enlightened minds, who are not mem- 
bers of any religious society. 

M a general meeting of the Christian Churches in Kentucky, held at 

Harrodshurg, in May, 1834, 
An agent was appointed to visit the churches, ascertain the number of members 
in each congregation, and collect such other information as he might deem im- 
portant, and report the result at the next general meeting. The following extract 
is taken from this 

REPORT. 

"I find in the state 380 congregations, with an aggregate number of 33,830 
members ; average number 83 and a fraction. 

" Number of additions reported for twelve months prior to receiving the report 
from each church, 3,678 ; number since reported, 206 ; total number of additions 
reported, 3,884. It must be remarked, however, that these additions go back as 
far as June 1st, 1843 ; yet, as the report is for 12 months prior to collecting the 
items from each church, my returns, with the exception of the 206, show but the 
increase for one year. It must also be remarked, that many of the churches report 
no increase at all, owing mainly to the fact, that the information was collected 
from individuals unacquainted with this item. I have no doubt, could the in- 
crease have been obtained from all the churches, it would exceed four thousand. 

" Number of elders reported, 666 ; number of deacons, 676 ; number of preach- 
ers, evangelist and local, 195. 

" Of the 380 churches, 163 meet for worship every Lord's day ; and, in many 
places, three times on Lord's day, and several times through the week; 68 meet 
semi-monthly, 6 tri-monthly, 92 monthly, and 51 did not report this item. A 
large majority of those that meet monthly and semi-monthly, would meet every 
Lord's day, but are prevented in consequence of holding houses of worship in 
partnership with others. 

" I deem it important to state, that 136 of these churches have been organized 
within the last four and a half years." 

As the average time that has elapsed, since the foregoing information was col- 
lected, exceeds two years, a moderate estimate of the increase to the present 



116 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

date (Dec. 1846), will g-ive an aggregate number of 41,186. This calculation is 
based upon the hypothesis, that the annual increase for the last two years has 
barely equalled the ascertained increase for twelve months prior to the collection 
of the statistics embodied in the report. It is confidently believed that this esti- 
mate falls considerably below the truth. 

The churches aforesaid are unanimous in repudiating human creeds and un- 
scriptural names ; believing that the Bible is ordained of God to be the only 
authoritative, as it is the only infallible rule of faith and practice ; and that all 
unscriptural names, and all ecclesiastical organizations, not established by the 
inspired Apostles, are unlawful, and, in their very nature, sectarian and divisive. 

Influenced by these views, they call themselves Christians, or Disciples of 
Christ, and feel religiously bound to repudiate all names, that are not applied in 
the New Testament to those, who "have been baptized into Christ," and have 
thus "put on Christ." To believe what God says, and to do what he commands, 
they regard as the sum total of human duty ; nor do they believe that any man 
is authorized to hope for an admission into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
and Savior Jesus Christ, except as he is using his best powers, day by day, to 
purify himself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness 
in the fear of God. When the believer obeys God's commands, then, but not 
till then, do they conceive, that he has a right to appropriate God's promises. 
Consequently, when the penitent believer confesses Christ before men, and from 
the heart bows to his authority, being baptized in obedience to his command, he 
has a right to appropriate to himself all those promises that are made to baptized 
believers as such ; but he has, even then, no right to hope for a continuance of 
the divine favor, except so far as he makes it the business of his life to know the 
will of God, and to do that will in all things. 

For all purposes of discipline and government, they regard the individual 
church as the highest, and indeed the only ecclesiastical organization recognized 
in the New Testament. " As for associations, conferences, conventions, &c., 
presuming to act under the sanctions of a divine warrant, or claiming to be a 
court of Jesus Christ, or to«decide on any matters of conscience, or to do any act 
or deed interfering with, or in opposition to, the perfect independenc of each indi- 
vidual congregation, or at all legislating for the churches in any district of the 
country," — they regard it as " altogether foreign to the letter and spirit — to the 
precepts and examples — to the law and to the testimony of the Christian books." 
One and all, they profess to be engaged in persevering efforts for the union of 
all saints, by the restoration of unsectarian Christianity in faith and practice, as 
it is found, pure and unpolluted, on the pages of the New Testament. 

Among the host of worthies, living and dead, who have co-operated hitherto 
in this grand enterprise, the name of Alexander Campbell stands deservedly 
pre-eminent. Others may have preceded him, and no doubt did, in repudiating 
human creeds and adopting the bible as the only and all-sufficient rule of 
faith and practice ; of union, communion, and co-operation among the fol- 
lowers of the Lamb. Others may have been more successful, and no doubt 
were, as proclaimers of the Gospel, in making proselytes to the cause, and add- 
ing members to the various churches. But, as a master spirit, exciting investi- 
gation, overturning antiquated prejudices, enlightening the master spirits of the 
age, and setting them to work, each in his own sphere, it is the deliberate opinion 
of a mighty host, that, in the current reformation of the nineteenth century, Al- 
exander Campbell has no equal. On this subject the venerable and beloved 
Barton W. Stone, in 1843, and shortly before his death, remarks — "I will not 
say there are no faults in brother Campbell ; but that there are fewer, perhaps, 
in him, than any man I know on earth ; and over these few my love would draw 
a veil, and hide them from view forever. I am constrained, and willingly con- 
strained to acknowledge him the greatest promoter of this reformation of any man 
Jiving. The Lord reward him !" 

The writer of this article applied to President Campbell for facts and docu- 
ments, that might furnish the basis of a short biographical sketch, and received 
for reply the following information — " Averse to autobiography, and to giving a 
man's biography while living, I have left the task for one Avho may survive me." 

A few leading facts, however, may be noted for the information of the reader. 
Alexander Campbell was born, about the year 1787 or 8, in the county of Down, 



THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 117 

in the north of Ireland, where he spent the first fourteen years of his life, and 
was then removed to Scotland, the land of his fathers, to complete his education 
for the Presbyterian ministry. In 1809 he came to America with his father. El- 
der Thomas Campbell, who is still living. Naturally of an independent and 
investigating mind, he soon became convinced that infant sprinkling is unscrip- 
tural, and was forthwith baptized upon a profession of his faith. Prosecuting 
his inquiries still farther, he soon discovered that he had imbibed many other 
doctrines unauthorised by the Scriptures, and contrary to them. All such he 
relinquished without delay, having nobly resolved, that he would sacrifice every 
thing for the truth, but the truth for nothing. 

In allusion to this part of his life, he remarks, in the conclusion of the Chris- 
tian Baptist — " Having been educated as Presbyterian clergymen generally are, 
and looking forward to the ministry as both an honorable and useful calling, all 
my expectations and prospects in future life were, at the age of twenty-one, iden- 
tified with the office of the ministry. But scarcely had I begun to make sermons, 
when I discovered that the religion of the New Testament was one thing, and 
that of any sect which I knew was another. I could not proceed. An unsuccessful 
effort by my father to reform the presbytery and synod to which he belonged, made 
me despair of reformation. I gave it up as a hopeless effort, but did not give up 
speaking in public assemblies upon the great articles of Christian faith and 
practice. In the hope, the humble hope, of erecting a single congregation, with 
which I could enjoy the social institutions, I labored, I had not the remotest idea 
of being able to do more than this ; and, therefore, betook myself to the occupa- 
tion of a farmer, and for a number of years attended to this profession for a sub- 
sistence, and labored every Lord's day to separate the truth from the traditions of 
men, and to persuade men to give up their fables for the truth — with but little 
success I labored." 

In 1816 he was urged by some of the most influential Baptists in New York 
and Philadelphia, to settle in one of those cities, but declined — alledging in justi- 
fication of his course, that he did not think the church in either city would sub- 
mit to the primitive order of things; and rather than produce divisions among 
them, or adopt their order, he " would live and die in the backwoods." 

In August 18''23, soon after the Debate with MacCalla, he commenced the pub- 
lication of the " Christian Baptist," a monthly pamphlet, the design of which 
was " to restore a pure speech to the people of God — to restore the ancient order 
of things in the Christian kingdom — to emancipate the conscience from the do- 
minion of human authority in matters of religion — and to lay a foundation — an 
imperishable foundation, for the union of all Christians, and for their co-operation 
in spreading the glorious gospel throughout the world." 

In the debate aforesaid, Mr. Campbell contended that " baptism was a divine 
institution, designed for putting the legitimate subject of it in actual possession 
of the remission of his sins." In January 1828, he remarks, " It was with much 
hesitation I presented this view of the subject at that time, because of its perfect 
novelty. I was then assured of its truth, and, I think, presented sufficient evi- 
dence of its certainty. But having thought still more closely upon the subject, 
and having been necessarily called to consider it more fully, as an essential part 
of the Christian religion, I am still better prepared to develop its import." 

From the time of the debate, baptism for the remission of sins seems to have 
been but little agitated, if at all publicly, till 1827. In that year Walter Scott 
and John Secrest began to preach in the bounds of the Mahoning association, 
Ohio, the apostolic doctrine of remission, recorded in Acts 2d, 38. The eflfect 
was astounding to the advocates of the worn-out and powerless systems of human 
origin. During the last six months of the year, Elder Secrest immersed with 
his own hands for the remission of sins, " five hundred and thirty persons." 

The writer has not the means of ascertaining exactly how many were im- 
mersed during the year by the pious, indefatigable, and talented Walter Scott. 
It is certain, however, that he converted and baptized a mighty host — more, per- 
haps, than any other uninspired man ever did in the same length of time. 

The Mahoning association, at their meeting of that year, determined to era- 
ploy Brother Scott for the whole of his time the next twelve months, preaching 
and teaching in the bounds of the association. This appointment was highly 
commended by Bro. Campbell in the " Christian Baptist" for October following. 



118 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

The editor remarks, " Brother Walter Scott, who is now in the field, accepted 
of the appointment ; and few men on this continent understand the ancient order 
of things better than he. His whole soul is in the work." 

The results of this appointment, and the success of the pleadings for the ancient 
gospel were everywhere triumphant. Soon a host of able advocates in various 
parts embraced the same views, and began to propagate them with zeal and suc- 
cess — especially in Kentucky and Ohio. The clergy became alarmed. The 
work of proscription and anathema commenced ; and, in a short time, the advo- 
cates of tlie same gospel that was preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost, 
and by all the apostles, were driven out of the Baptist communion, and reluc- 
tantly compelled to establish separate churches, that they might enjoy the lib- 
erty wherewith Christ had made them free. Sons, whilst they read the record, 
in a more enlightened and Christian age, will blush for the bigotry and intoler- 
ance of their sires. 

At the completion of the 7th volume of the Christian Baptist, in 1830, the Ed- 
itor thus writes — " I had but very humble hopes, I can assure the public, the day 
I wrote the first essay, or the preface for this work, that I could at all succeed in 
gaining a patient hearing. But I have been entirely disappointed. The success 
attendant on this effort has produced a hope, which once I dared not entertain, 
that a blissful revolution can be effected. It has actually begun, and such a one 
as cannot fail to produce a state of society, far surpassing, in the fruits of right- 
eousness, and peace, and joy, any result of any religious revolution, since the 
great apostacy from Christian institutions." 

In 1830, the Millennial Harbinger was begun, and has continued to be issued 
monthly down to the present time. These periodicals, aided by several others, 
and by a numerous host of zealous and indefatigable advocates, have spread the 
principles of this reformation with a rapidity that has perhaps no parallel in the 
history of the world, except the progress of primitive Christianity in the times 
of the apostles. Already do the " Christian Churches" in these United States 
number, as it is confidently believed, more than 200,000 members ; and the 
cause is successfully pleaded, not merely in the Canadas, in England, Scotland, 
and Wales, but also in almost every part of the civilized world. 

While A. Campbell was thus laboring in the western part of Virginia, and 
even before he made his appearance on the public stage, another distinguished 
actor, impelled by a kindred spirit, was shaking time-honored religious systems 
to their very center in the heart of Kentucky. I mean that much calumniated, 
but great and good man 

BARTON WARREN STONE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Maryland on the 24th day of Decem- 
ber, 1772. His father dying while he was very young, his mother in 1779, with 
a large family of children and servants, moved into what was then called the 
backwoods of Virginia — Pittsylvania county, near Dan river. Here he went to 
school for four or five years to an Englishman, named Sommerhays, and was by 
him pronounced a finished scholar. In February, 1790, he entered a noted acad- 
emy in Guilford, North Carolina, under the care of Dr. David Caldwell, deter- 
mined, as he himself says, to " acquire an education, or die in the attempt." His 
design at that time was to qualify himself for a barrister. 

When he first entered the academy, about thirty or more of the students had 
embraced religion under the labors of James McGready, a Presbyterian preacher 
of great popularity and zeal. In about a year from this time, after a long and 
painful " experience.,'''' he became a member of the Presbyterian church, and turned 
his thoughts to the ministry. 

In 1793, at the close of his academic course, he commenced the study of di- 
vinity under the direction of Wm. Hodge, of Orange county. North Carolina. 
Here Witsius on the Trinity was put into his hands. The metaphysical reason- 
ings of this author perplexed his mind, and he laid the work aside as unprofitable 
and unintelligible. He heard of Dr. Watts' treatise on the Glory of Christ; 
sought after and obtained the work ; read it with pleasure, and embraced its 
views. The venerable Henry Patillo, on whom it devolved, at the next meeting 
of the Presbytery, to examine the candidates on the subject of theology, had 



THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 110 

himself embraced Watts' views of the Trinity. As might reasonably be expected 
under such circumstances, the examination on this topic was short, and embra- 
ced no peculiarities of the system. 

In April, 1796, he was licensed by the Orange Presbytery, North Carolina, 
and shortly afterwards directed his course westward (preaching at various points 
on the route), to Knoxville and Nashville, in Tennessee, and thence to Bourbon 
county, Kentucky, where about the close of the year 1796 he settled within the 
bounds of the congregations of Cane-ridge and Concord. Here he labored with 
great zeal, acceptance and success ; about eighty members having been added to 
his church in a few months ! ! 

In the fall of '98, he received a unanimous call from those congregations to 
become their settled pastor, which call he accepted. A day was set apart by the 
presbytery of Transylvania for his ordination. Having previously notified the 
leading members of the presbytery with respect to his difficulties on the subject 
of the Trinity, also on the doctrines of election, reprobation, and predestination, 
as taught in the Confession of Faith, when he was asked, " Do you receive and 
adopt the Confession of Faith, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the 
Bible?" he answered aloud, so that the whole congregation might hear — " I do, 
as far as I see it consistent with the word of God." No objection being made, 
he was ordained. 

Early in 1801, "the Great Revival" commenced in Tennessee, and in the 
southern part of Kentucky, under the labors of James McGready, and other Pres- 
byterian ministers. Determined to hear and judge for himself. Barton W. Stone 
hastened to a great Presbyterian camp-meeting in Logan county, Kentucky, where 
for the first time he witnessed those strange exercises of falling, jerking, dan- 
cing, &c. 

Filled with the spirit of the revival, he returned to his congregations — related 
what he had seen and heard, and, with great earnestness and zeal, dwelt on the 
universality of the gospel, and urged the sinner to believe now, and be saved. 
The effects were immediate and powerful; the ^^ exercises''^ made their appear- 
ance ; a series of meetings followed ; the work spread in all directions ; multi- 
tudes united with the different churches ; and, for a time, party creeds, names, 
and feelings, seemed to be buried in Christian love and union. 

The " Great Caneridge Meeting" commenced in August following, and con- 
tinued some six or seven days. From twenty to thirty thousand were supposed 
to be collected. Many had come from Ohio, and other remote parts, who, on 
their return, diffused the spirit in their respective neighborhoods. Methodist and 
Baptist Preachers united heartily in the work, and the salvation of sinners 
seemed to be the great object of all. 

About this time, Robert Marshall, John Dunlavy, Richard McNemar, B. W. 
Stone, and John Thompson, all members of the synod of Kentucky, renounced 
the dogmas of Calvinism, and taught wherever they went, that Christ died for 
all — that the divine testimony was sufficient to produce faith — and that the spirit 
was received, not in order to faith, but through faith,. The sticklers for orthodoxy, 
seeing the powerful effects of these doctrines, were for a time afraid to oppose. 
At length the friends of the Confession determined to arrest the progress of these 
anti-calvinistic doctrines, and put them down. The presbytery of Springfield, in 
Ohio, first took McNemar under dealings; and from that presbytery the case 
came before the synod of Lexington, Ky., in September, 1803. 

So soon as they discovered, from the tone of the synod, that its decision in 
McNemar's case would be adverse, the five drew up a protest against the pro- 
ceedings, and a declaration of their independence, and withdrawal from the juris- 
diction of that body. Immediately after their withdrawal from the synod, they 
constituted themselves into a presbytery, which they called the Springfield pres- 
bytery. They had not, however, worn this name more than one year, before they 
saw that it savored of a party spirit. With the man-made creeds they threw it 
overboard, and took the name Christian — the name given to the disciples by di- 
vine appointment first at Antioch. "From this period " (says Stone), "I date 
the commencement of that reformation, which has progressed to this day." 
(1843). Soon after their withdrawal from the synod, they were joined by 
Matthew Houston and David Purviance. 

In 1805, Houston, McNemar, and Dunlavy joined the Shakers; and in 1807, 



120 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

Marshall and Thompson, after vainly attempting to enslave their associates a 
second time to a creed, returned back into the bosom of the Presbyterian church. 
Meanwhile the subject of baptism had begun to arrest the attention of the 
churches. Many became dissatisfied with their infant sprinkling. The preachers 
baptized one another, and crowds of the private members came, and were also 
baptized. The congregations generally submitted to it, and yet the pulpit was 
silent on the subject. 

About the same time, Barton W. Stone and some others began to conclude that 
baptism was ordained for the remission of sins, and ought to be administered in 
the name of Jesus Christ to all believing penitents. At a great meeting at Con- 
cord, he addressed mourners in the words of Peter, (Acts ii, 38), and urged upon 
them an immediate compliance with the exhortation. He informed us, however, 
that " into the spirit of the doctrine he was never fully led, until it was revived 
by Bro. Alexander Campbell some years after." 

Although Elder Stone repudiated the orthodox views on the subject of the 
Trinity, Sonship, and Atonement, he never acknowledged the sentiments with 
which he vpas so frequently charged by his opponents And in the latter part of 
his life, he often regretted that he had allowed himself to be driven in self-defence 
to speculate on these subjects as much as he had done. In the near prospect of 
death he averred, that he had never been a Unitarian, and had never regarded 
Christ as a created being. 

He died in the triumphs of faith, on the 9th day of November, 1844, univer- 
sally beloved and regretted by all who knew him. A worthy Methodist preacher 
in Jackson, Louisiana, once remarked to the writer of this article, in the presence 
of two old-school Presbyterian clergymen — "I know Barton W. Stone well, 
having lived neighbor to him for a considerable time in Tennessee. A lovelier 
man, or a better Christian, in my judgment, never lived ; and he is no more a 
Unitarian, than those brethren there are" — addressing himself at the same time to 
the two preachers. The person who, from a regard to truth and justice, bore this 
honorable testimony, was Mr. Finley, son of Dr. Finley, (a former president of 
the University of Georgia), and brother of the Secretary of the American Coloni- 
zation Society. 

Stone justly occupies a high rank as a scholar, a gentleman, and a Christian. 
In the department of poetry, his talents fitted him to shine, had they been culti- 
vated. There can hardly be found, in the English language, a lovelier, sweeter 
hymn, than one from his pen, written during the revivals about the beginning of 
the present century, and universally admired by the Christian world ever since. 
Be it known to the orthodox calumniators of Barton W. Stone, and to all men 
who have souls to feel the power either of religion or of poetry, that he is the 
author of that soul-inspiring hymn, in which the orthodox world has so greatly 
delighted for nearly half a century, viz., 

" The Lord is the fountain of goodness and love." 

A short account of the union between Stone's friends and those of Alexander 
Campbell, in 1832, shall close this hasty and imperfect sketch. In 1843, B.W. 
Stone writes thus : — " I saw no distinctive feature between the doctrine he (A. 
Campbell) preached, and that which we had preached for many years, except on 
baptism for the remission of sins. Even this I had once received and taught, as 
before stated, but had strangely let it go from my mind, till Brother Campbell 
revived it afresh. * * * u f|g boldly determined to take the Bible alone 
for his standard of faith and practice, to the exclusion of all other books as au- 
thoritative. He argued that the Bible presented sufficient evidence of its truth to 
sinners, to enable them to believe it, and sufficient motives to induce them to obey 
it — that until they believed and obeyed the gospel, in vain they expected salva- 
tion, pardon, and the Holy Spirit — that now is the accepted time, and now is the 
day of salvation." 

"These truths we had proclaimed and reiterated through the length and breadth 
of the land, from the press and from the pulpit, many years before A. Campbell 
and his associates came upon the stage, as aids of the good cause. Their aid 
gave a new impetus to the reformation which was in progress, especially among 
the Baptists in Kentucky ; and the doctrines spread and greatly increased in the 
west. The only distinguishing doctrine between us and them was, that they 



CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 121 

preached baptism for remission of sins to believing penitents. This doctrine had 
not generally obtained amongst us, though some few had received it, and prac- 
tised accordingly. They insisted also on weekly communion, which we had 
neglected." * * * 

" Among others of the Baptists who received, and zealously advocated the 
teaching of A'. Campbell, was John T. Johnson, than whom there is not a better 
man. We lived together in Georgetown, had labored and worshipped together. 
We plainly saw, that we were on the same foundation, in the same spirit, and 
preached the same gospel. We agreed to unite our energies to effect a union be- 
tween our different societies. This was easily effected in Kentucky ; and in order 
to confirm this union, we became co-editors of the Christian Messenger. This 
union, I have no doubt, would have been as easily effected in other states as in 
Kentucky, had not there been a few ignorant, headstrong bigots on both sides, 
who were more influenced to retain and augment their party, than to save ike 
world by uniting according to the prayer of Jesus." 

The biographer of Elder Stone informs us, that the union was consummated in 
the following manner: 

"A meeting of four days was held at Georgetown, embracing the Christmas 
of 1831, and another at Lexington of the same length, embracing the New Year's 
day of 1832. The writer had the happiness to he in attendance at both these 
meetings. 

"At these meetings the principles of our union were fully canvassed, which 
were such as we have stated. We solemnly pledged ourselves to one another 
before God, to abandon all speculations, especially on the Trinity, and kindred 
subjects, and to be content with the plain declarations of scripture on those top- 
ics, on which there had been so much worse than useless controversy. Elder 
John Smith and the writer were appointed by the churches, as evangelists to ride 
in this section of Kentucky, to promote this good work. In that capacity we 
served the churches three years. Thousands of converts to the good cause was 
the result of the union and co-operation of the churches, and their many evangel- 
ists during that period ; and I look back to those years as among the happiest of 
my life." 

As the short space allowed to this article precludes the possibility of doing it 
justice, the reader who desires further information, is referred to the Christian 
Baptist, and to the " Biography of Barton W. Stone," by Elder John Rogers, of 
Carlisle, Kentucky — an excellent work just out of press. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



The Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized in Tennessee in 1810, by 
the constitution of the Cumberland Presbytery. One of the leading ministers, 
however, resided in Kentucky at the time of the organization. In 1813 the 
original presbytery was divided into three presbyteries, one of which included 
those ministers and congregations that adhered to the Cumberland presbytery in 
its difficulties with the Presbyterian church. There are now two synods in the 
state, the Green river and the Kentucky synods. The number of ordained min- 
isters in the two synods is sixty-five; of licentiates, thirty ; of candidates for the 
ministry, twenty-five. The whole number of communicants is estimated at 7000. 



122 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

The operations of the church have been mainly confined to the south-western 
portion of the state. Many of its ministers and members were pioneers in that 
section of country. They found much of the country physically and morally in 
a state of nature. Their labors, sacrifices, and self-denial were necessarily very 
great; but it will be seen from the preceding statistics that they did not labor in 
vain. The early ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian church were remark- 
able for a bold, manly, and impressive eloquence. They were western men in 
the full sense of the expression. Without the training of the schools, they were 
nevertheless reared up and brought into the ministry under circumstances well 
calculated to develop all their energies. With indomitable perseverance, and 
without worldly compensation, they performed an important part in converting a 
" wilderness," a moral desolation, into a " fruitful field." They were men for 
the country and the times. Long will they live in the memory of that generation 
in which they labored, and long in south-western Kentucky will their influence 
be felt after a short-lived generation shall have passed away. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH 



The convention of the diocese of Kentucky was organized in 1830. Its first 
bishop was consecrated Oct. 31st, 1832. 

There are about 20 clergymen in the diocese, 13 of whom are officiating in as 
many organized parishes. There are six missionary stations, and sixteen church 
edifices. The whole number of families is about 600, and of communicants 650. 

Shelby college was organized in 1836, and transferred to the Episcopal church 
in 1841. It has graduated two very small classes. Its presidency is now tempo- 
rarily vacant. 

The Theological Seminary was chartered in 1834. It has an excellent library 
of above three thousand volumes, and funds to the amount of $12,000. Its library 
is now deposited in the library room of Shelby college. 

The Rev. John Lythe, of the Episcopal church, or church of England, came 
early to Kentucky. When Col. Henderson established his proprietary govern- 
ment in 1775, Mr. Lythe was a delegate from the Harrodsburgh station or settle- 
ment to the legislative assembly. The delegates met on the 23d of May, 1775, 
and the assembly being organized, "divine service was performed by the Rev. 
Mr. Lythe, one of the delegates from Harrodsburg." In the records of this legis- 
lative assembly, we note the following proceedings: 

"The Rev. Mr. Lythe obtained leave to bring in a bill to prevent profane swear- 
ing and Sabbath breakng. After it was read the first time, it was ordered, says 
the journal, ' to be re-committed ; and that Mr. Lythe, Mr. Todd, and Mr. Har- 
rod be a committee to make umcjidments.'' 

" Mr. Todd, Mr. Lythe, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Hite were appointed a commit- 
tee to draw up a contract between the proprietors and the people of the colony." 

On the day succeeding the adjournment of the legislature of Transylvania, (for 
so this legislative council was termed,) " divine service," the same journal re- 
cords, " was performed by the Rev. Mr. Lythe, of the church of England," And 
it was under the shade of the same magnificent elm, that the voices of these rude 
hunters rose in accents of prayer and thanksgiving to the God of their fathers — 



THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 123 

that the verdant groves of the land of the savage and the buffalo, first rang with 
the anthems of the Christian's worship, and echoed back the message of the Re- 
deemer of the world. It was fit it should be so, for 

" The groves were God's first temples."* 

We know nothing further of the Rev. John Lythe, except what is contained in 
these extracts of the proceedings of the " Legislature of Transylvania." He was 
doubtless the first minister of the gospel who penetrated the wilds of Kentucky ; 
and, from the fact that he was elected to the legislative assembly — that he offici- 
ated as chaplain — and that his name appears on some important committees, he 
must have been a man of some note. 

The Rev. James Moore was the first minister of the Episcopal church of the 
United States, who permanently located in Kentucky. He emigrated to the 
State in 1792, from Virginia, and was at that time a candidate for the ministry in 
the Presbyterian church. His trial sermons not being sustained by the Transyl- 
vania presbytery, Mr. Moore became displeased with what he considered rigor- 
ous treatment, and in 1794 sought refuge in the bosom of the Episcopal church. 
Soon afterwards he became the first rector of Christ's church in Lexington. In 
1798, he was appointed acting president of Transylvania university, and pro- 
fessor of Logic, Metaphysics, Moral Philosophy, and Belles-Lettres. This situ- 
ation he held for several years, during which Transylvania enjoyed a good degree 
of prosperity. Mr. Moore was distinguished for sound learning, devoted piety, 
courteous manners, and liberal hospitality. 

The Rev. Benjamin Orr Peers was born in Loudon county, Virginia, in the 
year 1800. His father, the late Major Valentine Peers, of Maysville, (a soldier 
of the revolutionary army) emigrated to Kentucky in 1803, when the subject of 
this brief notice was only three years old. Mr. Peers received the first rudiments 
of an academical education in the Bourbon academy, and completed his scholastic 
course at Transylvania university, while under the administration of Dr. HoUey. 
He studied theology at Princeton. After completing his course in that institution, 
he connected himself with the Episcopal church, having previously belonged to 
the Presbyterian. He located in Lexington, where he established the Eclectic 
Institute, which became, under his supervision, one of the most valuable insti- 
tutions of learning in the west. During the time he was at the head of the Ec- 
lectic Institute, and subsequently, he spent much time, labor, and money in the 
cause of common school education, and was instrumental in arousing the public 
attention to the importance of the subject — the present common school system of 
Kentucky being the result of the popular will thus brought to bear upon the 
question. 

Mr. Peers, while at the head of the Eclectic Institute, was chosen president of 
Transylvania university, which position he accepted, in opposition to the advice 
of many warm friends, and which he held but a very brief period. At the time 
of his decease, in the year 1842, at Louisville, he was editor of the Episcopal 
Sunday School Magazine at New York, and, also, editor of the Sunday School 
publications of the church. He was distinguished not only for his zealous devo- 
tion to the cause of general education, but for his sound learning and ardent 
piety. His published writings were not extensive — the w^ork on Christian Educa- 
tion appears to have been his favorite. He fell early, but fell at the post of 
duty. 

•Gov. Morehead's Boonesborough Address. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



The early history* of Methodism in Kentucky, is, to a certain extent, obscure 
and indefinite, arising partly from the want of proper documents, and partly from 
the difficulty of collecting those that are in existence. 

The most authentic and reliable information in regard to the origin and progress 
of Methodism in the United States, is to be gathered from the minutes of the 
several annual conferences ; but these, consisting mainly of statistical accounts, 
are rather meager and unsatisfactory. Yet brief as these records are, they throw 
a steady and continuous light upon the rise and progress of Methodism in Ken- 
tucky, down to the present time. From these conference documents we gather the 
fact, that the first traveling preachers appointed to labor in the State of Kentucky, 
were 

JAMES HAW AND BENJAMIN OGDEN. 

These two men were appointed to travel the entire State in the year 1786, and 
were the Jirst regular itinerant ministers, who, under the control of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, commenced the work of spreading " Scriptural holiness over 
these lands." 

At the time of their appointment, it appears that there were no regular societies 
in existence in Kentucky, as is evidenced by the entire absence of statistical 
information in the minutes. James Haw and Benjamin Ogden were, therefore, 
the first to collect the scattered Methodist emigrants of the "Dark and Bloody 
Ground" into classes, and organize them into societies. The first Methodist 
Episcopal church organized in Kentucky, was in the cabin of Thomas Stevenson, 
about two and a half miles south-west of Washington, Mason county, by Ben- 
jamin Ogden, some time during the year 1786. 

1787. The appointments for this year were 

Kentucky — James Haw, Elder. Thomas Williamson, Wilson Lee. 
Cumberland — Benjamin Ogden. 

The numbers in society, reported at the close of this year were, whites, 90, col- 
ored, none. 

1788. Kentucky — Francis Poythress, James Haw, Elders. 
Lexington ct. — Thomas Williamson, Peter Massie, Benjamin Snelling. 
Cumberland — D. Combs, B. McHenry. 

Danville — Wilson Lee. 

Numbers at the close of this year, whites, 479, colored, 64. 

Lexington circuit embraced the northern part of the State ; Cumberland cir- 
cuit, the few societies which were in the lower end of the State and middle 
Tennessee : Danville circuit the center of Kentucky south of the Kentucky river. 

1789. The same number of ministers were sent this year to the Kentucky 
work as on the previous year, and the arrangement of the circuits remained the 
same. 

The summer and fall of '89 and spring of '90, was a season of gracious revi- 
val; the "desert was made to rejoice, and the wilderness and the solitary place 
to blossom as the rose." The word of God, among the early settlers, was ac- 
companied " with the demonstration of the Spirit and power," and the numerical 
strength of the church was more than doubled. 

The numbers in society at the close of this year were, whites, 1037, colored, 51. 

1790. Conference was held this year for the first time in Kentucky, on the 26th 
of April, at Masterson's station, about five miles west of Lexington. 

This conference was the first attended in the west by Bishop Asbury. The 

*For the facts in these sketches, we are indebted mainly to the Rev. William Burke, of Cincin- 
nati, and to the published minutes of confereuce ; many of the sketches of pioneer ministers are in 
the lan^uaere of the minutes. 
(124) 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 125 

conference was composed of twelve preachers, the bishop, and Hope Hull, the 
traveling companion of the bishop. At the close of the conference, which was held 
this year in Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Asbury, attended by Hope Hull, 
started on his journey to Kentucky, to meet the western preachers in conference. 
In his journal, the bishop speaks of his trip in the following language. ''After 
crossing the Kentucky river," he says, "I was strangely outdone for want of 
sleep, having been greatly deprived of it during my journey through the wilder- 
ness, which is like being at sea in some respects, and in others worse. Our way 
is over mountains, steep hills, deep rivers, and muddy creeks, a thick growth of 
reeds for miles together, and no inhabitants but wild beasts and savage men. 
Sometimes, before I was aware, my ideas would be leading me to be looking out 
ahead for a fence, and I would, without reflection, try to recollect the houses we 
should have stopped at in the wilderness. I slept about an hour the first night, 
and about two the last. We ate no regular meal — our bread grew short, and I 
was very much spent." 

Speaking of the preachers who were then traveling in the wilds of Kentucky, 
the bishop says: ;'I found the poor preachers indifferently clad, with emaciated 
bodies, and subject to hard fare, but I hope rich in faith." At the winding up of 
the first visit, he says : " My soul has been blessed among these people, and I 
am exceedingly pleased with them. I would not for the worth of all the place, 
have been prevented in this visit." The following appointments were made at 
this conference : 

1790. F. Poythress, presiding elder. 

Lexington circuit — Henry Birchett, David Haggard. 

Limestone " S. Tucker, J. Lillard. 

Danville " Thomas Williamson, Stephen Brooks. 

Madison *' B. McHenry, Benjamin Snelling. 

Cumberland " Wilson Lee, James Haw, Peter Massie. 

A brief sketch of the life and labors of the men who composed this first con- 
ference, and who are emphatically the pioneer ministers of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church, may not be out of place. 

Francis Asbury, the presiding bishop, stands among that hardy and laborious 
band supremely pre-eminent, — "In labors more abundant than they all." Land- 
ing from England, on the shores of our country, on the 27th of October, 1771, 
from that hour until the termination of his pilgrimage, his clear and manly voice 
was heard upon all occasions, lifting itself up against sin, and in favor of the 
gospel of Christ. The trump of the gospel, when applied to his lips, gave no 
uncertain sound ; his mind was clear, discriminating, and logical ; he was rich — 
by the "word of God dwelling in him richly in all wisdom;" he was great — by 
the spirit of glory and of God which rested upon him ; and for the space of forty- 
five years, he moved as an "angel" among the churches, "feeding the flock of 
Christ," and building the believer up in his most holy faith. Perhaps no man, 
since the settlement of America, has traveled as extensively, and labored as un- 
tiringly, overcoming so many serious obstacles, as the apostolic Asbury. His 
foot-prints have been left wide and deep upon " the sands of time." He preached 
•' Jesus and the resurrection" along the sea-board, from Maine to Georgia — from 
the Atlantic out west, until, from the rude cabin of the frontier squatter, the un- 
broken forest re-echoed back the burden of his embassy. Of this first visit to 
Kentucky, in his journal he says : " I rode about three hundred miles to Ken- 
tucky in six days, and back by way of Tennessee, about five hundred miles, in 
nine days. I what exertions for man and beast." While performing these 
journies, too, the bare earth for days was his bed, and his only covering the pro- 
tecting wing of his "ministering angel." After spending fifty-five years in the 
ministry, forty-five of which were spent in America, he was transferred by the 
Great Superintendent to the church above, on the 21st of March, 1816. His 
name unstained — his labors and hardships unsurpassed — the name of Francis 
Asbury will be remembered in all the greenness of affection, while the pure doc- 
trines of Methodism have a votary. 

Francis Poythress was admitted into the traveling connection at a conference 
held in Baltimore, on the 21st of May, 1776. In 1778, he was sent out to Ken- 
tucky in the capacity of elder. As a preacher, few in those days excelled him. 



126 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

His voice clear and musical ; his knowledge of the scriptures vast and accurate ; 
his sermons bedewed with his tears in his closet, fell as the dews of life upon 
the hearts of his congregation ; sinners trembled before the Lord, and the keen 
flash of the Spirit's sword was felt passing all through the soul, discerning by its 
brightness, " the thoughts and intents of the heart." In the visit Bishop Asbury 
made to Kentucky in 1790, a single note made in his journal pours a flood of 
light upon the secret of his success. He says : " I met the preachers in con- 
ference," and adds: "Brother Poythress is much alive to God." Sermons 
anointed with the spirit of God, and baptized in the blood of the Lamb, will 
always " burn as fire in dry stubble." Brother Poythress continued to travel in 
the west, mainly in Kentucky, until the spring of 1800, when he attended the 
general conference held in Baltimore, at which conference he was appointed to 
a district in North Carolina, including circuits from the sea shore to the summit 
of the Blue Ridge. The excessive draughts made upon his mind and body, by 
the labor of this district, unsettled his mental balance, so that during the summer 
he became partially deranged. 

In the fall of 1800, he returned to Kentucky to his sister's, the widow Prior, who 
then resided in Jessamine county, about three miles from Nicholasville, where 
he remained a confirmed lunatic until his death. 

Henry Birchett was born in Brunswick county, State of Virginia. He con- 
tinued between five and six years in the ministry, a gracious, happy, useful man, 
who freely offered himself for four years' service in the dangerous stations of 
Kentucky and Cumberland. Birchett was one among the worthies who cheer- 
fully left safety, ease, and prosperity, to seek after and suffer faithfully for souls. 
His meekness, love, labors, prayers, tears, sermons, and exhortations, were not 
soon forgotten. He died in peace, in Cumberland circuit, on the western waters, 
in February, 1794. 

David Haggard came out with Birchett, as a volunteer from the Virginia con- 
ference, to do battle in the hard service of Kentucky. He was appointed as 
colleague with Birchett on the Lexington circuit in 1790, and traveled a few 
years in Kentucky with considerable acceptability, when he joined O'Kelley's* 
party, returned to the east, and died in connection with the New Lights. 

James Haw was admitted into the traveling connection at a conference held 
on the 17th of April, 1782, at "Ellis's preaching house," in Sussex county, Vir- 
ginia, and appointed to labor as one of the first two ministers in Kentucky, in 
1786, where he continued to travel until 1791, when he located and settled in 
Sumner county, Tennessee. In 1795, he joined O'Kelly's party. In 1800, he 
attached himself to the Presbyterian church, joined in with the Cumberland Pres- 
byterians when they separated from the mother church, and finally died in their 
communion, a few years after, on his farm in Sumner county. 

Peter Massie entered the connection in 1789, and traveled successively the 
Danville, Cumberland, and Limestone circuits. At the close of '91, he departed 
for a purer clime. The published account briefly states that, " He labored faith- 
fully in the ministry for upwards of three years, confirmed and established in the 
grace of God, and useful. An afflicted man, who desired and obtained a sudden 
death, by falling from his seat and expiring December 19th, 1791, at Hodge's 
station, five miles south of Nashville." He was the first who fell in the harness 
on the western waters. 

Samuel Tucker was appointed from the Baltimore conference of 1790, to 
Limestone circuit (now Maysville). Leaving his friends and all behind, he started 
to preach Jesus on the work assigned him, but in descending the Ohio river, at or 
near the mouth of Brush creek, about thirty miles below Portsmouth, the boat in 
which he was descending was attacked by Indians, and the most of the crew 
were killed; but he continued to defend the boat with his rifle, until it floated out 
into the stream, beyond the reach of the Indians pursuing. He arrived at Lime- 
stone, and there died of his wounds. His remains now lie in the cemetery in 
Maysville, unhonored — the spot unknown. 

*0'Kelly separated from the Metliodist Episcopal church on the subject of episcopacy and the 
elective franchise, in November, 1792. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 127 

Benjamin Snelling was admitted into connection in 1788, and sent to travel 
the Lexington circuit that year. He continued in Kentucky but a short lime, 
and then returned to the east, and after remaining some time, he returned to 
Kentucky, settled in Bath county, where he finally died. 

Joseph Lillard was born in Kentucky, not far from Harrodsburg, and admit- 
ted into the traveling connection at the first conference held in Kentucky, at 
Masterson's station, April 26th, 1790. He was appointed that year to Limestone 
circuit. He traveled but a few years, and died near Harrodsburgh, in a located 
relation. 

Barnabas McHenry embraced religion and attached himself to the Methodist 
Episcopal church in the infancy of Methodism in the United States. Believing 
it to be his duty to preach the gospel, he joined the traveling connection in 1787. 
In 1788, he was sent to Cumberland circuit, and continued to labor in the various 
circuits of Kentucky, faithfully and successfully, until 1796, when, in conse- 
quence of the loss of health, he located. In 1819, he was re-admitted into the 
traveling connection ; but his strength not being sufficient for the labors of an 
effective man, he was, in 1821, returned superannuated. This relation he sus- 
tained until death by cholera, June 16th, 1833, relieved him of all his infirmities. 
As an old apostle of Methodism, he was fond of the doctrines of the church, and 
took delight in teaching them to others. He lived in the enjoyment of the bless- 
ing of sanctification, and died in peace, going up from earth to take a position of 
nearer concernment in the lofty worship of heaven. 

Wilson Lee was born in Sussex county, Delaware, November, 1761, and 
admitted into the traveling connection in 1784. He was sent out to labor in Ken- 
tucky in 1787, and continued to labor in the different appointments assigned him, 
as a man of God esteemed very highly, for his work's sake, until 1792. From 
that conference he was transferred to the east, where he continued to labor until 
he finished his course, by the rupture of a blood vessel, in Anne Arundel county, 
Maryland, October 11th, 1804. Wilson Lee was a preacher of no ordinary 
acceptability, correct in the economy of himself and others. As an elder and 
presiding elder he showed himself a workman that needed not to be ashamed. 
Professing the sanctifying grace of God, he carried about him the air and port 
of one who had communion with heaven; his life and conversation illustrated 
the religion he professed. He was neat in his dress, affable in his manners, 
fervent in his spirit, energetic in his ministry, and his discourses were fitted to 
the characters and cases of his hearers. His labors and his life were laid down 
together. It may be truly said, that he hazarded his life upon all the frontier 
stations he filled, from the Monongahela to the Cumberland river, all through 
Kentucky, in many of which stations there were savage cruelty and frequent 
deaths. He had to ride from station to station, and from fort to fort, sometimes 
with, and sometimes without a guide. 

Benjamin Ogden was born in New Jersey in 1764. In early life he was a 
soldier of the revolution, which gave distinction and independence to his coun- 
try. He embraced religion in 1784, at the age of 20. Progressing like Timothy 
in the knowledge of religion, he united himself with the traveling connection in 
1786, and received his first appointment to the then wilderness of Kentucky, in 
connection with James Haw, as a missionary: and to him belongs the honor of 
organizing the first Methodist Episcopal church in Kentucky, in the house of 
Thomas Stevenson, of Mason county. Ill health compelled him to desist from 
traveling in 1788, remaining in a located relationship for nearly thirty years. In 
1817, he re-entered the traveling connection, but soon sunk again under the press- 
ure of ill health — but earnestly desirous to be more extensively useful than he 
could be in that relation, he attempted the work of an itinerant again in 1824, 
and continued an effective man until 1827, when he was placed upon the superan- 
nuated list, and remained so until his death in 1834. Benjamin Ogden was a man 
of good natural intellect, and various attainments as a Christian minister. He 
was especially well instructed in the principles, and deeply imbued with the 
spirit of his vocation, as a primitive Methodist preacher. After a lontr life of 
laborious toils and effective service in the furtherance of the gospel, this venerable 
servant of God and his church — one of the first two missionaries who penetrated 



128 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

the vast valleys of the Mississippi — was released by death from his militant 
charge — expiring in all the calmness and confidence of faith and hope, went to 
his reward. 

John Page was admitted into the traveling connection at Holstein on the 15th 
of May, 1791. He came over with Bishop Asbury to Kentucky, and was sta- 
tioned on the Lexington circuit. Traveled Danville circuit in '93 — Salt river in 
'94 — Limestone in '95 — Green circuit, Holstein conference in '96 — Hinkston in 
'97 — Salt river and Shelby in '98 — Cumberland in '99 — Holstein, Russell, and 
New river in 1800 — Cumberland in 1801 — ditto in 1802. In 1803, he was 
appointed as presiding elder on the Cumberland district. In 1804 he located. 
Sometime afterwards he joined in a superannuated relation, and now lives on the 
Cumberland river, in Tennessee, near the mouth of Caney fork. 

Benjamin Northcott was admitted on trial at the second conference that was 
held in Kentucky, at Masterson's station. May 1st, 1792, and appointed that year 
to Lexington circuit. In 1793 he was sent to Limestone circuit. This year he 
married and settled in the neighborhood of Flemingsburg, where he now lives — 
a preacher of holiness — illustrating the same in life. 

James O'Cull was admitted on trial at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, July 28th, 
1791, and appointed with Barnabas McHenry to Cumberland circuit, (compre- 
hending middle Tennessee). From Cumberland he returned back to Kentucky, 
married near Lexington, and afterwards settled on the North fork of Licking 
river, in Mason county, Kentucky, where a few years past he left for the "land 
that is afar off, where the King is seen in his beauty." 

John Ray was admitted on trial in 1791, and appointed to Limestone circuit. 
Traveled Green circuit in '93 — New river circuit, Virginia, in '94 — Bedford, Vir- 
ginia, in '95 — Amherst, Virginia, in '96 — Tar river circuit, North Carolina, in 
'97 — Roanoke, North Carolina, in '98 — Tar river circuit in '99 — Caswell circuit, 
North Carolina, in 1800. Located in 1801, and returning to Kentucky, settled 
near Mount Sterling, where he lived a number of years, after which he was re- 
admitted into the Kentucky conference, and a few years past moved to Indiana, 
and there passed from earth to the spirit land. 

William Burke was born in Loudon county, Va., on the 13th of January, 1770, 
and was received into the traveling connection in 1791, at McKnight's, on Tar 
river, North Carolina, and appointed to West New river, in Virginia. Met again in 
conference in the next year in the rich valley of Holstein, near the salt works, on 
the 15th May, and appointed to Green circuit, in the Western Territory (now East 
Tenn.). Met again in conference at Nelson's on the 13th of April, 1793, at which 
conference he volunteered for Kentucky, came out and attended the conference held 
at Masterson's station on the 6th of May, 1793, and was appointed that year to 
Danville circuit. Met again in conference at Bethel Academy, in Jessamine county, 
on the 15th of April, 1794, and appointed to Hinkston circuit. During the year 
traveled Hinkston, Salt river, and Lexington. As a faithful, effective, and labo- 
rious itinerant, William Burke continued to travel various circuits and districts 
in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Ohio, until 1808, when he was 
changed from effective to a supernumerary relation, and appointed to Lexington 
circuit. In 1809 he was appointed to the Green river district, and continued in 
that extensive and laborious work, until conference met in Cincinnati, October 
1st, 1811, when he was appointed to the Miami circuit, including Cincinnati. In 
1812, from the conference which met that year in Chillicothe, he was appointed 
to Cincinnati station, the Jirst station west of the mountains. In the fulfilling of 
that work, he lost his voice entirely, and was placed in a supernumerary relation 
for several years. He then superannuated, which relation he now sustains to the 
Kentucky conference. As a preacher, William Burke stood among the first in 
his day. Possessing a cultivated and accurate memory, he stored it richly with 
Bible truths, and joining with his biblical knowledge a deep acquaintance with 
human nature, he was enabled to adapt his sermons to the varied characters of his 
hearers; nor did he fail, whenever a fit occasion offered, to rebuke sin boldly in 
high places. Possessing a large, muscular frame, he had a great deal of native 
physical courage, and this, added to high moral purpose, made him one of the 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH. 129 

most fearless and at the same time most effective men in planting the gospel of 
Jesus Christ in a new country. There are thousands in Kentucky, who yet 
remember the voice of William Burke pealing the thunders of Sinai around 
them, and then softly wooing the melted heart to the foot of the cross. He is 
still living in Cincinnati, his faculties unimpaired, and his attachment to the 
cause of Christ undiminished. Long may he be spared to guide by his discrim- 
inating counsel the ark of Methodism. 

Methodism, planted as we have seen in Kentucky, as late as 1786, grew 
rapidly up to 1790 in numbers. In that year, at the conference held at Masterson's 
station, the numbers reported were 

Whites. Colored. 

Lexington 424 32 

Limestone 66 — 

Danville 322 26 

Madison 212 8 

Cumberland 241 41 

1265 107 

Limestone circuit was taken from Lexington, and Madison from Danville cir- 
cuit, this year. When we take into consideration the fact that the country was 
at that time sparsely populated, the increase of numbers is somewhat surprising. 
In a little more than three years from the hour that the first missionary of the 
Methodist Episcopal church began to preach among them a free, present, and full 
salvation, we find that a church has sprung up, embracing within its pale a mem- 
pership of nearly 1400. Well might the hardy pioneers of that day say "behold 
what God has wrought." The increase of membership in Kentucky appears to 
have been steady and uniform in its growth. 

In 1791 there were TFhites 1459 Colored 94 

In 1792 " " 2059 " 176 

Bishop Asbury, in his journal, speaks of attending the Kentucky conference 
this year, which was held on the 26th of April, at Masterson's station, and says, 
" Vast crowds of people attended public worship, — the spirit of matrimony is 
prevalent here ; in one circuit both preachers are settled — the land is good — the 
country new — and indeed all possible facilities to the comfortable maintainance 
of a family are afforded to an industrious, prudent pair." 
In 1795 there were whites 2262, colored 99. 

This year Francis Acuff, for three years a traveling preacher, was called 
home to his reward. He was a young man of genius and improvable talents : he 
was brought up in Sullivan county, Tennessee, and died in August, 1795, near 
Danville in Kentucky, in the twenty-fifth year of his age. Bishop Asbury, speak- 
ing of his death says, " Francis Acuff from a fiddler, became a christian — from 
a christian a preacher — from a preacher I trust a glorified saint." 

In 1800, the ordained preachers who had been traveling in the west, were re- 
quested by Bishop Asbury, to attend the general conference held that year in 
Baltimore, in order that their fields of labor might be changed, and new preachers 
sent out to the western work. Consequently the majority of the old traveling 
preachers were recalled from the west, and an almost entirely new supply sent out. 
The minutes for 1800 stand thus — no's, in connection. 

Whites. Colored. 

Scioto and Miami — Henry Smith 467 1 

Limestone — William Algood 417 20 

Hinkstone — William Burke 283 4 

Lexington — Thomas Allen 273 15 

Danville — Hezekiah Harriman 339 67 

Salt river and Shelby — John Sale 167 7 

Cumberland — William Lambeth 247 40 

Green — James Hunter 434 22 

Holstein,Russell)j j^ ^ J j^ p 

and New river, ) ' ^ _ 

9 



3248 240 



130 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

No presiding elder being appointed that year, the first five circuits named 
above, were taken oversight of by William Burke. Harriman and Sale, being 
the only other elders in the entire western country, took charge of the remainder. 
The time of the meeting of the conference was changed this year from spring to 
the fall, and met in October at Bethel academy. Bishops Asbury and Whatcoat 
attended at this conference. William McKendree was appointed presiding elder 
for Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and part of Western Virginia. 

Wir.LiAM McKendree, whose name is in all the churches, and who was like 
an illuminated torch sent down for awhile from the upper sanctuary, to burn in 
the golden candlesticks of God's house on earth, — came out with Asbury and 
Whatcoat in the fall of 1800 from the Virginia conference, and at the conference 
held that year at Bethel in October, was appointed presiding elder for all the 
western country, comprehending in his district the whole of Kentucky and part 
of three other states, viz : Ohio, Virginia and Tennessee. He continued travel- 
ing as elder over that immense scope of country for two years, when the dis- 
trict was divided into three parts — Holstein district, Cumberland district and 
Kentucky district. McKendree remained presiding elder of the Kentucky dis- 
trict for three years, when he was appointed to Cumberland district in the fall of 
1806, and continued traveling in that work, until the general conference of 1808, 
held that year in Baltimore, when he was elected bishop, and in that relation he 
continued for twenty-five years, visiting successively all the states in the Union, 
often made the instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit of breathing fresh life 
into the churches, and then again like the youthful David, of smiting some 
proud defier of Israel low. As a christian, William McKendree combined 
solemnity and cheerfulness together in such a manner as to command the rever- 
ence and esteem of all about him. As a preacher of the gospel, his sermons 
were replete with the sweet story of the cross — mingling together the sublime 
discoveries of faith and the sweet anticipations of hope, in such a manner as to 
captivate and entrance the hearts of his hearers. He departed for a home in 
Heaven in 1833. He sleeps sweetly. 

From the conference of 1800, the church continued steadily to advance both in 
numbers and spirituality. The summer and fall of this year witnessed the com- 
mencement of those gracious outpourings of the Holy Spirit, which soon obtained 
the appellation of "The Great Revival." This work, commencing in Tennes- 
see and the lower parts of the state of Kentucky, gradually spread upwards into 
the interior of the State, leavening the country all around ; camp meetings at- 
tended by convening thousands, and continuingfor days and nights and sometimes 
weeks together, took the place of the ordinary stated ministrations, and the water 
flowing from the smitten rock of Horeb, rolled its life-giving current to thou- 
sands of souls thirsting for salvation. In May 1801, the work broke out in 
Madison county, Kentucky, and at a meeting on Cabin creek, the scene was 
awful beyond description — the novelty of the manner of worship — " the ranges of 
tents — the fires reflecting light amidst the branches of the towering trees — the 
candles and lamps illuminating the encampment — hundreds moving to and fro, 
with lights and torches like Gideon's army; the preaching, praying, singing and 
shouting, all heard at once rushing from different parts of the ground, like the 
sound of many waters, was enough to swallow up all the powers of contempla- 
tion." Meeting after meeting followed in quick succession until the Gth of 
August, 1801, when '• the great general camp meeting'''' was held at Cane Ridge, 
about 7 miles from Paris (Bourbon county). This meeting was the climax of 
all the rest, rendered wonderful by the almost incredible numbers that attended, 
as well as by the extraordinary scenes and developments there witnessed. "The 
concourse in attendance was most prodigious, being computed by a revolutionary 
officer who was accustomed to estimate encampments, to amount to not less than 
20,000 souls." Although there were many extravagances and irregularities con- 
nected with and growing out of these protracted and highly excited meetings, 
yet good men of all denominations, now concur in the opinion "That the spirit 
of God was really poured out, and that many sincere converts were made." The 
evidence of the genuine nature of the work being seen in the humble, loving and 
holy walk of those who were the subjects of this work. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 131 

The first Methodist meeting-house erected in Kentucky, was a log one, put up 
it Masterson's station, in the Lexington circuit, in 1787 or '88. 

The next house of worship, was erected at Poplar Flats, in Salt river circuit, 
about 1790, called Ferguson's chapel. 

About the same time, a log meeting-house was erected in Jessamine county, 
T,' r Bethel Academy, called Lewis' meeting house. 

1 Danville circuit, a log meeting-house called Procter's chapel, was erected 
ladison county, about the same time. In the fall of 1793, the second meeting- 
:. • ;e in Danville circuit, was built in Garrard county, called Burke's chapel. 
i he first in Limestone circuit was Bracken meeting-house. 
1 le first brick church built in Kentucky, was at Flemingsburg, and the second 
in '• lelby county, called the brick chapel. 

'I' \e limits assigned to this sketch forbid a more extended history of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. From the statistical accounts of the church, how- 
ever, it will be seen that from that period up to the present time, her march has 
been steady and onward. 
Tht?re were within the limits of the Kentucky conference 

Whites. Colored. 

In 1800 1626.... 115 

" 1810 5513.... 243 

'* 1830 11,887.... 1199 

" 1830 22,074.... 4682 

" 1840 30,939.... 6321 

" 1845 39,756.... 9362 

From the above statistics it will be seen that the Methodist Episcopal church, 
has a little more than doubled its numbers every ten years, until the year 1830. 
lu the spring of 1846, the church in Kentucky was divided into two conferences, 
the upper called "The Kentucky Conference," the lower called "The 
TjOhisville Conference." The first session of the Kentucky conference was 
held in September, 1846, at Covington. 

The first session of the Louisville conference was held in October, at Hop- 

ii. .umbers embraced in the bounds of the Kentucky conference were in the 
fall o( 1846, Whites. Colored. 

21,559. ...5,151 

1 raveling Preachers 90 

Local " 240 

Total 27,040 

In the Louisville conference there are about 25,000 

52,040 
Add the ratio of increase up to this time from the conferences of 1846, 
and it will be about 2,371 



54,411 
These statistical accounts will close this imperfect sketch of the rise and pro- 
gress of Methodism in Kentucky. Though later than some others in entering into 
this interesting field, yet with her characteristic energy, from the hour that she 
first planted her banner in "Kentucky's tangled wilderness," down to the present 
time, she has been first with the foremost, entering heartily into every benevo- 
lent plan having for its object the amelioration or evangelization of our race. 
Tens of thousands have already risen up and called her "blessed," and if she 
will continue to stand by the ancient land-marks, which have guided her thus 
far, generations yet unborn, feeling her influence and bowing before the force 
and purity of her doctrines, will say of her what has been said by an eloquent 
divine, "across the waters," that ^'■Methodism is chriatianity in earnest." 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 



In the year 1783, the Rev. David Rice immigrated to Kentucky, and was rte 
first Presbyterian minister who crossed the mountains. He gathered the scattf od 
Presbyterians into regular congregations, at Danville, Cane run, and the f rks 
of Dick's river. He was followed the next year by the Rev. Adam Rankin, .> lO 
gathered the church at Lexington, and the Rev. James Crawford, who set- 
tled at Walnut Hill. In the year 1786, the Rev. Thomas Craighead, ami ibf 
Rev. Andrew McClure were added to the number. These ministers were sh'>rily 
after oro^anized into a presbytery under the name of the presbytery of Transyl- 
vania ; a euphonious and classical -epithet for the backwoods. All the above 
named persons were from Virginia, except Mr. Craighead, who was of North 
Carolina. 

The presbytery of Transylvania met in the court house at Danville, on Tues- 
day, October 17, 1786. Mr. Rice presided as moderator, by appointment of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McClure acted as clerk. 
The following ministers were present: Rev. David Rice, Adam Rankin, Andrew 
McClure, .lames Crawford, and Terah Templin, recently ordained by a commis- 
sion of Hanover presbytery. There were five ruling elders present,; > repre- 
sentatives of as many churches, viz : Messrs. Richard Steele, David G ly, Joh j 
Bovel, Joseph Reed, and Jeremiah Frame. ' 

There were at this time twelve congregations in a more or less perfec state of 
organization, viz.: Cane River, Concord (Danville), the forks of D k's nn, 
New Providence (McAfee's station). Mount Zion (Lexington), Mou' Pisjah, 
Salem, Walnut Hill, Hopewell, Paint Lick, Jessamine creek, Whitle; < station, 
and Crab Orchard. 

By the year 1802, the number of Presbyterians had so multiplied, f to call for 
the erection of a synod. Accordingly, on Tuesday, October 14, 180*., the synod 
of Kentucky held its first meeting, in the Presbyterian church in Lexington. Mr. 
Rice preached the opening sermon, and was elected moderator. Mr. Marshall 
was chosen clerk. The number of members present was thirty ; of whom sev- 
enteen were ministers, and thirteen elders. The total number of ministers within 
the bounds was thirty-seven. The synod was composed of the three presbyte- 
ries of Transylvania, West Lexington, and Washington, in Ohio. During the 
sessions, Cumberland presbytery was set off from Transylvania, embracing the 
south-western portion of the State, and part of Tennessee. Thus it will be seen, 
that the territorial jurisdiction of the synod was co-extensive with the settlement 
of the entire region west of the mountains. 

The members of the synod were as follows : 

Of the presbytery of Transylvania, Ministers present, David Rice, Samuel Fin- 
ley, Matthew Houston, Samuel Robertson, Archibald Cameron. Elders, Andrew 
W^allace, James Bigham, Court Voris, (Voorhees). Ministers absent, Thomas 
Craighead, Terah Templin, James Balch, James McGready, William Hodge, 
John Bowman, William McGee, John Rankin, Samuel Donald, William Mahon, 
Samuel McAdow, John Howe, James Vance, Jeremiah Abel. 

Of the presbytery of West Lexington, Ministers present, James Crawford, 
Samuel Shannon, Isaac Tull, Robert Marshall, James Blythe, James Welch, Jo- 
seph P. How, Samuel Rannels, John Lyle, William Robinson. Elders, James 
Bell, Robert MafTet, Malcolm Worley, William Scott, Joseph Walker, William 
McConnel, Samuel Hayden, William Henry. Absent, Rev. Barton W. Stone. 

Of the presbytery of Washington, Ministers present, James Kemper, John P. 
Campbell, Richard McNemar, John Thompson, John Dunlavy. Elders, Robert 
Gill, John Campbell. Ministers absent, John E. Finley, Matthew G. Wallace. 

The limits of the synod were reduced, in 1814, by the erection of the synod 
C132) 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 133 

of Ohio; and in 181T, by the erection of the sjnod of Tennessee; since which 
time it5 boundaries have corresponded with those of the State. It consists at 
present of six presbyteries : Transylvania, West Lexington, Louisville, Muhlen- 
burg, Ebenezer, and Bowling Green ; comprising seventy-nine ministers, one 
hundred and forty churches, and eight thousand and forty-eight communicants. 
This statement does not embrace the members of twenty-seven churches, which 
failed to report the number of their communicants to the General Assembly of 
1846, and which are supposed to contain about fifteen hundred communicants ; 
making the whole number in the State about nine thousand and five hundred. In 
1838, There were several ministers and churches which separated from the synod, 
and formed a new synod, which is commonly designated the New School synod, 
and which embraces three presbyteries, fourteen ministers, twenty-one churches, 
and nine hundred and fit'ty-four members. 

The contributions, during the year 1845-6, to the General Assembly's Boards 
of Education and ^lissions, foreign and domestic, exceeded $13,000, indepen- 
dently of all that has been done for Center College, which is under its conuol, 
and has an endowment of over $70,000. 

The Rev. David Rice (or " Father Rice,^^ as that venerable man was familiarly 
known), was born in Hanover county, Va., December -20, 1733. He was con- 
verted under the preaching of President Edwards, and studied Theology under 
Rev. John Todd. In the struggle for national independence, he took a warm 
and zealous part, and did not esteem it unbecoming his clerical profession to 
harangue the people on their grievances at county meetings. 

In 1783, he removed to Kentuck)", and identified his fortunes with the infant 
colony. Besides his active duties as a minister of the gospel, and the organiza- 
tion of many churches, he was zealously engaged in advancing the cause of edu- 
cation. He was the first teacher in the Transylvania seminarj', and for several 
years the chairman of it5 board ot' trustees ; and when that seminary, at"ter its 
removal to Lexington, fell under deistical influence, he took an active part in rais- 
ing up a rival in the Kentucky academy. The public estimation in which he was 
held, maj' be inferred from his election as a member of the convention which met 
in Danville in 1792, to frame a state constitution. He exerted his influence in 
that convention, but without success, for the insertion of an article providing" for 
the gradual extinction of slavery in Kentucky. 

Previous to Mr. Rice's arrival in Kentucky, marriages had been solemnized by 
the magistrates; but after that event, the people made it a point to procure the 
services of a clergyman. On the 3d of June, 1784, he married a couple at Mc- 
Afee's station, and on the 4th, preached the funeral sermon of Mr. James 
M'Cann, sen., the first sermon ever preached on the banks of Salt river. 

Father Rice's talents were of a plain, practical cast — not of a commanding or- 
der. His judgment was sound, his disposition conser\-ative, and his deportment 
exemplary. He spent much time in prayer. In the pulpit, his manner was sol- 
emn and impressive ; in his intercourse with society, dignified and grave. His 
person was slender, but tall and active, and even at the age of seventy, he exhib- 
ited an astonishing degree of alertness. He died in Green county, on the 18th 
of June. 1816, in the 83d year of his age. His last words were — "Oh, when 
shall I be free from sin and sorrow I "* 

Rev. James Crawford removed with his family to Kentucky in 1784. Like 
most of the pioneer Presbyterian ministers, he was from Virginia. He settled 
at Walnut Hill, where he gathered and organized a flourishing church. Although 
laboring under feeble health, he was zealous and active in the cause of his Mas- 
ter, and numerous converts were added to the church through his instrumentality. 
He was a plain looking man, of very grave demeanor ; not a popular preacher, 
but highly useful and instructive. He died in March, 1803. 

The Rev. Tkrah Templin, having been licensed by the Hanover (Va.) pres- 

•This sketch, as well as most ot' those which follow, is ahriilpeil from " ne History of the Presbti- 
terian Church of Kfitucki/." by ilie Rev. Robert Davidson. D. D.. — a work eloquently and classically 
written, and displaying very extensive research — published at New York early in the present year. 



134 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

bytery in 1780, soon after came to Kentucky, where he received ordination in 
1785. He located in Washington county, on the south side of the Kentucky 
river, where he organized several churches, and did the work of an evangelist 
faithfully. He also organized several churches, and supplied destitute congrega- 
tions in Livingston county. He died October 6, 1818, at the advanced age of 
seventy-six. Faithful to the attachment of his early years, which had been pre- 
maturely sundered, he never married. His talents were respectable, his manner 
solemn and impressive, and his deportment exemplary, guileless, and unassu- 
ming. 

The Presbyterian ministry of Kentucky was reinforced, in 1786, by the acces- 
sion of the Rev. Thomas B. Craighead, and Rev. Andrew McCi.ure. Mr. 
Craighead was a native of North Carolina. Shortly after his arrival in Kentucky, 
he was called to the pastoral charge of the Shiloh congregation in Sumner 
county, Tenn. Here, being opposed to the extravagancies of the times, and sus- 
pected of favoring Pelagianism, he became unpopular. In 1805, a commission 
was appointed by the synod of Kentucky, which was directed to investigate the 
correctness of the report of his unsoundness. The investigation which suc- 
ceeded, a long and protracted one, resulted in the suspension of Mr. Craighead 
from the gospel ministry. He made several ineffectual efforts to have the sus- 
pension removed, but did not succeed until the year 1824, when he was enabled 
to make so good a vindication of himself, and to explain his views so much to 
the satisfaction of the General Assembly, that they restored him to his ministe- 
rial standing. Not long after this event, he departed this life in Nashville, aged 
about seventy years. For some time before his death, he had suffered under the 
combined misfortunes of poverty and blindness. Mr. Craighead was of a tall 
but spare figure, not less than six feet in height. He excelled as an extempora- 
neous orator — his eloquence being of that fervid kind which captivates and car- 
ries away the hearer in spite of himself. The Hon. John Breckinridge said of 
him, that his discourses made a more lasting impression upon his memory than 
those of any other man he had ever heard. 

The Rev. Andrew McClure, who removed to Kentucky in company with Mr. 
Craighead, in 1787, organized the Salem and Paris churches ; and in 1789 took 
charge of the latter, where he remained till his decease in 1793, in the 39th year 
of his age. 

In 1784, the Rev. Adam Rankin, of Augusta county, Va. came to Kentucky, 
and settled in Lexington. He immediately became the pastor of Mount Zion 
church, and subsequently, in conjunction, of that of Pisgah, about eight miles 
south-west of Lexington. In 1792, he separated from the Presbyterian church, 
on account of psalmody, carrying with him a majority of his congregation, and 
retaining possession of the church edifice in Lexington. The portion adhering 
to the Presbyterian communion erected a new building ; and in 1795, called 
the Rev. James Welch to the pastoral charge. 

Eight Missioners of the Synod entered Kentucky in the following order, viz: 
Robert Marshall in 1791; Carey H. Allen and William Calhoon in 1792 ; John 
P. Campbell and Samuel Rannells in 1794 ; Robert Stuart and Robert Wilson 
in 1798 ; and John Lyle in 1800. 

Rev. Robert Marshall was a native of Ireland, emigrating to Pennsylvania 
in his 12th year. He enlisted in the American army when sixteen years of age, 
and was in six general engagements in the revolutionary war, one of which was 
the hard-fought battle of Monmouth, where he narrowly escaped with his life, a 
bullet grazing his locks. He was licensed by Redstone presbytery to preach 
tlie gospel, and after his removal to Kentucky, was ordained, in 1793, pastor of 
Bethel and Blue spring churches. He was an active leader in the great revival 
of 1800, and carried away by the torrent of enthusiasm that swept over Kentucky. 
In 1803, he embraced the views of the New Lights, but afterwards saw his error, 
and, in 1811, returned to the bosom of the church. In 1812, he was reinstated 
in the pastoral charge of the Bethel church, where he continued till his decease 
in 1833, at the advanced age of 73. As a preacher, Mr. Marshall was clear, 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 135 

logical, systematic, and adhered closely to his text. He was occasionally calm, 
mild and persuasive ; but more generally warm, vehement, and even startling in 
his language and manner, particularly when he attempted to rouse and impress 
his audience. 

Rev. Carey H. Allen, on the 11th of October, 1794, was ordained pastor of 
Paint Lie ii and Silver creek churches. He was a mirthful, fun loving, pleasant 
companion, and a great wit and satirist. Sanguine and impulsive, his sallies 
partook occasionally of no little eccentricity. On his way to Kentucky, he 
put up for the night at a house where the young people had assembled to 
dance. The handsome stranger was invited to join them, and no denial would be 
taken. At length he suffered himself to be led to the floor, and to have a partner 
assigned him, when all at once he called to the musician — " Stop ! I am always 
in the habit," said he, " when I enter on any business that I am unaccustomed 
to, first to ask the blessing of God upon it. Now, as I find myself in new and 
unexpected circumstances, I beg permission to implore the Divine direction in 
the matter." Suiting the action to the word, he dropped on his knees, and poured 
forth a prayer in his characteristic impassioned manner: then, springing to his 
feet he followed the prayer with a powerful and eloquent exhortation. Mute with 
astonishment at such an unlooked-for interruption, the company stood spell- 
bound. They were enchained by eloquence such as they had never listened to 
before; the orator's burning words sank into their souls, and found an echo in 
their consciences ; death and judgment flashed their terrors before their eyes ; and 
they felt how unprepared they were to meet their God. Bursting into tears, they 
besought him to tell them what they must do to be saved. He remained and 
preached in the neighborhood a few days ; and several hopeful conversions were 
the happy result of a measure which many would consider of questionable pro- 
priety, and which it must be admitted, in less skillful hands, might have proved 
a signal failure. Mr. Allen was a man of highly popular talents, impassioned 
eloquence and ardent zeal. He was remarkably fluent — his style original and 
forcible — and he never failed to make a powerful impression wherever he went. 
After a brief ministry of less than two years, he was carried off* by consumption 
amid flattering prospects of usefulness, on the 5th of August, 1795. 

The Rev. John Poage Campbell, M. D., unquestionably the most brilliant in 
this constellation of missionaries, was born in Augusta county, Va., in 1767, 
and removed to Kentucky with his father when fourteen years of age. He gradu- 
ated at Hampden Sidney in 1790, and in 1792 was licensed to preach. Such 
was the esteem in which he was held, that he was at once associated with his 
preceptor, (Dr. Moses Hoge), as co-pastor of Lexington, Oxford, New Mon- 
mouth and Timber Ridge congregations. In 1795, he took up his abode in Ken- 
tucky, and his first charge was the churches of Smyrna and Flemingsburg. He 
afterwards exercised his ministry in various places, among which were Danville, 
Nicholasville, Cherry Spring, Versailles, Lexington, and Chillicothe; and in 
1811, he officiated as chaplain to the legislature. Dr. Campbell possessed an 
acute and discriminating mind ; was an accurate and well read theologian; an 
able polemic; and decidedly the most talented, popular, and influential minister 
of his day. His pen was very prolific. His published writings were numerous 
and able, among them — Strictures on Stone's Letters on the Atonement — Essays 
on Justification — Letters to Craighead — A Sermon on Christian Baptism — The 
Pelagian Detected, a Reply to Craighead — An Answer to Jones, and Review of 
Robinson's History of Baptism, &c., &c. Dr. Campbell was married three 
times, and on his demise, left a family of nine children. His death occurred on 
the 4th of November, 1814, at the age of 53, in the vicinity of Chillicothe, Ohio. 

The Rev. Samuel Rannells was born in Hampshire county, Va., December 
10th, 1765. He was licensed in 1794, and the next spring visited Kentucky as 
one of the synod's missionaries. Li 1796, he was ordained over the united 
churches of Paris and Stonermouth, which charge he retained for twenty-two 
years, until his death, March 24th, 1817, in the 52d year of his age. He was a 
man ol eminent piety, of exemplary conduct, and of respectable talents — remark- 
ably gifted in prayer, and a zealous and indefatigable minister. 



136 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 

The Rev. Robert Stuart came to Kentucky in 1798. In December of the 
same year, lie was appointed Professor of Languages in Transylvania University, 
but resigned in the year following. During the year 1803, he preached to the 
church of Salem; and in 1804, took charge of Walnut Hill church, about six 
miles east of Lexington, which he continued to retain for nearly forty years. He 
has performed much laborious service in the church — is a man of rare pru- 
dence and discretion — and is esteemed by all who know him, as "an Israelite 
indeed, in whom there is no guile." This venerable father still lives, in the 75th 
year of his age, while most of his early companions in the ministry of Kentucky, 
have gone to their rest. 

The Rev. Robert Wilson was descended from ancestors whom persecution had 
driven from the north of Ireland to western Virginia. He entered Kentucky as 
a missionary in 1798, and on the expiration of his engagement, married and set- 
tled in Washington, Mason county, where he remained till his death, October 31, 
1822, in the fiftieth year of his age. He was an amiable and estimable man, 
possessing great equanimity of temper, and remarkable throughout his whole 
ministerial career, for his active, humble and devoted piety. While his labors 
were signally blessed among his own, flock, it was through his unwearied exertions 
that the churches of Augusta and Maysville were organized ; and those of Smyrna 
and Flemingsburg owed to him their preservation when languishing without a 
pastor. 

The Rev. John Lvle was a native of Rockbridge county, Va. born on 20th 
October, 1769. He was licensed to preach the gospel in 1795. In 1797, he came 
to Kentucky as a missionary, and in 1800 took charge of Salern church, where he 
remained for several years. Mr. Lyle subsequently removed to Paris, where he 
established a female academy, which became one of the most flourishing in the 
state, embracing from 150 to 200 pupils. In 1809, he declined teaching, but con- 
tinued in the active discharge of his ministerial labors until 1825, on the 22d of 
July of which year he departed this life. He bore a prominent part in the trying 
scenes through which the church was called to pass during the early period of his 
ministry. He was a man of sound judgment and studious habits; his manner, 
in the pulpit, feeling and earnest, and his matter sensible. As an evidence of 
the blessed fruits of his faithful, earnest and affectionate style of preaching, on 
one occasion, at Mount Pleasant, the Rev. William L. McCalla noted the names 
of thirty-three persons impressed by the sermon, thirty-one of whom afterward 
became respectable members of the church. 

Rev. Archibald Cameron. [A sketch of this distinguished divine, prepared 
by a friend, but too long for insertion under this head, will be found under the 
head of Shelby county.] 

Rev. Joseph P. Howe came from North Carolina in 1794, and was ordained in 
July, 1795, over Little Mountain (Mount Sterling) and Springfield. He was a 
good man — prayed and sang well — and took a conspicuous part in the Great Re- 
vival. He died in 1830. 

Rev. James Welch, from Virginia, was ordained pastor of the Lexington and 
Georgetown churches, in 1796, in which charge he continued till 1804. He was 
obliged to practice medicine for the support of his family. In 1799, he was ap- 
pointed professor of ancient languages in the Transylvania University, which 
station he filled for several years. 

Revs. Matthew Houston, John Dunlavv, and Richard McNk.mar, who came 
to Kentucky about the close of the last century, became Shakers — the latter still 
living. 

Rev. John Howe was installed pastor of Beaver creek and Little Barren, in 
April, 1798. He is still living, and has been for many years connected with the 
church at Greensburg. 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 137 

Many other ministers came to Kentucky about the close of the last century, 
among them the Rev. William Robinson, who, in 1804, was dismissed to Wash- 
ington Presbytery; Rev. Samuel Finley, from South Carolina; Rev. James 
Vance, from Virginia ; Rev, James Kemper, and Rev. Samuel B. Robertson, 
and Rev. John Bowman, and Rev. John Thompson, from North Carolina. 

Rev. James Blvthe, D. D., was among the early and distinguished preachers 
in the field. He was born in North Carolina in 1765, and came to Kentucky, as 
a licentiate, in 1791. In July, 1793, he was ordained pastor of Pisgah and Clear 
creek churches. To these churches he ministered, as pastor or stated supply, for 
upwards of forty years. Dr. Blythe took an active part in the establishment of 
the Kentucky academy. When that institution, in 1798, was merged in the Uni- 
versity of Transylvania, he was appointed professor of Mathematics, Natural 
Philosophy, Astronomy, and Geography ; and, subsequently, on the resignation 
of Mr. Moore, fulfilled for twelve or fifteen years the duties of acting president. 

On the election of Dr. Holly, as president, in 1818, Dr. Blythe was trans- 
ferred to the chair of Chemistry in the medical department, which situation he 
retained till 1831, when he resigned. 

As a preacher, Dr. Blythe was full of energy and animation, in his earlier career ; 
in his latter years, he yielded more to the softer emotions. His native strength 
of character, prompt decision, and practical turn, enabled him to acquit himself 
creditably in every situation ; while, in deliberative bodies, and the courts of the 
church, these qualities gave him a marked ascendency, to which his portly 
figure and commanding appearance contributed not a little. He died in 1842, 
aged seventy-seven years. 

In the year 1820, died the Rev. James McChord. He was born in Baltimore 
in 1785, and removed to Lexington when five years of age. His education was 
liberal, and at an early age he proceeded to read law with the Hon. Henry Clay. 
Becoming pious, he devoted his life to the ministry. He was chosen the first 
pastor of the second Presbyterian church of Lexington in 1815, which situation 
he held till the year 1819, when he removed to Paris. His published writings 
were considerable, among them tvvo volumes of sermons. Mr. McChord was a 
remarkably brilliant man — possessing a rapid and comprehensive intellect, a 
glowing and gorgeous style, and an exuberant imagination. His successors in 
the second or McChord church, were able and eloquent men — the Rev. John Breck- 
inridge in 1823; Rev. John C. Young in 1829; Rev. Robert Davidson in 1832; 
Rev. John D. Matthews in 1841 ; and Rev. John H. Brown, in 1844. 

The Rev. Gideon Blackburn was one of the most eloquent divines of the 
west; and his early history presents a most remarkable instance of perseverance 
in the face of difficulties. Left an orphan and penniless when about eleven years 
of age (being defrauded out of the handsome patrimony of twenty thousand dol- 
lars), a kind school-master gave him instruction gratuitously; and he obtained a 
situation in a saw-mill, where he tended the saw from dark till day-light, study- 
ing by a fire of pine-knots. In this way he earned a dollar every night, and 
made rapid proficiency in his studies. Thus he struggled on till ready to enter 
college. To defray this new expense, he labored as a surveyor for four months ; 
frequently sleeping in a cane-brake to avoid the Indians, and having no shelter 
from the rain but a blanket. He received for his pay fourteen horses, valued at 
forty dollars a-piece. These he took to Maryland and sold for fifteen hundred 
dollars ; with which he discharged all his debts, and went through Dickinson 
college. Thus early enured to hardships, he was admirably fitted for the arduous 
duties of a missionary to the Cherokee Indians, to which he was appointed by 
the general assembly in 1803, when 31 years of age. In 1827, he was appointed 
President of Centre College at Danville, which situation he filled till 1830, 
when he was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Young. The last years of his life 
were spent in Illinois. 

The Rev. John McFarland and the Rev. David Nelson were clergymen of 
a high order of talent. The former died, while pastor of the Paris church, in v. 
1828; the latter departed this life, in Illinois, in 1844. 



138 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

The Rev. Thomas Clelland, D. D., is among the few surviving ministers 
who took part in the great Revival commencing in 1800. He was born in Mary- 
land in 1777, and came to Kentucky when very young. He has been for nearly 
half a century, an active, laborious and remarkably successful herald of the cross. 
His printed works have been numerous and popular. At the age of three score 
and ten, there seems to be but little abatement of his mental and physical ener- 
gies. 

The Rev. John Breckinridge, D. D., was the sixth of nine children of the 
Hon. John Breckinridge, (of whose life a sketch will be found under the head 
of Breckinridge county). He was born at Cabell's-Dale, on North Elkhorn, on 
the 4th day of" July, 1797; and died at the same place on the 4th day of August, 
1841, having just completed his 44th year. Some account has been given of his 
paternal ancestors, in the notice of his father; and of his maternal, in that of his 
elder brother, Joseph Cabell Breckinridge. His father died when he was nine 
years old ; and from that time, he was reared under the care of his widowed 
mother, and brother Cabell, who was his guardian. His education was conduct- 
ed at the best schools which Kentucky afforded, and completed at Princeton 
colleo-e, N. J., where he spent about three years as a pupil, and graduated with 
great distinction in the autumn of 1818, having just completed his 21st year. He 
was destined by his family for the profession of the law. During his residence 
in Princeton college, he became a subject of divine grace, and united himself 
with the Presbyterian church, to which his paternal ancestors had been attached 
from the period of the reformation of the sixteenth century, in Scotland ; and 
determined, against the earnest wishes of all his immediate family — not one of 
whom was at that time a professor of religion — to devote himself to the gospel 
ministry, and, as it is believed, to the work of foreign missions. The providen- 
tial dealings of God constantly frustrated this latter intention, but the former was 
carried into effect; and after spending several years more in Princeton, as a 
student of the theological seminary there, and part of the time as a tutor in the 
college, he was licensed and ordained a minister of Jesus Christ, in the Presby- 
terian church of the United States. 

In 1822, he was chaplain of the House of Representatives of the Congress of 
the United States. In 1823, he settled in Lexington, Ky., as pastor of the Mc- 
Chord church of that place. In 1826, he removed to the city of Baltimore, as 
co-pastor of the late Rev. Dr. Glendy ; and afterwards, as sole pastor of the sec- 
ond Presbyterian church in that city. In 18.31, he removed to the city of Phila- 
delphia, as secretary and general agent of the board of education of the Pres- 
byterian church. In 1836, the general assembly of that church elected him a 
professor in the theological seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, to which place 
he then removed. Upon the organization of the board of foreign missions by the 
Presbyterian church, he was elected its secretary and general agent, and contin- 
ued at the head of the operations of that board from about 1838 to 1840. At the 
period of his death, he was the pastor elect of the Presbyterian church in the 
city of New Orleans, and president elect of the university of Oglethorpe, in 
Georgia. 

He was a man of extraordinary gifts. To great gentleness and refinement of 
manners and feelings, he added remarkable correctness and vigor of purpose and 
force of will. Ardent and intrepid, as ever man was, he was also patient of labor, 
calm and wary in the formation of his designs, and indomitable in the resolution 
with which he pursued his objects. His success in life was, of necessity, striking 
and universal ; and at the period of his death, though he had scarcely attained 
the meridian of life, he was probably as universally known, and as universally 
admired and loved, as any minister of the gospel in America had ever been. A 
more generous, disinterested and benevolent man, never lived. His talents were 
of a high order; and in the midst of a life of incessant activity, he acquired very 
extensive learning in his immediate profession, and was justly and highly dis- 
tinguished for the compass and elegance of his general attainments. As a pub- 
lic speaker, and especially as a pulpit orator, few of his generation equalled 
him — and taken for all in all, hardly one excelled him. So greatly was he ad- 
mired and loved, and so high was the public confidence in him, that calls and in- 
vitations to churches, colleges, and every sort of public employment, suitable to 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 139 

his calling as a christian minister, were continually pressed upon him from every 
section of tiie United States. His connection with the great movements and 
controversies of his age, so far as they bore a moral or religious aspect, was 
close and constant. A few hours before his death, and almost as his last words, 
he uttered these sublime words : " I am a poor sinner, who have worked hard, 
and had constantly before my mind one great object — the conversion of the 
WORLD." It was a true and an honest synopsis of his life and labors. 

One of the most extraordinary and scandalous events that ever occurred, was 
the attempt made five years after the death of this good and great man, by cer- 
tain Roman Catholics of St. Louis and elsewhere, to prove that he had died a 
convert to their religion — a religion which he spent many years of his life in the 
most ardent efforts to confute and expose — and in regard to which, the evidence 
was perfectly conclusive that, to the end of his life, he thought the worse of it, 
as he more and more examined it. 

In personal appearance, he was a man of the middle stature — lightly, but 
finely and elegantly made — and possessed of great strength and activity. His 
features wore an habitual aspect of mingled gentleness, sadness, and almost 
severity. His eyes and hair were light hazle. He was twice married — the first 
time, to a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Miller, of New .Jersey ; the second time, to 
a daughter of Colonel Babcock, of Connecticut. His second wife, and three 
children by the first, and one by the second marriage, survive him. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 

OF THE 

EARLY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, IN KENTUCKY; 

WITH BRIEF BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES OF THE PRINCIPAL CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES, WHO 
HAVE SUCCESSIVELY LABORED IN THIS STATE. 



Thk glowing accounts of the surpassing beauty and fertility of Kentucky, fur- 
nished by the early pioneers on their return to the bosom of their families in 
North Carolina and Virginia, created a deep sensation throughout the western 
borders of these states, and awakened a spirit of adventure, which soon extended 
to Maryland and other adjoining states. Large bodies of emigrants began to 
pour into the newly discovered and but half explored wilderness, inhabited till 
then only by wild beasts and by roving bands of savages. The daring spirit of 
Boone, Harrod and Logan was soon communicated to large masses of popula- 
tion; and the consequence was, that in less than a quarter of a century from its 
first discovery or exploration, Kentucky had a suflficient population to be admitted 
as one of the independent states of this great confederacy; the second that was 
added to the venerable thirteen, which had fought the battles of independence. 

Maryland shared abundantly in the enthusiasm which had already set one- 
fourth of the adjacent populations in motion towards the west. The Catholics 
wiio settled in Kentucky, came principally from this state, which had been 
founded by Lord Baltimore, and a band of colonists professing the Roman 
Catholic religion. Bold, hardy, adventurous and strongly attached to their faith, 
but tolerant towards those of other denominations, the Catholic emigrants to 
Kentucky, proved not unworthy of their ancestors, who had been the first to un- 
furl on this western continent, the broad banner of universal freedom, both civil 
and religious.* They cheerfully underwent the labors, privations and dangers, 

♦Bancroft in his History of ths Uniled States. (Vol. I. Maryland), awards this praise to the Catholic 
colonists of Maryland; and so do our other historians, yassiwi. 



140 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

to ■which all the early emigrants were exposed ; and they made common cause 
with their brethren in providing for the security of their new homes in the wil- 
derness, and in repelling Indian invasions. Several of their number were killed 
or dragged into captivity on their way to Kentucky ; others passed through stir- 
ring adventures, and made hair-breadth escapes. 

The first Catholic emigrants to Kentucky, with whose history we are ac- 
quainted, were Dr. Hart and William Coomes. These came out in the spring 
of 1775, and settled at Harrod's station. Here Dr. Hart engaged in the practice 
of medicine ; and the wife of William Coomes opened a school for children. 
Thus in all probability, the first practising physician and the first school teacher 
of our infant commonwealth were both Roman Catholics. A few years later they 
removed with their families to Bardstown, in the vicinity of which most of the 
Catholic emigrants subsequently located themselves. Previously to their removal, 
however, they were both actively employed in the defence of Harrod's Station 
during its memorable siege by the Indians in 1776-77. William Coomes was 
with the party which first discovered the approach of the savages; one of his 
companions was shot dead at his side ; and he made a narrow escape with his 
life. 

In the year 1785 a large colony of Catholics emigrated to Kentucky from 
Maryland, with the Haydens and Lancasters, and settled chiefly on Pottinger's 
creeic, at a distance of from ten to fifteen miles from Bardstown. They were 
followed in the spring of the next year, by another colony led out by captain 
James Rapier, who located himself in the same neighborhood. In 1787, Thomas 
Hill and Philip Miles brought out another band of Catholic emigrants, and they 
were followed in 1788, by Robert Abell, and his friends: and in 1790-91, by 
Benedict Spalding and Leonard Hamilton, with their families and connexions. 
The last named colonists settled on the Rolling Fork, a branch of Salt river, 
in the present county of Marion. 

In the spring of the year 1787, there were already about fifty Catholic families 
in Kentucky. They had as yet no Catholic clergyman to administer to their 
spiritual wants: and they felt the privation most keenly. Upon application to 
the Very Rev. John Carroll, of Baltimore, then the ecclesiastical superior of all 
the Catholics in the ITnited States, they had the happiness to receive as their 
first pastor the Rev. Mr, Whelan, a zealous and talented Irish priest, who had 
served as chaplain in the French navy, which had come to our assistance in the 
struggle for independence. He remained with his new charge till the spring of 
1790, when he returned to Maryland by the way of New Orleans. 

After his departure, the Catholics of Kentucky were again left in a destitute 
condition for nearly three years ; when they were consoled by the appearance 
among them of the Rev. Stephen Theodore Badin, who was sent out as their 
pastor by bishop Carroll, of Baltimore, in the year 1793. This excellent, learned, 
zealous and indefatigable religious pioneer of our state, still lingering in venera- 
ble old age above the horizon of life, labored with unremitting zeal among the 
Catholics of our state for more than thirty years, and even after this long term of 
service, though worn down with previous exertion, and induced to travel and take 
some relaxation for his health, he still continued to work at intervals in the vine- 
yard which he had so dearly loved and so long cultivated. 

His adventures and hardships would fill a volume; and the varied incidents of 
his remarkable life cannot even be alluded to in this brief sketch. W^herever 
there was sickness or spiritual destitution ; wherever error or vice was to be 
eradicated, and virtue inculcated ; wherever youth was to be instructed and 
trained to religious observances ; wherever, in a word, his spiritual ministrations 
were most needed, there he was sure to be found laboring with all his native 
energy, for the good of his neighbor. Difl!iculties and dangers, which would 
have appalled a heart less stout and resolute, were set at naught by this untiring 
man. He traversed Kentucky on horseback hundreds of times on missionary 
duty; and he spent nearly half his time in the saddle. Through rain and 
storm, through hail and snow; along the beaten path and through the trackless 
wilderness, by day and by night, he might be seen going on his errand of mercy; 
often for years together, alone in the field, and always among the foremost to 
labor, even when subsequently joined by other zealous Catholic missionaries. 
He was intimate with the most distinguished men of Kentucky in the early 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 141 

times, and his politeness, learning, affability and wit, made him always a wel- 
come guest at their tables. 

When he first came to Kentucky in 1793, he estimated the number of Catho- 
lic families in the state at three, hundred ; he has lived to see this number swell 
to more than six thousand. When he first entered on this missionary field, there 
was not a Catholic church in the entire commonwealth, and there were few, if 
any, Catholic schools; at present there are more than forty churches, besides a 
great number of missionary stations, about forty Catholic priests, one religious 
establishment for men, two colleges for young men, four female religious in- 
stitutions, eleven academies for girls, five or six charitable institutions : besides 
an ecclesiastical seminary, and some minor schools. The entire Catholic popula- 
tion of the State, may be now estimated at thirty thousand. 

After having remained alone in Kentucky for nearly four years. Rev. M. Badin 
was joined by another zealous Catholic missionary, like himself a native of 
France; the Rev. M. Fournier, who reached the State in February, 1797. Two 
years later — in February, 1799, the two missionaries were cheered by the arrival 
of another, the Rev. M. Salmon, likewise a Frenchman. But these two last named 
clergymen did not long survive the arduous labors of the mission. M. Salmon 
after a serious illness contracted by exposure, was suddenly killed by a fall from 
his horse near Bardstown, on the 9th of November, 1799; and the Rev. M. Foamier 
died soon after on the Rolling Fork, probably from the rupture of a blood-vessel. 

Their places were filled by the Rev. Mr. Thayer, a native of New England, 
who had once been a Congregational minister in Boston, but had from convic- 
tion become a Catholic, and had been promoted to the ministry in- our church. 
He arrived in Kentucky in 1799; having been sent out, like the rest, by bishop 
Carroll, of Baltimore, the venerable patriarch of the Catholic church in 
America; and he remained in the State till 1803. After his departure, M. Badin 
was again left alone for about two years, — until the year 1805. 

This year is memorable in our religious annals, as marking the arrival among 
us of one among the most active and efficient of our early missionaries — the Rev. 
Charles Nerinckx, a native of Belgium, who, like many others of our first mis- 
sionaries, had been compelled to leave Europe in consequence of the disturbances 
caused by the French Revolution. Strong, healthy, robust, and full of faith and 
religious zeal, he was admirably suited to endure the hardships necessarily con- 
nected with our early missions. He shrank from no labor, and was disheartened 
by no difficulties. He labored without cessation, both bodily and mentally, for 
nearly twenty years, and he died on a missionary excursion to Missouri, in 1824. 
He erected in Kentucky no less than ten Catholic churches, in the building of 
which he often worked with his own hands. Two of these were of brick, and 
the rest of hewed logs. 

For many years he had charge of six large congregations, besides a great num- 
ber of minor stations, scattered over the whole extent of the State. Like M. 
Badin, he spent much of his time on horseback, and traveled by night as well as 
by day. On his famous horse Printer, he very often traveled sixty miles in the 
day; and to save time, he not unfrequently set out on his journeys at sunset. He 
often swam swollen creeks and rivers, even in the dead of winter; he frequently 
slept in the woods: and on one occasion, in what is now Grayson county, he was 
beset by wolves during a whole night, when he was saved, under the divine pro- 
tection, by his presence of mind in sitting on his horse and keeping his persecu- 
tors at bay by hallooing at the top of his voice. Exact in enforcing discipline, 
he was more rigid with himself than with any one else. He cared not for his 
bodily comfort, and was content with the poorest accommodations. He delighted 
to visit the poor, and to console them in their afflictions; while children and ser- 
vants were the special objects of his pastoral solicitude. 

In order to promote female piety and education, this good man founded the 
Sisterhood of Loretto, in April, 181'2. The objects of this establishment were; 
to enable those young ladies who wished to retire from the world, and to devote 
themselves wholly to prayer and the exercises of charity, to be useful to them- 
selves and to others, by diffusing the blessings of a Christian education among 
young persons of their own sex, especially among the daughters of the poor. 
They were also to receive and rear up orphan girls, who, if left on the cold char- 
ities of the world, might have gone to ruin themselves, and have become an 



142 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE 

occasion of ruin to others. The institution succeeded even beyond his most san- 
guine expectations. Within the twelve years which elapsed from its establish- 
ment to the death of its founder, the number of sisters who devoted themselves 
to this manner of life had already increased to more than a hundred ; and they 
had under their charge more than two hundred and fifty girls, distributed through 
six diflerent schools, besides many orphans, whom they fed, clothed, and educated 
gratuitously. The institution now reckons about one hundred and eighty mem- 
bers ; and besides the mother house, which is at Loretto, in Marion county, it has 
eight branch establishments, five of which are in Kentucky, and three in Mis- 
souri. All of these have female schools attached to them, in which young ladies 
are taught not only the elements of English education, but also the varied accom- 
plishments which fit them for the most refined society. 

In the spring of the year 1806, a new band of Catholic missionaries came to 
Kentucky, and established themselves at St. Rose's, near Springfield. They were 
the Rev. Messrs. Edward Fenwick,* Thomas Wilson, Wm. Raymond Tuite, and 
R. Anger; the first a native of Maryland, and the three last Englishmen. They 
were all of the order of St. Dominic. They took charge of a considerable por- 
tion of the Catholic missions, and labored with great zeal and efficiency in the 
vineyard. Connected with their institution were a theological seminary and a 
college for young men, both of which contiimed to flourish for many years. 

Aboui a mile from St. Rose's, there was also established, at a later period, the 
still flourishing female institution of St. Magdalene's, conducted by sisters of 
the third order of St. Dominic, which has now a branch establishment at Somer- 
set, Ohio. This latter institution, the permanent establishment of which is 
mainly due to the enlightened zeal of Bishop Miles, of Nashville, has done great 
good in promoting the diffusion of female education among all classes of our 
population. 

In the fall of the year 1805, the Trappists came to Kentucky with the Rev. 
Urban Guillet, their superior; and they remained in the State, at their establish- 
ment on Pottinger's creek, near Rohan's knob, for about four years, when they 
removed to Missouri, and subsequently to Illinois. They were a body of religious 
monks who devoted themselves to fasting and prayer, and lived retired from the 
world. They were, however, of great assistance to the infant Catholic missions 
of Kentucky, not only by the influence of their prayers and good example, but 
also by their efforts to promote education, especially among the children of the 
poor. They established a school for boys, in which manual labor and instruc- 
tion in the mechanical arts were combined with a religious training and the 
teaching of the ordinary rudiments of an English education. 

In the year 18II, the Catholics of our State were cheered by the arrival among 
them of their first bishop, the Rt. Reverend Dr. Flaget, who had been consecrated 
in Baltimore by Bishop Carroll, on the 4th of November of the previous year. 
This venerable missionary pioneer, now in his eighty-fourth year, had been 
already in the west, having been stationed for two years at Post Vincennes, as 
early as 1792, shortly after his arrival in the United States from France, his 
native country. When he passed Cincinnati in tha.t year, there were only four 
rude cabins in this now flourishing city; and Louisville was but little farther ad- 
vanced. How different is the entire west now, from what it was on occasion of 
his first visit, or even on that of his second in 1811 ! What was then an unre- 
claimed wilderness, filled with wild beasts and still, fiercer savages, is now a 
smiling garden of civilization. 

We cannot attempt to write even a rapid sketch of the life and labors of Bishop 
Flaget in Kentucky, during the last thirty-six years; a volume would be neces- 
sary to do full justice to his excellent and admirable character. The incidents 
of his life are familiar to all the Catholics of the State; while the many benev- 
olent and literary institutions he has reared, are the best monuments to his mem- 
ory. Suffice it to say, that he has ever blended the active benevolence and 
charity of the Christian missionary with the amiable politeness of the accom- 
plished gentleman. He had and still has a multitude of warm friends, even 
among. the dissenting communions : he never had one enemy. 

Among the companions of Bishop Flaget, when he came to take up his 

* Subsequently the first bishop of Cincinnati. 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 143 

permanent abode in Kentucky, were the Rev. J. B. M. David, and the Rev. G. 
J. Chabrat — the latter not yet a priest; both of whom afterwards were succes- 
sively appointed his coadjutors. The latter was the first priest ordained by Bishop 
Flaget in Kentucky. 

The Rev. Mr. David, or, as he was familiarly called. Father David, was con- 
secrated bishop in the newly dedicated cathedral of Bardstown, on the 15th of 
August, 1819; and he died on the 12th of July, 1841, in the eighty-first year 
of his age. He was the founder of the theological seminary of Bardstown, and 
of the order of Sisters of Charity, in Kentucky. In the former institution, founded 
in 1811, were educated most of the clergymen now on the missions of Ken- 
tucky, many of them under his own eye. The society of Sisters of Charity was 
commenced at St. Thomas, four miles from Bardstown, in November, 1812; and 
the number of its members increased apace, until it was soon able to send out 
new colonies to different parts of the State. The society now has four branch 
establishments under the general supervision of tlie parent institution at Naza- 
reth, near Bardstown; it has more than seventy-five members; it educates 
annually about five hundred young ladies, and has charge of an infirmary and 
orphan asylum, in the latter of which there are at present about seventy orphan 
girls, rescued from want, and trained to virtue and learning. 

Among the most zealous and efficient deceased Catholic clergymen of 
our State, we may reckon the Rev. William Byrne and the Rev. G. A. M. Elder; 
the former an Irishman, and the founder of St. Mary's college, in Marion county; 
the latter a Kentuckian, and the founder of St. Joseph's college, in Bardstown. 
These two institutions, which have continued to flourish ever since, and which 
have been of immense advantage to the cause of education in Kentucky, stand 
forth the fittest and most durable monuments to their memory. Having been for 
many years bound together by ties of the closest Christian friendship, they were 
both ordained together in the cathedral of Bardstown, by Bishop David, on the 
18th of September, 1819. 

As an evidence of the unconquerable energy of these two men, we may re- 
mark, that the two institutions which they respectively founded, and in the 
welfare of which they felt so lively an interest, were both reduced to ashes 
under their very eyes, — St. Mary's college at two different times ; and that they 
were immediately rebuilt by their founders, who, far from being discouraged by 
the afflicting disaster, seemed in consetjuence of it to be clothed, on the contrary, 
with new vigor and resolution. No difficulties terrified them ; no obstacles were 
deemed by them insurmountable. The State never contributed one dollar to 
either of these institutions, nor were they erected by the wealth of their founders 
or the liberal contributions of individuals. The persevering industry and untir- 
ing energy of two men, wholly unprovided with pecuniary means, and yet deter- 
mined to succeed at all hazards, built up, rebuilt, and maintained those two institu- 
tions of learning. They and their associates asked no salary, no worldly retribu- 
tion for their labors ; and the entire proceeds of the institutions thus went towards 
paying the debts contracted for the erection of them. So great was the confi- 
dence reposed in the two founders by all classes of the community, that they had 
credit, to an unlimited amount ; and it is almost needless to add, that not one of 
their creditors ever lost a dollar by the trust reposed in their integrity and ability 
to meet all their liabilities. 

The Rev. William Byrne died of the cholera, at St. Mary's college, on the 
5th of June, 1833 ; and his friend followed him on the 28th of September, 1838. 
The latter died at St. Joseph's college, of an affection of the heart, which he had 
contracted many years before, while a student at Emmetsburgh college, Maryland. 
Both fell victims of their zeal in the discharge of the duties of their office; both 
died in the arms of their dearest friends, in the institutions which they had reared, 
and wliich they left behind them as their sepulchral monuments. 

Here we must close this hasty and imperfect sketch. The narrow limits by 
which we were confined, prevented us from speaking of several other things wor- 
thy of notice in our religious history ; while we have on purpose abstained from 
saying much of those who are still living, whose biographies will be more ap- 
propriately written when they shall be nomore. 



MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS. 



GOVERNORS, LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS AND SECRETARIES OF THE 
COMMONWEALTH. 

I. Isaac Shelby, the first governor, took the oath of office on the 4th of June, 1792, under 

the first constitution. James Brown, secretary of state. 
11. James Garrard took the oath of ofiice June 1, 1796. Harry Toulman, secretary. The 
present constitution was formed 1799. 

III. James Garrard, being eligible, was again elected governor; Alexander S. Bullitt, lieu- 

tenant governor ; Harry Toulman secretary — 1800. /l.*'( ■ ' ■• 

IV. Christopher Greenup, governor; John Caldwell, lieutenant governor; John Rowan, 

secretary — 1 804. 
V. Charles Scott, governor; Gabriel Slaughter, lieutenant governor; Jesse Bledsoe, 
secretary — 1808. 

VI. Isaac Shelby, governor; Richard Hickman, lieutenant governor; Martin D. Hardin, 

secretary — 1812. 

VII. George Madison, governor ; Gabriel Slaughter, lieutenant governor ; Charles S. Todd, 

secretary — 1816. Governor Madison died at Paris, Kentucky, on the 14th October, 
1816, and on the 2lst of the same month, Gabriel Slaughter, lieutenant governor, as- 
sumed the duties of executive. John Pope, and after him, Oliver G. Waggoner, 
secretary. 

VIII. John Adair, governor ; William T. Barry, lieutenant governor; Joseph Cabell Breck- 

inridge, and after him, Thomas B. Monroe, secretary — 1820. 

IX. Joseph Desha, governor ; Robert B. M'Afee, lieutenant governor ; William T. Barry, 

succeeded by James C. Pickett, secretary — 1824. 
X. Thomas Metcalfe, governor; John Breathitt, lieutenant governor; George Robertson, 
succeeded by Thomas T. Crittenden, secretary — 1828. 

XI. John Breathitt, governor: James T. Morehead, lieutenant governor; Lewis Sanders, 

jr., secretary. Governor Breathitt died on the 21st of February, 1834, and on the 
22d of the same month, James T. Morehead, the lieutenant governor, took the oath of 
office as governor of the state. John J. Crittenden, William Owsley and Austin P. 
Cox, were successively, secretary — 1832. 

XII. James Clark, governor ; Charles A. Wickliffe, lieutenant governor ; James M. Bul- 

lock, secretary. Governor Clark departed this life on the 27th September, 1839, 
and on the 5th of October, Charles A. Wicklifie, lieutenant governor, assumed the 
duties of Governor — 1836. 

XIII. Robert P. Letcher, governor ; Manlius V. Thomson, lieutenant governor ; James 

Harlan, secretary — 1840. 

XIV. William Owsley, governor; Archibald Dixon, lieutenant governor ; Benjamin Har- 

din, George B. Kinkead and William D. Reed, successively, secretary — 1844. 



LIST OF SENATORS IN CONGRESS, FROM 1792 TO 1847. 



In. Out. 

Adair, John 1805-06 

Barry, William T 1814-16 

T,.,, „ ,, C 1811-14 

Bibb, George M J 1829-35 

Bledsoe, Jesse 1813-15 

Breckinridge, John 1801-05 

Brown, John 1792-95 

r 1806-07 

Clay, Henry < 1810-11 

(^1831-42 

. r 1817-19 

Crittendoin, John J ^ 1835-4 L 

. . . ( 1842-49 
(144) 



In. Out. 

Edwards, John 1792-95 

Hardin, Martin D 1816-17 

Johnson, Richard M 1819-29 

Logan, William 1819-20 

Marshall, Humphrey 1795-1801 

Morehead, James T 1841-47 

Pope, John 1807-13 

Rowan, John 182.5-31 

Talbot, Isham < 1820-25 

Thurston, John Buckner .* . . . 1805-10 

Underwood, Joseph R 1847-53 

Walker, George '.814-15 



REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 



145 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 



In. Out 

Adair, John 1831-33 

Allan, Chilton 1831_37 

Anderson, Richard C 1817-21 

Anderson, S. H 1839-41 

Andrews, L. W 1839-43 

Barry, William T 1810-11 

Beatty, Martin 1833-35 

Bedinger, George M 1803-07 

Bell, Joshua F 1845-47 

D J T • ^ 1835-37 

Boyd, Linn 1 1839-47 

Boyle, John 1803-09 

Breckenridge, J. D 1821-23 

Brown, William 1819-21 

Buckner, Richard A 1823-29 

Bullock, Wingfield 1820-21 

Butler, WilUara 1839-43 

CaldweU, G. A 1843-45 

Calhoun, John 1835-39 

Campbell, John 1837-38 

Chambers, John < 1835~39 

Chilton, Thomas < ls<?'^~'?5 

Christie, Henry 1809-11 

Clark, James f IsJsIsi 

ri8ii-i4 

Clay, Henry ^1815-21 

(^1823-25 

Coleman, Nicholas D 1829-31 

Daniel, Henry 1827-33 

Davis, Amos 1833-35 

Davis, Garret 1839-47 

Davis, Thomas T 1797-1803 

Desha, Joseph 1807-19 

Duval, William P 1813-15 

Fletcher, Thomas 1816-17 

Fowler, John 1797-1807 

French, Richard S }o?o"^I 

^ 1843-45 

Gaither, Nathan 1829-33 

Graves, WilUam J 1835-41 

Green, Willis 1839-45 

Greenup, Christopher 1792-97 

Grider, Henry 1843-47 

r 1815-17 
Hardin, Benjamin < 1819-23 

(^1833-37 

Harlan, James 1835-39 

Hawes, Albert G 1831-37 

Hawes, Richard 1837-41 

Hawkins, Joseph W 1814-15 

Henry, Robert P 1823-27 

Hopkins, Samuel 1813-15 

Howard, Benjamin 1807-10 

Johnson, Francis 1821-27 

Johnson, James 1825-26 

Johnson, Richard M < 1829^7 

10 



Johnson, John T. . 
Kincaid, John . . . 
Lecompte, Joseph . 
Letcher, Robert P. . , 
Love, James ... 
Lyon, Chittenden . . 
Lyon, Matthew . . , 
Marshall, Thomas A. , 
Marshall, Thomas F. , 
Martin, John P. . . . 
McHatton, Robert . , 
McHenry, John H. . . 
McKee, Samuel . . , 

McLean, Alney . . , 

Menifee, Richard H. , 
Metcalfe, Thomas . . 

Montgomery, Thomas 

Moore, Thomas P. . . 
Murray, John L. . . . 



■■{ 



New, Anthony 



Ormsby, Stephen . . 
Orr, Alexander D. . . 
Owsley, Bryan Y. . . 

Pope, John 

Pope, P. H 

Quarles, Tunstall . . 
Robertson, George . . 
Rowan, John .... 
Rumsey, Edward . . 
Sanford, Thomas . . . 
Sharpe, Solomon P. . . 
Smith, John S. . . . 
Southgate, William W. 
Speed, Thomas . . . 
Sprigg, James C. . . . 
Stone, James .... 
Taul, Micah .... 
Thompson, John B. . 
Thompson, Philip . . 
Tibbatts, John W. . . 
Tompkins, Christopher 
Trimble, David . . . 
Triplett, Philip . . . 
Trumbo, Andrew . . 
Underwood, Joseph R. 
Walker, David . . . 
Walton, Matthew . . 
White, David .... 
White, John .... 
Wickliffe, Charies A. . 
Williams, Sherrod . . 
Woodson, Samuel H. . 
Yancey, Joel .... 
Young, Bryan Y. , . 
Young, WUliam F. . . 



In. OuL 
1821-25 
1829-33 
1825-33 
1823-33 
1833-35 
1827-35 
1803-11 
1831-35 
1841-43 
1845-47 
1826-29 
1845-47 
1809-17 
1815-17 
1819-21 
1837-39 
1819-29 
181.3-15 
1821-23 
1823-29 
1833-34 
1828-39 
1811-13 
1817-19 
1821-23 
1811-17 
1792-97 
1841-43 
1837-43 
1833-35 
1817-20 
1817-21 
1807-09 
1837-39 
1803-07 
1813-17 
1821-23 
1837-39 
1817-19 
1841-43 
1843-45 
1815-17 
1841-47 
1823-25 
1843-47 
1831-35 
1817-27 
1839-43 
1845-47 
1835-43 
1817-20 
1803-07 
1823-25 
1835-45 
1823-33 
1835-41 
1820-23 
1827-31 
1845-47 
1825-37 



146 



STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY, 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION HELD IN 

MAY, 1735. 
Samuel McDowell, President. 
George Muter, 
Christopher Greenup, 
James Speed, 
Robert Todd, 
James Beard, 
Matthew Walton, 
James Trotter, 
Ebenezer Brooks, 
Caleb Wallace, 
Richard Terrell, 
. . . Clarke, 
Robert Johnson, 
John Martin, 



DANVILLE, ON THE 23d DAY OF 

Benjamin Logan, 
Willis Green, 
Harry Innis, 
Levi Todd, 
Isaac Cox, 
Richard Taylor, 
Richard Steele, 
Isaac Morrison, 
James Garrard, 
John Edwards, 
George Wilson, 
. . . Payne, 
James Rogers, 
. . . Kincheloe. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION WHICH ASSEMBLED AT DANVILLE, IN AU- 
GUST, 1785. 
Samuel McDowell, Presidertt. 



George Muter, 
Christopher Irvine, 
WilUam Kennedy, 
Benjamin Logan, 
Caleb Wallace, 
John Coburn, 
James Carter, 
Richard Terrell, 
George Wilson, 
Isaac Cox, 
Andrew Hines, 
James Rogers, 



Harry Innis, 
John Edwards, 
James Speed, 
James Wilkinson, 
James Garrard, 
Levi Todd, 
John Craig, 
Robert Patterson, 
Benjamin Sebastian, 
Philip Barbour, 
Isaac Morrison, 
Matthew Walton. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION IN 

Jefferson County. 
Richard Easton, 
Alexander Breckinridge, 
Michael Lackasang, 
Benjamin Sebastian, 
James Meriwether. 

Nelson County. 
Joseph Lewis, 
William McClung, 
John Caldwell, 
Isaac Cox, 
Matthew Walton. 

Fayette County. 
Levi Todd, 
John Fowler, 
Humphrey Marshall, 
Caleb Wallace, 
William Ward. \ 

Bourbon County. 
James Garrard, 
John Edwards, 



1787, HELD IN DANVILLE. 
Benjamin Harrison, 
Edward Lyne, 
Henry Lee. 

Lincoln County. 
Benjamin Logan, 
John Logan, 
Isaac Shelby, 
William Montgomery, 
Walker Baylor. 

Madison County. 
William Irvine, 
John Miller, 
Higgerson Grubbs, 
Robert Rodes, 
David Crews, 

Mercer County. 
Samuel McDowell, 
Harry Innis, 
George Muter, 
William Kennedy, ' 
James Speed. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION IN 1788, HELD IN SAME PLACE. 



Jefferson County. 
Richard Taylor, 
Richard C. Anderson, 
Alexander S. BuUitt, 
Abraham Hite, 
Benjamin Sebastian. 



Nelson County. 
Isaac Morrison, 
John Caldwell, 
Philip Phillips, 
Joseph Burnett, 
James Bard. 



MEMBERS OF CONVENTIONS. 



147 



Fayette County. 
James Wilkinson, 
Caleb Wallace, 
Thomas Marshall, 
William Ward, 
John Allen. 

Bourbon County. 
James Garrard, 
John Edwards, 
Benjamin Harrison, 
John Grant, 
John Miller. 

Lincoln County. 
Benjamin Logan, 
Isaac Shelby, 



William Montgomery, 
Nathan Houston, 
Willis Green. 

Madison County. 
William Irvine, 
George Adams, 
James French, 
Aaron Lewis, 
Higgerson Grubbs. 

Mercer County. 
Samuel M'Dowell, 
John Brown, 
Harry Innis, 
John Jouitt, 
Christopher Greenup. 



NAMES OF THE KENTUCKY MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION WHICH 
RATIFIED THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
Fayette County. Mercer County. 

Humphrey Marshall, Thomas Allen, 

John Fowler. Alexander Robertson. 

Jefferson County. 
Robert Breckinridge, Madison County. 

Rice Bullock. Green Clay, 

Lincoln County. William Irvine. 

John Logan, 
Henry Pauling. Bourbon County. 

Nelson County. Henry Lee, 

John Steele, John Edwards. 

Matthew Walton. 
The names of the following members of the Virginia legislature, from Kentucky, are 
given in Governor Morehead's Boonsborough address, viz : 

John Brown, Benjamin and John Logan, Esquire Boone, Swearingen, Thomas, John 
and Robert Todd, James Harrod, William M'Clung, John Steele, James Garrard, John 
Edwards, John Jewitt, William Pope and Richard Taylor. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION OF 1792, 
STITUTION OF KENTUCKY; 
Fayette County, 
Hubbard Taylor, 
Thomas Jjcwis, 
George S. Smith, 
Robert Fryer, 
James Crawford. 

Jefferson County. 
Richard Taylor, 
John Campbell, 
Alexander S. Bullitt, 
Benjamin Sebastian, 
Robert Breckinridge. 

Bourbon County. 
John Edwards, 
James Garrard, 
James Smith, 
John McKenny, 
Benjamin Harrison. ^ 

Nelson County. 
William Keen, 
Matthew Walton, 
Cuthbert Harrison, 
Joseph Hobbs, 
Andrew Hynes, 

Madison County. 
Charles Kavendor, 
Higgerson Grubbs, 



WHICH FORMED THE FIRST CON- 
HELD IN DANVILLE. 

Thomas Clay, 

Thomas Kennedy, 

Joseph Kennedy. 
Mercer County. 

Samuel Taylor, 

Jacob Froman, 

George Nicholas, 

David Rice, 

Samuel McDowell. 
Lincoln County. 

Benjamin Logan, 

John Bailey, 

Isaac Shelby, 

Benedict Sayre, 

William Montgomery. 
Woodford County. 

John Watkins, 

Richard Young, 

William Steele, 

Caleb Wallace, 
^ Robert Johnston. 

Mason County, 

George Lewis, 

Miles W. Conway, 

Thomas Waring, 

Robert Rankin, 

John Wilson. 



148 



STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 



MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION WHICH FRAMED THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION 
OF KENTUCKY; ASSEMBLED AT FRANKFORT, AUGUST 17, 1799. 



Jefferson County, 
Alexander S. Bullitt, President, 
Richard Taylor. 

Bourbon County. 
John Allen, 
Charles Smith, 
Robert Wilmot, 
James Duncan, 
William Griffith, 
Nathaniel Rogers. 

Bracken County. 
Philip Buckner. 

Campbell County, 
Thomas Sanford. 

Clarke County. 
Robert Clarke, 
R. Hickman, 
William Sudduth. 

Christian County. 
Young Ewing. 

Fayette County. 
John Breckenridge, 
John McDowell, 
John Bell, 
H. Harrison, 
B. Thruston, 
Walter Carr. 

Franklin County* 
Henry Innis, 
John Logan. 

Fleming County. 
George Stockton. 

Garrard County. 
William M. Bledsoe. 

Green County. 
William Casey. 

Harrison County. 
Henry Coleman, 
William E. Boswell. 

Jessamine County. 
John Price. 



Lincoln County. 
William Logan, 
N. Huston. 

Logan County. 
John Bailey, 
Reuben Ewing. 

Mason County. 
Philemon Thomas, 
Thomas Marshall, Jr. 
Joshua Baker. 

Mercer County, 
Peter B runner, 
John Adair, 
Thomas Allen, 
Samuel Taylor 

Madison County. 
Green Clay, 
Thomas Clay, 
WiUiam Irvine. 

Montgomery County. 
Jilson Payne. 

Nelson County, 
John Rowan, 
Richard Prather, 
Nicholas Minor. 

Shelby County. 
Benjamin Logan, 
Abraham Owen. 

Scott County. 
William Henry, 
Robert Johnson. 

Woodford County. 
Caleb "Wallace, 
William Steele. 

Washington County. 
Felix Grundy, 
Robert A bell. 

Warren County. 
Alexander Davidson. 



NAMES OF. REPRESENTATIVES AND ELECTORS OF SENATE FOR 1792, UNDER 
THE FIRST CONSTITUTION. 



Bourbon County. 



REPRESENTATITES. 

George M. Bedinger, 
John Waller, 
Charles Smith, 
James Smith, 
John M'Kenney. 

William Russel, 
John Hawkins, 
Thomas Lewis, 
Hubbard Taylor, 
James Trotter, 
Joseph Crockett, 
James M'Millan, 
John McDowell, 
Robert Patterson. 



Fayette County. 



ELECTORS. 

John Edwards, 
Benjamim Harrison, 
Thomas Jones, 
Andrew Hood, 
John Allen. 

William Campbell, • 
Edward Payne, 
John Martin, 
Abraham Bowman, 
Robert Todd, 
John Bradford, 
John Morrison, 
Gabriel Madison, 
Peyton Short 



ELECTORS— SENATORS, ETC 



149 



BEPRESEKTATIVES. 

Richard Taylor, 
Robert Breckinridge, 
Benjamin Roberts. 

William Montgomery, 
Henry Pawling, 
James Davis, 
Jesse Cravens. 

Higgerson Grubbs, 
Thomas Clay, 
John Miller. 

Alexander D. Orr, 
John Wilson. 

Samuel Taylor, 
John Jouitt, 
Jacob Frowman, 
Robert Mosby. 

William King, 
William Abell, 
Matthew Walton, 
Edmund Thomas, 
Joseph Hobbs, 
Joshua Hobbs, 

John Watkins, 
Richard Young, 
William Steele, 
John Grant. 



Jefferson County. 
Lincoln County. 

Madison County. 

Mason County. 
Mercer County. 

Nelson County. 
Woodford Comtty. 



ELECTOnS. 

Alexander S. Bullitt, 
Richard C. Anderson, 
John Campbell. 

John Logan, 
Benjamin Logan, 
Isaac Shelby, 
Thomas Todd. 

William Irvine, 
Higgerson Grubbs, 
Thomas Clay. 

Robert Rankin 
George Stockton. 

Christopher Greenup, 
Harry Innis, 
Samuel McDowell, 
William Kennedy. 

Walter Beall, 
John Caldwell, 
William May, 
Cuthbert Harrison, • — 
Adam Shepherd, 
James Shepherd. 

John Watkins, 
George Muter, 
Richard Young 
Robert Johnson. 



SENATORS ELECTED BY THE ELECTORS IN 1792. 



John Campbell, Jefferson county. 
John Logan, Lincoln county. 
Robert Todd, Fayette county. 
John Caldwell, Nelson county. 
William McDowell, Mercer county. 
Thomas Kennedy, Madison county. 



John Allen, Bourbon county. 
Robert Johnson, Woodford county. 
Alexander D. Orr, Mason county. 

EXTRA SENATORS. 

Alexander S. Bullitt, Jefferson coxmty. 
Peyton Short, Fayette county. 



A LIST OF DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF KENTUCKY, WHO HAVE FILLED HIGH 
AND RESPONSIBLE STATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES' GOVERNMENT, 
OR UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF OTHER STATES. 



GOVBRNORS AlfD LnrtTTKKANT GOVERNORS OF STATES. 



Names. 
Ninian Edwards, 
Benjamin Howard, 
William Clarke, 
John Pope, 
S. T. Mason, jr. 
Joseph M. White, 
Richard K. Call, 
Lilburn W. Boggs, 
John M'Lean, 
Henry Dodge, 
James B. Ray, 
Mr. Carliii, 
John Dunklin, 
C. W. Bird, 
James Brown, 



From whence. 
Logan county, 
Fayette county, 
Jefferson county, 
Washington county, 
Fayette county, 
Franklin county, 
Logan county, 
Fayette county, 
Logan county, 
Jefferson county, 
Boone county, 
Nelson county, 
Mercer county, 
Fayette county, 
Lexington, 



Where stationed; 
Governor of Illinois. 
Governor of Missouri. 
Governor of Missouri. 
Governor of Arkansas. 
Governor of Michigan. 
Governor of Florida. 
Governor of Florida. 
Governor of Missouri. 
Governor of Illinois. 
Governor of Wisconsin. 
Governor of Indiana. 
Governor of Illinois. 
Governor of Missouri. 
Secretary North-west Territory. 
Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, 



\ 



150 



STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 



Names. 
Robert Crittenden, 
Mr. Step, 
Mr, Ewing, 
Mr. Hubbard, 
Ratliffe Boon, 
John Chambers, 
John Floyd, 



From whence. 
Logan county, 
Scott county, 
Logan county, 
Warren county, 
Mercer county. 
Mason county, 
Jefferson county, 



Where stationed. 
Acting Governor of Arkansas. 
Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. 
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. 
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. 
Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. 
Governor of Iowa. 
Governor of Virginia. 



Henry Clay, 
James Brown, 
Richard C. Anderson, 
Wm. T. Barry, 
James Shannon, 
Ninian Edwards, 
Thomas P. Moore, 
Robert B. M'Afee, 
Anthony Butler, 
Peter W. Grayson, 
Charles S. Todd, 
James C. Pickett, 
Robert Wickliffe, jr. 



AMBASSADORS, FOREIGN 
Lexington, 
Lexington, 
Louisville, 
Lexington, 
Lexington, 
Logan county, 
Mercer county, 
Mercer county, 
Logan county, 
Fayette county, 
Shelby county, 
Mason county, 
Fayette county, 



MINISTERS, ETC. 

Minister Extraordinary to Ghent. 

Minister to France. 

Minister to Colombia. 

Minister to Spain, 

Charge to Central America. 

Minister to Mexico. 

Charge to Bogota. 

Charge to Bogota. 

Charge to Mexico. 

Minister Plen. Texas to U. S. 

Minister to Russia. 

Charge to Peru. 

Charge to Sardinia. 



Richard M. Johnson, 



VICE PRESIDENT. 



Scott county. 



Vice President of United States. 



HEADS OF DEPARTMENT AND OFFICERS 



John Breckinridge, 
Henry Clay 
Vl^illiam T. Barry, 
Amos Kendall, 
Robert Johnson, 
James Boyle, 
George Croghan, 
Thomas S. Jesup, 
D. M'Reynolds, 
John McLean, 
Zachary Taylor 
Isaac Shelby, 
Felix Grundy, 
John J. Crittenden, 
George M. Bibb, 
Charles A. Wickliffe, 



Fayette county, 
Lexington, 
Lexington, 
Franklin county, 
Franklin county, 
Russellville, 
Jefferson county, 
Fayette county, 
Russellville, 
Mason county, 
Jefferson county, 
Lincoln county, 
Nelson county, 
Frankfort, 
Louisville, 
Nelson county, 



UNITED STATES' GOVERNMENT. 
Attorney General United States. 
Secretary of State United States. 
Post Master General United States. 
Post Master General United States. 
As't. Post Master Gen. United States. 
Major General United States Army. 
Major General United States Army. 
Major General United States Army. 
Surgon General United States Army. 
Post Master General United States. 
Major General United States Army. 
Secretary of War United States. 
Attorney General United States. 
Attorney General United States. 
Secretary of Treasury United States. 
Post Master General United States. 



JUDGES 
John McLean, 
C. W. Bird, 
Judge Lewis, 
Francis L. Turner, 
Joseph E. Davis, 
E. Turner, 
Thomas P. Davis, 
B. Johnson, 
N. Pope, 

Henry Humphreys, 
Thomas Todd, 



UNITED STATES OR 
Mason county, 
Fayette county. 
Jessamine county, 
Fayette county, 
Logan county, 
Fayette county, 
Madison county, 
Scott county, 
Jefferson county, 
Lexington, 
Frankfort, 



OTHER HIGH COURTS. 

Supreme Court United States. 
United States Judge, Ohio. 
Supreme Court Louisiana. 
Supreme Court Louisiana. 
Supreme Court Mississippi. 
Supreme Court Mississippi. 
United States Judge, Indiana. 
United States Judge, Arkansas. 
United States Judge, Illinois. 
Supreme Court Texas, 
Supreme Court United States. 



Thomas Reed, 
James Brown, 
John M'Lean, 
Dr. Linn, 



UNITED STATES' SENATORS. 
Mercer county. From Missouri. 

Lexington, From Louisiana. 

Logan county. From Illinois. 

Jefferson county, From Missouri. 



STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 



151 



Josiah S. Johnston, 
John M. Robinson, 
J. Norvell, 

D. R. Atchison, 

E. A. Hannegan, 



Robert G. Wilson, 
Robert Bishop, 
James Blythe, 
John P. Durbin, 
David Nelson, 
John Chamberlin, 
William H. M'Guffey, 
Robert J. Breckinridge, 



Mason county, 
Scott county, 
Lexington, 
Fayette county. 
Mason county. 



From Louisiana. 
From Illinois. 
From Michigan. 
From Missouri. 
From Indiana. 



PRESIDENTS OF COLLEGES. 

Mason county, President TTniversity, Athens, Ohio. 

Lexington, President University, Oxford, Ohio. 

Lexington, President S. Hanover College, la. 

Augusta, President Dickinson College, Penn, 

Danville, President Theo. Seminary, Illinois. 

Danville, President Oakland College, Miss. 

Paris, President Cincinnati College, Ohio. 

Lexington, President Jefferson College, Penn. 

POPULATION OF KENTUCKY. 



1790 TO THE YEAR 1840, INCLUSIVE. 

Blacks. Increase, W^hites. Increase, Blacks. 

12,430 

43,.344 147,282 30,914 

80,560 185,552 37,217 

120,732 147,806 40,171 

165,350 124,527 44,618 

182,258 110,981 16,908 

The population of Kentucky in 1 847, with the same rate of increase as shown in the 
foregoing table to have taken place from 1830 to 1840, amounts to 847,860. In 1850, if 
the ratio of increase continue the same, the population of Kentucky wiU be 881,863. 



FROM THE YEAR 

Years. Total. 

1790 73,677 

1800 220,959 

1810 406,511 

1820 564,317 

1830 088,844 

1840 779,828 



POPULATION OF COUNTIES AND COUNTY TOWNS, 1840. 



Counties. 



Adair . . . 

Allen . . . 

Anderson . 

Barren . . 

Bath . . . 

Boone . . . 

Bourbon . . 

Breathitt . . 

Bracken . • 
Breckinridge 

Bullitt . . . 

Butler . . . 

Caldwell. . 

Calloway . 

Campbell . 

Carroll . . 

Carter . . . 

Casey . . 

Christian . 

Clark . . . 

Clay - . . 

Clinton . . 
Cumberland 

Daviess . . 

Edmonson . 

Estill . . . 

Fayette . . 

Fleming . . 

Floyd . . . 

Franklin . . 



Census of 1840. 



Whites 



6,769 
6,375 
4,372 
13,147 
7,708 
7,824 
7,845 
2,076 
6,083 
7,239 
4,996 
3,379 
8,091 
8,870 
4,921 
3,212 
2,711 
4,371 
9,491 
6,755 
3,954 
3,674 
4,571 
6,327 
2,579 
4,960 
10,885 
11,158 
6,103 
6,337 



Free 
Col'd. 


Slaves. 


Total 
Pop. 


92 


1,605 


8,466 


19 


935 


7,329 


21 


1,059 


5,452 


76 


4,065 


17,288 


104 


1,951 


9,763 


27 


2,183 


10,034 


308 


6,325 


14,478 




119 


2,195 


151 


819 


7,053 


14 


1,691 


8,944 


18 


1,320 


6,334 


4 


515 


3,898 


103 


2,171 


10,365 


13 


911 


9,794 


4 


289 


6,214 


23 


731 


3,966 


8 


186 


2,905 


37 


531 


4,939 


99 


5,997 


15,587 


145 


3,902 


10,802 


150 


503 


4,607 


1 


188 


3,863 


34 


1,485 


6,090 


44 


1,960 


8,331 


1 


334 


2,914 


17 


558 


5,535 


599 


10,710 


22,194 


118 


1,992 


13,268 


15 


184 


6,302 


234 


2,849 


9,420 



County Towns. 



Columbia . . 

Scottsville . . 
Lawrenceburg 

Glasgow . . . 

Owingsville . 

Burlington . . 

Paris . . . . 

Augusta . . . 
Hardinsburg . 
Shepherdsville 
Morgantown , 
Princeton . . 
Wadesborough 
Neveport . . . 

Liberty . . . 
Hopkinsville . 
Winchester 
Manchester 

Burkesville 
Owensborough 
Brownsville . 

Lexington . . 
Flemingsburg . 
Prestonsburg . 
Fbankfobt, . 



Pop. 

1840. 



486 
215 

505 
251 

1,197 

786 
634 



165 



135 

1,581 
1,047 



112 

6,997 

691 

84 

1,917 



152 



STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY". 



Counties. 



Census of 1840. 



"Whites. ^Jpj Slaves. Total. 



Gallatin . . 
Garrard . . 
Grant . . . 
Graves . . 
Grayson . . 
Greene , . 
Greenup . . 
Hancock . . 
Hardin . . 
Harlan . . 
Harrison 
Hart . . . 
Henderson , 
Henry . . 
Hickman . 
Hopkins . . 
Jefferson . . 
Jessamine . 
Kenton . . 
Knox . . . 
Laurel . . 
Lawrence . 
Lewis . . . 
Lincoln . . 
Livingston . 
Logan . . . 
Madison , . 
Marion . . 
Mason . . 
McCracken 
Meade . . 
Mercer . . 
Monroe . . 
Montgomery 
Morgan . . 
Muhlenburg 
Nelson . . 
Nicholas . . 
Ohio . . . 
Oldham . . 
Owen . . . 
Pendleton . 
Perry . . . 
Pike . . . 
Pulaski . . 
Rockcastle . 
Russell . . 
Scott . . . 
Shelby . . 
Simpson . . 
Spencer . . 
Todd . . . 
Trigg . . . 
Trimble . . 
Union . . . 
Warren . . 
"Washington 
"Wayne . . 
Whitley . . 
Woodford . 



Total 590,253 1 7,3 17 



3,361 
7,110 
3,838 
6,644 
4,262 

10,203 
5,479 
2,039 

13,829 
2,928 
8,995 
5,978 
6,181 
7,637 
7,345 
7,417 

26,987 
5,780 
7,031 
5,022 
2,964 
4,652 
5,873 
6,582 
7,338 
8,479 

10,860 
8,340 

11,138 
4,064 
4,366 

13,061 
5,811 
6,409 
4,539 
fi,755 
8,878 
7,310 
5,747 
4,858 
6,915 
4,013 
2,923 
3,469 
8,583 
8,023 
3,828 
8,220 

11,256 
6.004 
4,650 
6,070 
5,614 
3,787 
4,909 
11,078 
7,900 
6,754 
4,508 
5,816 



38 

87 
6 
4 

119 

64 

3 

46 

8 

93 

44 

48 

29 

8 

31 

763 

144 

34 

164 

6 

1 

27 

155 

99 

310 

82 

80 

272 

27 

5 

373 

12 

188 

3 

13 

116 

1 

22 

145 

36 

5 

23 

13 

18 

9 

4 

109 

157 

40 

20 

42 

50 

20 

36 

161 

38 

15 

19 

172 



604 

3,283 

348 

817 

199 

3,830 

754 

539 

2,482 

79 

3,384 

1,009 

3,319 

2,349 

1,615 

1,723 

8,596 

3,472 

751 

536 

109 

77 

406 

3,450 

1,588 

4,826 

5,413 

2,612 

4,309 

654 

1,409 

5,286 

703 

2,735 

61 

1,196 

4,643 

1,253 

823 

2,377 

1,281 

437 

143 

85 

1,119 

377 

406 

5,339 

6,355 

1,493 

1,911 

3,879 

2,052 

673 

1,728 

4,207 

2,658 

630 

146 

5,752 



182,258 



County towns. 



Pop. 

1840. 



4,003 
10,480 
4,192 
7,465 
4,461 
14,212 
6,297 
2,.581 
16,357 
3,015 
12,472 
7,031 
9,548 
10,015 
8,968 
9,171 
36,346 
9,396 
7,816 
5,722 
3,079 
4,730 
6,306 
10,187 
9,025 
13,615 
16,355 
11,032 
15,719 
4,745 
5,780 
18,720 
6,.520 
9,332 
4,603 
6,964 
13,637 
8,745 
6,592 
7,380 
8,232 
4,455 
3,089 
3,567 
9,620 
3,409 
4,238 
13,668 
17,768 
6,537 
6,.581 
9,991 
7,716 
4,480 
6,673 
15,446 
10,596 
7,399 
4,673 
11,740 



Warsaw . . . 
[iancaster . , 
Williainstown 
May field . . , 
r.itchfield . , 
Greensburg . , 
Greenup . . . 
Hawesville . , 
Elizabeth . , 
Harlan C. H. , 
Oynthiana . , 
Munfordsville , 
Henderson . . 
New Castle 
Columbus . , 
Madisonville 
Louisville . 
Nicholasville 
Covington . 
Barbourviile 



Louisa 



Stanford . . . 
Salem .... 
Russellville . . 
Richmond . . 
Lebanon . . . 
Maysville . . 
Paducah , . . 
Brandenburg . 
Harrodsburg . 
Tompkinsville 
Mount Sterling 
West Liberty , 
Greenville . . 
Bardstown . . 
Carlisle . . . 
Hartford . . , 
La Grange . . 
New Liberty . 
Falmouth . . 
Perry C. H. . 
Pikeville . . . 
Somerset . . , 
Mount A'^cmon 
.lamestown . . 
Georgetown . 
Shelbyville . . 
Franklin . . . 
Taylorsville 
Elkton . . . 
Cadiz .... 
Bedford . . . 
Morganfield 
Bowling Green 
Springfield . . 
Monticello . . 
Whitley C. H. 
Versailles . . 



779,828 



600 
480 



58C 

420 
979 

798 

274 

528 

51 

21,210 

632 

2,026 

224 



263 
233 

1,196 
822 
546 

2,741 



1,254 
188 
585 



1,492 
256 
309 
233 

227 



92 
238 
209 

1,511 
1,335 

398 
470 

148 



598 
142 

1,044 



FACE OF THE COUNTRY, ETC. 153 

POPULATION OF THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS. 

1810. 1820. 1830. 1640. 1847. 
Louisville .... 1,357 .... 4,012 .... 10,352 .... 21,210 . , . 40,000 

Lexington .... 4,226 .... 6,279 .... 6,104 .... 6,996 .... 8,000 

Maysville 335 ... . 1,130 .... 2,040 .... 2,741 .... 5,000 

Frankfort .... 1,099 .... 1,679 .... 1,680 .... 1,916 ... . 2,500 

Covington 6,000 



SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

The State of Kentucky is situated between 36 degrees 30 minutes, and 39 de- 
grees 10 minutes, north latitude; and between 81 degrees 50 minutes, and 89 
degrees 26 minutes, west longitude — and includes all that portion of territory 
which lies south and westward of a line, beginning on the Ohio river, at the 
mouth of the Great Sandy river, and running up the same, and the main and 
north-easterly branch thereof, to the great Laurel ridge or Cumberland mountains ; 
thence south-west along said mountains, to a line of North Carolina. It is boun- 
ded north by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; east by Virginia ; south by Tennessee; 
and west by the Mississippi river and State of Missouri. It is three hundred 
miles in length from east to west, and one hundred and fifty miles in mean 
breadth ; and contains 42,600 square miles, or about twenty-seven millions of 
acres. 

FACE OF THE COUNTRY, ETC. 

The face of the country is quite diversified, presenting every variety of surface 
as well as quality of soil. The region around Lexington, including the entire 
counties of Bourbon, Fayette. Woodford, and portions of Franklin, Jessamine, 
Clarke, Montgomery, Bath, Nicholas, Harrison, and Scott, comprises the largest 
body of fine land in Kentucky — the surface being agreeably undulating, and the 
soil black and friable, producing the sugar-tree, blue and black ash, black and 
honey locust, elm, hickory, black walnut, mulberry, buckeye, pawpaw, &c. Por- 
tions of the uplands of Boone, Grant, Mason, and Fleming, in the north, and 
Mercer, Madison, Boyle, Lincoln, Garrard, Shelby, Washington, Laurel, Green, 
Nelson, &c., in the middle district, together with a number of counties south of 
Green river, comprise remarkably rich, and doubtless as productive bodies of 
land as that which has been most appropriately termed the garden of Kentucky, 
but more circumscribed in their extent. 

Capt. Imlay, an officer of the Revolutionary army, and an early witness of the 
settlement of Kentucky, caused to be published in 1793, in New York, " a topo- 
graphical description of the western territory of North America," comprised ia 
a series of letters to a friend in England. In these letters, the following glowing 
description is given of the country, as it was presented to his view in the spring 
season of the year : 

" Everything here assumes a dignity and splendor I have never seen in any other part of 
the world. You ascend a considerable distance from the shore of the Ohio, and when you 
would suppose you had arrived at the summit of a mountain, you find yourself upon an 
extensive level. Here an eternal verdure reigns, and the brilliant sun of latitude 39°, 
piercing through the azure heavens, produces in this prolific soil an early maturity which is 
truly astonishing. 

" Flowers full and perfect, as if they had been cultivated by the hand of a florist, with all 
their captivating odors, and with all the variegated charms which color and nature can pro- 
duce here, in the lap of elegance and beauty, decorate the smiling groves. Soft zephyrs 
gently breathe on sweets, and the inhaled air gives a voluptuous glow of health and vigor, 
that seems to ravisli the intoxicated senses. The sweet songsters of the forest appear to feel 
the influence of the genial clime, and in more soft and modulated tones warble their tender 
notes in unison with love and nature. Every thing here gives delight; and, in that wild 
effulgence which beams around us, we feel a glow of gratitude for the elevation which our 
oil bountiful Creator has bestowed upon us. 

" You must forgive what I know you will call a rhapsody, but what I really experienced 
after traveling across the Alleghany mountain in March, when it was covered with snow, and 
after finding the country about Pittsburgh bare, and not recovered from the ravages of the 
winter. There was scarcely a blade of grass to be seen ; every thing looked dreary, and 
bore those marks of melancholy which the rude hand of frost produces. I embarked im- 
mediately for Kentucky, and in less than five days landed at Limestone, where I found na- 
ture robed in all her charms." 



154 STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 

In Filson's " Discovery, Settlement and present state of Kentucky," published 
as a supplement to " Imlay's Description," and written in 1784, the following no 
less glowing description of the country is given : 

"The country is in some parts nearly level; in others not so much so; in others again 
hilly, but moderately — and in such places there is most water. The levels are not like a 
carpet, but interspersed with small risings and declivities, which form a beautiful prospect. 
The soil is of a loose, deep, black mould without sand, in the first rate lands about two or 
three feet deep, and exceedingly luxuriant in all its productions. The country in general 
may be considered as well timbered, producing large trees of many kinds, and to be ex- 
ceeded by no country in variety. Those which are peculiar to Kentucky are the sugar tree, 
which grows in all parts, and furnishes every family with great plenty of excellent sugar. 
The honey-locust is curiously surrounded with large thorny spikes, bearing broad and long 
pods in the form of peas, has a sweet taste, and makes excellent beer. The coffee tree 
greatly resembles the black-oak, grows large, and also bears a pod, in which is enclosed 
coffee. The pawpaw tree does not grow to a great size, is a soft wood, bears a fine fruit, 
much like a cucumber in shape and size, and tastes sweet." Of the " fine cane, on which 
the cattle feed and grow fat," he says: "This plant in general grows from three to twelve 
feet high, of a hard substance, with joints at eight or ten inches distance along the stalk, 
from which proceed leaves resembling those of the willow. There are many canebrakes so 
thick and tall, that it is difficult to pass through them. Where no cane grows, there is an 
abundance of wild rye, clover and buffalo grass, covering vast tracts of country, and afford- 
ing excellent food for cattle. The fields are covered with an abundance of wild herbage 
not common to other countries. Here are seen the finest crown-imperial in the world, the 
cardinal flower, so much extolled for its scarlet color, and all the year, excepting the winter 
months, the plains and valleys are adorned with a variety of flowers of the most admirable 
beauty. Here is also found the tulip-bearing laurel tree, or magnolia, which is very fra- 
grant and continues to blossom and seed for several months together. The reader by 
casting his eye upon the map, and viewing round the heads of Licking from the Ohio, and 
round the heads of Kentucky, Dick's river, and down Green river to the Ohio, may view in 
that great compass of above one hundred miles square, the most extraordinary country on 
which the sun has ever shone." 

This is a glowing description of Kentucky as she was, robed in primeval beauty. 
The hand of man has been laid upon the forest, and the wild grandeur of nature 
succeeded by the arts of a civilized people. Kentucky as she is, presents at- 
tractions which are found in but few, if any other regions of the world. Situ- 
ated in the very centre of the American confederated states, beyond the reach of 
foreign intrusion — she is rich in a genial climate, rich in a prolific soil, rich in 
her agricultural products, rich in her beautiful farms and grazing lands, rich in the 
magnificent scenery and abundant ores of her mountains ; and, above all and be- 
yond all, rich in a population at once industrious, enterprising, hospitable, intel- 
.ligent and patriotic. 

PRINCIPAL RIVERS. 

The principal rivers of Kentucky, are the Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, Cum- 
berland, Kentucky, Green, Licking, Big and Little Sandy, Salt and the Rolling 
Fork of Salt river. The Ohio flows along the whole northern boundary of the 
State for six hundred and thirty-seven miles, following its windings. The Mis- 
sissippi washes the Kentucky shore from the mouth of the Ohio, to a point be- 
low New Madrid, for the distance of one hundred miles. Big and Little Sandy 
rivers lie in the eastern extremity of the State, the former being its eastern boun- 
dary. Cumberland and Tennessee intersect the western extremity; the former 
rises in the eastern part of the State, and passes into the State of Tennessee, 
after which it returns and flows through Kentucky into the Ohio river. The 
Kentucky, Licking, Salt and Rolling Fork of Salt rivers, flow through the inte- 
. rior of the State. The principal creeks are generally mentioned under the head 
of the counties in which they rise, or through which they flow. 

GEOLOGICAL FORMATION. 

The geological formations of Kentucky, in common with those of the other 
•western States generally, belong to that great system which extends from the 
Alleghanies on the east, across the Mississippi, and perhaps to the Rocky moun- 
:;tains on the west. Throughout this vast territory, the primary fossiliferous or 



GEOLOGICAL FORMATION. 155 

protozoic and lower secondary, or carboniferous rocks prevail. These compre- 
hend a great number of distinct formations, very unequally developed in different 
parts of this wide valley, producing a great variety in the mineral and agricul- 
tural wealth and resources of different sections. Almost all these rocks contain 
organic remains, although they are found much more abundantly in some strata 
and localities than in others. We are not, however, to suppose that they are in- 
discriminately dispersed through the whole series. Here, as in every other part 
of the world, each formation is distinguished more or less by peculiar species or 
varieties. There are, however, indubitable proofs that the whole of these strata 
were once covered by the waters of the ocean, and that the remains which are 
found in them, and in many places almost compose them, all belong to marine 
species. 

These rocks all belong to the class which are termed sedimentary, and were 
gradually deposited upon the bottom of the ocean. The shells and skeletons 
which they contain, no doubt once belonged to the inhabitants of this ocean, and 
as the animals died and decayed, their harder and more lasting coverings sank to 
the bottom, and were gradually covered up by clay and sand, and other layers of 
shells, until at length under a heavy pressure of superincumbent strata, and by a 
slow and long continued chemical action, they were converted into solid rocks : 
and now that the waters of the ocean have retired, are exposed to our view as 
the lasting records of the earth's history during ages long anterior to our own. 

When these deposites were made, it is beyond the power of science to deter- 
mine. Geologically speaking, it was very early. 

The strata over nearly the whole surface of Kentucky lie nearly horizontal, with 
scarcely any dislocations. They have, however, a slight dip. This dip seems to be 
in every direction from a point near Cincinnati on the Ohio river, as a centre. At 
this point we see the lowest surface rocks of the State exposed. As we go up 
the river, we meet with the other strata in succession, cropping out as it is 
termed, but sinking beneath other rocks as they extend eastward, and rising gen- 
erally again to the surface on the western slope of the AUeghanies. If from 
Cincinnati we travel down the river, we meet with the same succession of rocks, 
but dipping to the west. If from the same point we penetrate into the interior of 
the State, we find the rocks dipping to the south. Cincinnati seems thus to have 
been a centre of elevation when this broad valley was lifted above the waters of 
the ocean. 

But it is necessary to be somewhat more minute in our description of the 
various formations. We will begin with the lowest or oldest, and describe them 
in the order of their superposition. 

FIRST FORMATION— THE BLUE LIMESTONE. 

The blue limestone is the lowest rock exposed on the surface in Ken- 
tucky. It is, as its name indicates, a limestone. It, however, generally con- 
tains a good deal of clay, and in some places a large amount of magnesia. 
It underlies an immense extent of territory, reaching continuously in all likeli- 
hood, though not every where exposed, from the AUeghanies on the east, 
to at least two hundred miles west of the Mississippi, and probably to the 
foot of the Rocky mountains. Over much the greater part of this territory 
it is covered by superincumbent strata. In Kentucky and Ohio it forms 
the surface rock, over an area extending about one hundred and seventy miles 
north and south, and one hundred and twenty-five miles east and west. It is 
somewhat oval in its shape, and reaches from Danville, near the centre of Ken- 
tucky, across the Ohio river to Dayton, and from the town of Madison in Indi- 
ana, to a short distance above Maysville. This formation is of great though 
unknown thickness, probably not less than one thousand feet, and is composed 
of many strata of limestone alternating with layers of clay. The rock is gen- 
erally found in thin seams, and easily quarried, and well adapted for building 
purposes. In some places, however, it becomes very thick, and massive, ana 
where the water courses have cut their channels through it, is left exposed in 
high and perpendicular cliffs. This is very conspicuous on the banks of the 
Kentucky at Frankfort, and for some miles above. Here the river is confined by 
high and perpendicular walls of solid rock. The stream no doubt once flowed 
on the'surface level of the country, but for ages has the water been slowly and 



156 STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 

silently but steadily cutting its way through the hard rock, until the bed of the 
river is now four or five hundred feet beneath the surface of the surrounding 
country. That there was once no natural valley here, but that the channel has 
been formed by the action of the running water itself, we have this proof: The 
layers of rock, on the opposite sides of the river, exactly correspond. Opposite 
to a thick bed you find one of the same thickness and character. So of a thinner 
layer, and of the seams of clay which separate the different beds. Besides this, 
we find near the surface, far above the present level of the bed of the river, in 
many places, manifest marks of the action of water, giving indubitable proof, 
that it once occupied a channel not near so deep as at present. 

It is in these cliff's of the Kentucky river, and in the adjacent country that we find 
what is termed the Kentucky marble. This presents quite a different appearance 
from that of the common limestone, ordinarily. As has been stated, the layers 
are much thicker, the rock is less crystalline, more brittle, breaks with a concoi- 
dal fracture, and is barren of organic remains. It is used as a building stone, 
and is the material of which the State-house in Frankfort is constructed. It is 
susceptible of a good polish, and is sometimes used for tomb stones, and monu- 
ments, though liable to scale when exposed to the action of the weather. It is 
almost too coarse to be suitable for finer ornamental purposes. It is said to con- 
tain a large per cent, of magnesia. 

SECOND FORMATION— THE CLIFF LIMESTONE. 
If we travel up the Ohio river, from Cincinnati, until we get to about the 
dividing line between the counties of Mason and Lewis, we meet with the for- 
mation overlying the blue limestone. If we travel down the river we first meet 
the same formation at Madison, Indiana. It takes its name of "Cliff" Lime- 
stone" from the high cliff's which are usually found on the water courses where 
this formation prevails. It difl'ers in its structure, color and general appearance, 
from the blue limestone. It is generally found in thicker layers, and has less 
clay, but more sand in its composition. As a surface rock it covers but a small 
area in Kentucky. It forms a narrow belt entirely surrounding the space occu- 
pied by the underlying rock. At its broadest point in Kentucky, this belt is not 
more than twenty or thirty miles, and entirely disappears in the centre of the 
State. On the east and west it dips under the other strata. On the west it is 
the surface rock, between Madison and Louisville. On the east it occupies a 
somewhat narrower strip of country. But towards the north it spreads out over 
an immense extent of territory, and becomes much thicker. It is the rock over 
which the waters pour at the falls of Niagara, and it is the same rock that causes 
the falls of the Ohio at Louisville. Towards the north-west, in Illinois and Iowa, 
this rock attains a thickness of six or seven hundred feet, and is the great lead- 
bearing rock of those states. In Kentucky it is perhaps too thin ever to furnish 
any rich veins of ore. 

THIRD FORMATION— SLATE OR SHALK 

The slate rests upon the cliff" limestone, and is seen immediately on crossing 
this formation in traveling either up or down the Ohio from Cincinnati. It has 
a dip exactly corresponding to that of the preceding rock, and like it, occupies a 
narrow semi-circular belt of country lying just outside of the cliff" limestone. 
Crossing the Ohio in Lewis county, where it is not more than ten or twelve miles 
broad, and passing in a south-west direction to the centre of the State, a few 
miles south of Danville, it makes a sweep round towards the north-west, and re- 
crosses the Ohio at Louisville. Indeed this slate may be traced on the surface 
from the north-eastern part of Illinois, in a south-east direction, through Illinois, 
Indiana, and to the centre of Kentucky, where it bends to the north, and runs 
through the whole length of Ohio, until it strikes the western end of Lake Erie, 
and thence east along the southern margin of that lake, into the interior of New 
York, where bending south again, it runs along the western slope of the AUe- 
ghanies ; and throughout this vast circuit, is in no place more than fifteen or 
twenty miles broad, on the surface, though it underlies an immense region. In 
the eastern part of the State it is between two and three hundred feet thick. 

The slate is highly bituminous, and burns readily when thrown on the fire. 
Throughout its whole extent, it abounds in iron pyrites (sulphate of iron) and in 



GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. 157 

iron ores, dnd over the whole territory it occupies mineral springs are very nu- 
merous. 

FOURTH FORMATION— SANDSTONE. 
The slate is everywhere accompanied by an overlying sandstone, or freestone, 
as it is sometimes termed. This sandstone may be traced through that same 
vast extent of territory, in which it has just been mentioned the slate can be fol- 
lowed ; and in Kentucky comes to the surface in a narrow semi-circular belt of 
country completely surrounding the slate. It gives rise to a low range of hills 
termed " knobs," which may be traced, from Louisville around south of Danville, 
to the Ohio river again in Lewis county. In some cases this r«ck, when exposed 
to the weather, becomes soft and crumbles to pieces. But if care be taken to 
select specimens entirely free from clay, it forms a firm and durable material for 
architectural purposes. It is readily cut into any desired shape, and is exten- 
sively used for columns, tombstones and other purposes. But of the finer quali- 
ties great numbers of grindstones are manufactured. Near Portsmouth it is 
about three hundred and fifty feet thick; below Louisville, two hundred and 
eighty; and it seems to grow thinner as it extends towards the west, though it is not 
known to what distance it reaches. It has the same dip with the preceding rocks. 
It underlies the whole of the eastern part of Kentucky, and is the rock which 
furnishes the salt springs in this State and Virginia. 

FIFTH FORMATION— OR CAVERNOUS LIMESTONE. 

Immediately above the sandstone we meet with another formation of limestone. 
It is termed the " Cavernous limestone" because in it are found those numerous 
caves, which abound in Kentucky, and of which the Mammoth Cave, is the most 
remarkable yet discovered. The mouth of this cave is in Edmonston county, on 
the banks of Green river. It is said to have been explored to the distance of ten 
miles from its mouth, without having yet reached its termination ; and the ag- 
gregate length of all the branches already discovered, is more than forty miles. 
It is the most remarkable cave known, for its vast extent. Its various branches 
sometimes swell out into vast arches a hundred feet high, and into vaulted rooms 
or domes, some of which are said to be more than three hundred feet from floor 
to roof. In it are several springs of fresh and mineral waters, even a river as it is 
called, but which is more like a pool of water, as scarcely any current can be 
detected, and which is most probably fed by the Green river, as it rises and falls 
with the water in that stream. In this river or pool are found " blind fish," 
without the slightest appearance of eyes. They are not more than four or five 
inches long, but from their snowy whiteness can be seen at considerable depths, 
darting through the transparent water. They are often caught with nets. 

Stalactites and stalagmites abound in some parts of the cave ; and in at least 
one room the roof and sides are covered with the most brilliant incrustations of 
gypsum, (sulphate of lime), which looks like it had been carved by the hand of 
art. But no description can convey any adequate idea of the impression the end- 
less variety in the cave makes upon the beholder. 

But this is only one of a thousand or perhaps ten thousand caves found in this 
rock. Throughout the whole section of country where this formation prevails, 
sink holes, sinking springs, and underground streams are constantly to be met 
with. These sink holes are probably produced by the falling in of the roofs of 
the caves, and the springs and streams pour into them, and often run for great 
distances under ground. 

The rock of this formation is almost a pure limestone, and when burned makes 
most beautiful lime. It is manufactured and sent down the Ohio and Missis- 
sippi rivers, in considerable quantities, for the southern markets. It is generally 
compact, and can be quarried in thick blocks, and forms an excellent building 
material. It is sometimes oolitic in its structure, and in many places is covered 
with fragments of flint or hornstone. 

This cavernous limestone forms the surface rock for a large section, perhaps 
a fourth or fifth of Kentucky. Its boundary may be traced as follows : Begin- 
ning at the Tennessee line near Thompsonville in Monroe county, and proceed- 
ing in a north-east direction to Mt. Vernon ; thence westward, to the head waters 
of the southern branch of Rolling Fork, and thence along this stream to where it 
empties into the Ohio, we mark its eastern limits. It occupies all the State west 



158 STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 

of this boundary, except the portion occupied by the lower coal field, which will 
be described, and which rests upon this rock. The dip of this rock is towards 
the south and west in Kentucky. It thins out towards the east, but becomea 
thicker towards the west, and attains a great thickness in Missouri and Illinois. 
In Kentucky the country underlaid by this rock, is termed the " Barrens." The 
name is probably not derived from the poverty of the soil, for this is of a medium 
quality, and sometimes very good ; but from the scarcity of the timber. The 
barrens are said to have been once a vast prairie, and are now covered by 
scarcely any timber except a small scrubby oak, termed black-jack. It is im- 
possible to assign the cause of this peculiar feature of this remarkable region. 

SIXTH FORMATION— THE CONGLOMERATE COAL SERIES. 

Resting on the cavernous limestone we find a conglomerate or pudding stone. 
It is composed of coarse pebbles of quartz, and fine grains of sand, rounded and 
cemented together by a silicious cement. It underlies the coal series in both the 
eastern and western fields in Kentucky, and is generally regarded as a member 
of the coal formation. It forms a kind of basin or trough in which the coal 
beds were deposited, and comes to the surface in a border completely surround- 
ing the coal fields. In Kentucky it, is found in two narrow strips, — in one ex- 
tending from the Ohio river in Greenup county, in a south-west direction to 
where the Cumberland river crosses the Tennessee line; in the other, forming a 
margin to the lower coal field extending from the Ohio in the western part of 
Meade county, south and west until it nearly reaches the southern limits of the 
State, at a point near the dividing line between the counties of Todd and Chris- 
tian, and thence bending to the north-west, recross^ the Ohio in Crittenden 
county. The rock is very firm, and is sometimes used for millstones to grind 
Indian corn. It varies in thickness from eighty to two or three hundred feet, 
though perhaps no where so thick as this in Kentucky. 

The Coal series. — Immediately over the conglomerate we find what may be more 
properly termed the coal formation. The whole series is made up of various 
combinations of layers of shale and sandstone, with thinner strata of limestone, 
hornstone and iron ore alternating with coal beds. 

In Kentucky there are two distinct and separate coal fields. The one in the 
eastern part of the State, termed the coal field of the upper Ohio, includes the 
whole of that section of the State, which lies to the east of a line beginning on 
the Ohio river, at Greenupsburg, and running in a south-west direction by Irvine 
on the Kentucky, Somerset, the county seat of Pulaski, and Jamestown, to the 
Tennessee line. This is a part of the great coal field, the largest in the world, 
occupying a very large district in western Pennsylvania and Virginia, a portion of 
Ohio, and the eastern part of Kentucky, and extending down into Tennessee, 
and probably into Alabama. 

The other coal field is in the Green river country, and is a part of the great 
field covering a large portion of Illinois, considerable sections in Kentucky and 
Indiana, and even extending into Missouri and Iowa. Mr. Mather, who, under the 
direction of the Legislature, made a geological reconnoisance of Kentucky, in 
1838, in his report says : " The boundary of the lower Ohio coal formation may 
be indicated, by an irregular line drawn from near the mouth of the Wabash, so 
as to include Henderson, Davies, Hancock, Ohio, and most of Union, Hopkins, 
Muhlenburg, Butler, Edmonston, Grayson, and a small portion of Breckinridge, 
Hart, and Warren counties." 

In both fields the strata dip from the border towards the center, and the rocks 
which we observe passing under the coal formation as we ascend the Ohio, come 
again to the surface before we reach the Alleghanies, forming a kind of basin or 
trough, in which the coal has been deposited. 

In Kentucky the coal fields are supposed to cover ten or twelve thousand 
square miles, and but a small part of each field is included within the limits of 
this State. In England, the largest coal field does not embrace more than twelve 
hundred square miles, or the one-tenth of the coal district of Kentucky. In many 
places several workable beds of coal are found. But as yet, mining operations 
have been carried on only to a very limited extent, and generally a seam is 
opened where the coal is found cropping out on a hill side, and only the most ac- 
cessible coal procured. The nearly horizontal position of the beds in Kentucky, 



GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. 159 

the dip being just sufficient for drainage, if the vein is opened on the right side of 
a hill, renders the operation of mining very easy. There are several varieties of 
coal, but all of them bituminous. Mr. Mather in his report mentions three kinds. 

" 1st. The common bituminous or caking coal. 

« 2nd, A similar coal which does not cake, and adhere in lumps when burning, but each 
piece keeps separate and distinct. 

« 3d. coal." 

He adds « All these coals burn virell and give out much heat ; but the two latter are far 
more pleasant for domestic use, and do not emit that kind of smoke from which flakes of 
soot, like lampblack, are diffused through the air." 

The coal of Kentucky is very accessible. The Cumberland, the Licking, the 
Kentucky, and the two Sandies, penetrate almost every part of the eastern field, 
and Green river runs right through the center of the western ; and upon the bosom 
of these streams is a large amount of coal annually carried to the towns on their 
banks. The amount annually raised from all the mines in Kentucky, cannot be 
accurately stated. Mr. Mather states it at three millions of bushels. 

METALS AND OTHER USEFUL MINERALS. 

Iron. There are several varieties of iron ore found in Kentucky. In several 
localities the bog ore is found as a deposit from mineral springs. But this is 
comparatively unimportant. In addition to this, however, there is 

1st. The ore of the coal measures. This ore is found in layers, or else in 
courses of nodules, in the shales or sandstones of the coal fields, and is generally 
an by d rated peroxide of iron. When found in layers, it is readily broken into 
rectangular blocks ; otherwise it is taken from the mine in round lumps of various 
sizes. 

2d. The ore found in connection with the limestone underlying the coal meas- 
ures. This ore is very abundant, and is extensively worked for furnaces. 

3d. The ore of the slate formation. This ore too, is very abundant, and is found, 
either in continuous strata, or in layers of nodules in the slate (formation three). 
It seems to be a calcareous' and argillaceous carbonate of iron. In many places 
where the slate has been crumbled to pieces, and been washed away, it is found 
abundantly on the surface. All the above ores are worked more or less exten- 
sively for the furnaces in various sections of the State. 

" In the coal fields of eastern and western Kentucky, there appears to be an almost inex- 
haustible supply of iron. Over an area of twelve thousand square miles, there may be 
probably an average thickness of one yard of iron ore in the coal formation alone, without 
counting the slate and limestone regions, where there is probably as much more. Each 
cubic yard of this ore will yield on an average one ton of bar iron, or five thousand tons to 
the acre, or 3,200,000 tons to the square mile, or 38,400,000,000 on the twelve thousand 
square miles ; a quantity sufficient to supply a ton of iron annually to every individual in 
the United States (estimating our population at fifteen million of people) for 2,560 years." 

It will be remembered that as much more is supposed to belong to the lime- 
stone and slate formation. 

Like the coal, the iron in every part of Kentucky is very accessible. It is 
spread over a wide district, penetrated in every direction by navigable streams, 
and everywhere accompanied by the fuel necessary for its reduction. As yet the 
mining business may be said hardly to have commenced, but it is destined to be 
the source of great future wealth to the State. 

LEAD. 

In a variety of localities, veins of lead ore have been found in the blue lime- 
stone (formation one), but no where yet in such abundance as to justify mining 
operations. The cliff limestone (No. two), and the cavernous limestone (No. five), 
especially the former, seem to be the great lead-bearing rocks of our country, and 
neither of them appear to be sufficiently developed in Kentucky, to furnish any 
rich veins of this metal. It is more than probable, that as long as there is such 
an inexhaustible supply of lead from the mines further west, it will never be 
worked in Kentucky. 

SALT. 

It has already been mentioned that the sandstone (formation fourth^, which over- 



160 STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 

lies the slate, seems to furnish the salt springs of this State and Virginia, and 
perhaps of Ohio and New York. This rock underlies the coal measures, form- 
ing a kind of basin in which they were deposited, and over the whole area salt 
water may be reached by boring to this rock. The water is generally stronger 
near the center of the basin, as for example in the eastern part of Kentucky, and 
western part of Virginia, though it is sometimes necessary to bore to the depth 
of a thousand feet, before the salt-bearing stratum can be reached. 

The amount of salt annually manufactured at the various salines of the State, 
may be estimated from 500,000 to 1,000,000 of bushels. 

SALTPETER, GYPSUM, HYDRAULIC LIME. 

Saltpeter is found in most of the caves, which are so numerous in the cavern- 
ous limestone. It exists in the caves as a nitrate of lime, and is converted into 
saltpeter (nitrate of potassa), by leaching through wood ashes. It is not largely 
manufactured. 

Gypsum or plaster of Paris and hydraulic limestone, are found in several 
places. It has already been mentioned that Gypsum forms a complete coating or 
incrustation, over the walls in some branches of the Mammoth Cave. The hy- 
draulic limestone is in some places found imbedded in the slate, and doubtless a 
more accurate survey of the State, will serve to discover both these materials in 
many localities where they are not now imagined to exist. 

MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Mineral and medicinal springs abound in Kentucky, especially in those sec- 
tions adjacent to and underlaid by the slate. The gradual decomposition of the 
sulphuret of iron in this rock, probably affords the sulphuretic hydrogen of the 
sulphur waters, and sulphuric acid, which combining with oxide of iron, soda, 
magnesia, etc., form the various salts held in solution by these waters. 

Sulphur, chalybeate and Epsom springs, are all very common, and in the 
watering seasons are much resorted to by invalids. 

At the Blue Licks, near the bank of the Licking river, is a sulphur spring con- 
taining besides a variety of other ingredients a large amount of common salt, 
whose waters are highly prized and much used for medicinal purposes. It is an- 
nually resorted to by hundreds, for pleasure or health ; and large quantities of 
the water is barreled and sent off through the country, where it meets a ready 
market. It rises in the blue limestone, though it probably has its origin in the 
slate. 

This, however, is not the only instance of a mineral spring in this formation. 
At Drennon's Lick, at Big Bone Lick, and in a number of other places in the blue 
limestone, water is found which is said not to be very dissimilar to that of the 
Blue Licks. 

At Harrodsburg, near the center of the State, are numbers of springs whose 
predominate ingredient seems to be sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt. And 
near Crab Orchard, thirty miles from this place, are several more springs of the 
same kind, together with sulphur and chalybeate waters. Both of these places 
are much visited in the watering season. But besides these, a great variety of 
valuable waters are known ; as for example, the springs in Rockcastle, Estill, 
Bath and Lewis counties. 

ORGANIC REMAINS. 

Organic remains abound more or less in all the strata of the state. Sufficiently 
minute examinations have not, however, been made to ascertain the number and 
variety of species belonging to the different formations. In the lower rocks (for- 
mations one and two), fossil remains are exceedingly abundant. The blue lime- 
stone in many places seems to be almost entirety composed of the shells of ma- 
rine animals. " Among the most common are delthyris, atrypa, orthis, stopho- 
mena, trilobites, orthocerotites, corallines, cyathophylla, encrinites and a number 
of other radiata." 

In formation two, fossils are perhaps not so numerous, but larger and more dis- 
tinct than in the preceding rock. Many genera are common to both, though 
generally shells prevail most in formation one, and radiata in two. The penta- 
merus, trilobites, cyathophylla, catenipora, retepora, lithodendron, etc., are very 
abundant in this rock. 



EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 161 

Formations third and fourth, the slate and sandstone are barren of organic re- 
mains. 

Formation fifth is a limestone, and is much richer in fossils. In some places 
miscroscopic shells are exceedingly abundant. 

In the conglomerate, which underlies the coal beds, only a few traces of fossil 
plants can be discovered. The coal itself is now generally understood to be of 
vetretable orgin, and the impressions of plants are always more or less distinctly 
traceable in all the varieties of it. 

But besides these remains disseminated so profusely through some of these 
rocks, there are others of a very different epoch, and in some respects of a 
much more interesting character. These are the bones of extinct quadrupeds. 

In many places on the surface of the rocks already described, and as appears 
of a much more recent date, there has been deposited, a deep marshy soil, occu- 
pying the natural valleys of the country. In these marshy grounds, and especially 
in the neighborhood of " Licks," to which the animals seem to have been at- 
tracted, are often found the bones of several species of extraordinary but now ex- 
tinct quadrupeds. The most remarkable locality is in Boone county, at Big 
Bone Lick. Here a large number of bones, perfectly sound and well preserved, 
have been dug up. And while perhaps in no case has a complete skeleton been 
found, yet it has been computed that to furnish the specimens carried off from 
this place alone, there would be required of the 

Mastodon maximus, - 100 individuals. 
Elephas primigenius, 20 " 

Megalonyx Jetfersonia, 1 " 

Bos bombifrous, - - 2 " 

Bos pallasii, - - 1 " 

Some of these animals, especially the mastodon, must have been of extraordi- 
nary size, and while there can be no doubt that they are now extinct, there can 
be as little, that geologically speaking, they were very recently tenants of the 
earth. The nearly complete skeleton of a mastodon found in the State of New 
York, and put up by Mr. Peale in the museum in Philadelphia, measures fifteen 
feet in length, and is nearly eleven feet high. This animal must once have 
roamed through this whole country, as its remains are found in many States, and 
many localities. How long since it became extinct, or why it perished, is un- 
known to us. 

SOILS. 

Perhaps it may be proper to add a few words in regard to the connection 
between the geology and soils of different sections of the State. It is well known 
that the soil takes its character from the underlaying rock ; that it is formed by 
its decomposition, and varies with it. In Kentucky, the blue limestone, or forma- 
tion one, forms the richest soil. That beautiful section of country, — the garden 
of the State — embracing Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Scott, Jessamine, and the 
counties between them and the Ohio river, is underlaid by this rock. The soil 
over this section is not everywhere equally fertile, but altogether is the best in 
the State. 

Formation second and formation fifth are both limestone, and form good soils. 
The former is, as has already been mentioned, developed only to a very limited 
extent in this State. The latter covers a much larger territory. The " Barrens" 
are underlaid by it. The soil is good, and in some places of an excellent quality. 

The slate and sandstone generally form poor soils. In some places, however, 
a proper mixture of limestone with the clay of the slate, forms an excellent soil.. 
The soil over the coal measures is generally poor, though it varies much in its^ 
qualities. 

EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The plan of this work would be incomplete, if it did not contain some account 
of the spirit and manners of society in the primitive ages of Kentucky history. 
The following sketch of early life is drawn from various sources ; but we are 
principally indebted to "Doddridge's Notes." 

The household offices were performed by the women ; the men cultivated the 
soil, hunted the game and brought in the meat, built the houses, garrisoned the 
11 



162 STATISTICS OF KENTUCKY. 

forts, and freely exposed themselves to danger and privations in defence of the 

settlements. 

Most of the articles in common use were of domestic manufacture. There 
might have been incidentally a few things brought to the country for sale in a 
private way, but there was no store for general supply. Utensils of metal, ex- 
cept offensive weapons, were extremely rare, and almost entirely unknown. The 
table furniture usually consisted of wooden vessels, either turned or coopered. 
Iron forks, tin cups, &c., &c., were articles of rare and delicate luxury. The 
food was of the most wholesome and nutritive kind. The richest meat, the finest 
butter, and best meal that ever delighted man's palate, were here eaten with a 
relish which health and labor only know. The hospitality of the people was 
profuse and proverbial. 

The dress of the settlers was of primitive simplicity. The hunting shirt was 
worn universally. Many of these garments are still in use in the back settle- 
ments, and their appearance is familiar to almost every reader in the west. This 
backwoods costume was peculiarly adapted to the pursuits and habits of the peo- 
ple, and has been connected with so many thrilling passages of war and wild 
adventure, that the Kentucky hunting shirt is famous throughout the world. The 
hunting shirt was usually made of linsey, sometimes of coarse linen, and a few 
of dressed deer skins. The bosom of this dress was sewed as a wallet, to hold a 
piece of bread, cakes, jerk, tow for wiping the barrel of the riile, and any other 
necessary for the hunter or warrior. The belt, which was always tied behind, 
answered several purposes besides that of holding the dress together. In cold 
weather, the mittens, and sometimes the bullet bag occupied the front part of it. 
To the right side was suspended the tomahawk, and to the left the scalping knife 
in its leathern sheath. The shirt and jacket were of the common fashion. A 
pair of drawers, or breeches and leggins were the dress of the thighs and legs, 
and a pair of moccasins answered for the feet much better than shoes. These 
were made of dressed deer skin. They were generally made of a single piece, 
with a gathering seam along the top of the foot, and another from the bottom of the 
heel, without gathers, as high as the ankle joint. Flaps were left ou each side 
to reach some distance up the leg. Hats were made of the native fur ; the buf- 
falo wool was frequently employed in the composition of cloth, as was also the 
bark of the wild nettle. 

The forts in which the inhabitants took refuge from the fury of the savages, 
consisted of cabins, block houses, and stockades. A range of the former com- 
monly formed at least one side of the fort. Divisions or partitions of logs sepa- 
rated the cabins from each other. The walls on the outside were ten or twelve 
feet high, the slope of the roof being invariably inward. A few of these cabins 
had puncheon floors, but the greater part were earthen. 

The block houses were built at the angles of the fort. They projected about 
two feet beyond the outer walls of the cabins and stockades. Their upper stories 
were about eighteen inches every way larger in dimensions than the under one, 
leaving an opening at the commencement of the second story to prevent the 
enemy from making a lodgment under their walls. A large folding gate made of 
thick slabs closed the fort on the side nearest the spring. The stockades, cabins, 
and blockhouse walls were furnished with ports at proper heights and distances. 
The entire extent of the outer wall was made bullet proof. The whole of this 
work was made without the aid of a single nail or spike of iron, which articles 
were not to be had. 

The inhabitants generally married young. There was no distinction of rank, 
and very little of fortune. The first impression of love generally resulted in 
marriage, and a family establishment cost but a little labor and nothing else. 

A Kentucky wedding in early times was a very picturesque affair, and was an 
event which excited the general attention of the whole community in which it 
occurred. The following description of the proceedings had on these interesting 
occasions, is taken almost verbatim from the account of one who had been pres- 
ent at many of these joyful assemblies : 

In the morning of the wedding day, the groom and his attendants assembled 
at the house of his father, for the purpose of proceeding to the mansion of his 
bride, which it was desirable to reach by noon, the usual time of celebrating the 
nuptials, which ceremony must at all events take place before dinner. Let the 



EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 163 

reader imagine an assemblage of people, without a store, tailor, or mantua maker 
within an hundred miles ; an assemblage of horses, without a blacksmith or sad- 
dler within a like distance. The gentlemen dressed in shoe packs, moccasins, 
leather breeches, leggins, linsey hunting shirts, and all home made. The ladies 
in linsey petticoats and linsey or linen bedgowns, coarse shoes, stockings, hand- 
kerchiefs, and buckskin gloves. If there were any buckles, rings, buttons, or 
ruffles, they were relics of old times. The horses were caparisoned with old sad- 
dles, old bridles or halters, and pack saddles, with a bag or blanket thrown over 
them ; a rope or string as often constituted the girth as a piece of leather. 

The march, in double file, was often interrupted by the narrowness or obstruc- 
tions of the horse path, for roads there were none ; and these difficulties were 
often increased by the jocularity, and sometimes by the malice of neighbors, by 
felling trees and tying grape vines across the way. Sometimes an ambuscade was 
formed by the way side, and an unexpected discharge of several guns took place, 
so as to cover the wedding company with smoke. Let the reader imagine the 
scene vv^hich followed this discharge : the sudden spring of the horses, the shrieks 
of the girls, and the chivalric bustle of their partners to save them from falling. 
Sometimes, in spite of all that could be done to prevent it, some were thrown to 
the ground. If a wrist, elbow, or ancle happened to be sprained, it was tied 
with a handkerchief, and little more was thought or said about it. 

Another ceremony took place before the party reached the house of the bride, 
after whisky was introduced, which was at an early period. When the party 
had arrived within a mile of the house, two young men would single out to run 
for the bottle. The worse the path the better, as obstacles afforded an opportunity 
for the greater display of intrepidity and horsemanship. The start was announced 
by an Indian yell ; logs, brush, muddy hollows, hills, and glens were speedily 
passed by the rival ponies. The bottle was always filled for the occasion, and 
the first who reached the door was presented with the prize, with which he re- 
turned in triumph to the company. The contents of the bottle were distributed 
among the company. 

The ceremony of the marriage preceded the dinner, which was a substantial 
backwoods feast of beef, pork, fowls, and sometimes venison and bear meat roas- 
ted and boiled, with plenty of potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables. After din- 
ner the dancing commenced, and generally lasted till next morning. The figures 
of the dances were three and four handed reels, or square sets and jigs. 

About nine or ten o'clock, a deputation of young ladies stole off the bride and 
put her to bed. This done, a deputation of young men in like manner stole off 
the groom and placed him snugly by the side of his bride. The dance still con- 
tinued, and if seats happened to be scarce, every young man when not engaged 
in the dance, was obliged to offer his lap as a seat for one of the girls, and the 
offer was sure to be accepted. In the midst of this hilarity, the bride and groom 
were not forgotten. Pretty late in the night, some one would remind the com- 
pany that the new couple must stand in need of some refreshments ; ' black betty,' 
which was the name of the bottle, was called for and sent up stairs, but often 
'black betty' did not go alone. Sometimes as much bread, beef, pork and cab- 
bage was sent along with her, as would afford a good meal for half a dozen hun- 
gry men. The young couple were compelled to eat and drink more or less of 
whatever was offered them. 

The marriage being over, the next thing in order was to " settle " the }'oung 
couple. A spot was selected on a piece of land of one of the parents for their 
habitation. A day was appointed shortly after their marriage, for commencing 
the work of building the cabin. The fatigue party consisted of choppers, whose 
business it was to fell the trees and cut them off at the proper length. A man 
with a team for hauling them to the place, and arranging them properly assorted 
at the sides and ends of the building, a carpenter if such he might be called, 
whose business it was to search the woods for a proper tree for making clapboards 
for the roof. The tree for this purpose must be straight grained and from three 
to four feet in diameter. The boards were split four feet long with a large froe, 
and as wide as the timber would allow. They were used without planing or 
shaving. Another division were employed in getting puncheons for the floor of 
the cabin ; this was done by splitting trees about eighteen inches in diameter, 
and hewing the face of them with a broadaxe. They were half the length of 



164 ADAIR COUNTY. 

the floor they were intended to make. The materials being prepared, the neigh- 
bors collected for the raising. The roof and sometimes the floor were finished on 
the same day the house was raised. A third day was commonly spent by the 
carpenters in leveling off the floor and making a clapboard door and table. This 
last was made of a split slab and supported by four round legs set in auger holes. 
Some three legged stools were made in the same manner. Pins stuck in the 
logs at the back of the house supported clapboards which served as shelves for 
the table furniture. A single fork placed with its lower end in a hole in the floor 
and the upper end fastened to a joist, served for a bedstead, by placing a pole in 
the fork with one end through a crack in the logs of the wall. This front pole 
was crossed by a shorter one within the fork, with its outer end through another 
crack. From the front pole through a crack between the logs of the end of the 
house, the boards were placed which formed the bottom of the bed. A few pegs 
around the wall for a display of the coats of the women and the hunting shirts 
of the men, and two small forks or bucks' horns to a joist for the rifle and shot 
pouch, completed the carpenter's work. 

The cabin being finished, the ceremony of house warming took place before 
the young people were permitted to move into it. This was a dance of a whole 
night's continuance, made up of the relations of the bride and groom and their 
neighbors. On the day following the young people took possession of their new 
mansion. 

At house raisings, log rollings, and harvest parties, every one was expected to 
do his duty faithfully. A person who did not perform his share of labor on these 
occasions, was designated by the epithet of " Lawrence," or some other title 
still more opprobrious; and when it came to his turn to require the like aid from 
his neighbors, the idler soon felt his punishment in their refusal to attend to his 
calls. 

Although there was no legal compulsion to the performance of military duty, 
yet every man of full age and size was expected to do his full share of public 
service. If he did not, " He was hated out as a coward." Thefts were severely 
punished. 

With all their rudeness, these people were hospitable, and freely divided their 
rough fare with a neighbor or stranger, and would have been offended at the oiTer 
of pay. In their settlements and forts they lived, they worked, they fought and 
feasted or suffered together in cordial harmony. They were warm and constant 
in their friendships; but bitter and revengeful in their resentments. Instances 
of seduction and bastardy did not frequently happen. Indeed, considering the 
chivalrous temper of the people, the former could not take place without great 
personal danger from the brothers or relations of the victim of seduction, family 
honor being then estimated at a high rate. There was no other vestige of the 
Christian religion than a faint observation of Sunday, and that merely as a day 
of rest for the aged and a play day for the young. 



ADAIR COUNTY 

Adair was formed in the year 1801. It is situated in the south 
middle part of the state, and lies on the waters of Russell's creek 
and Little Barren river, which flow into Green river : Is bounded 
on the north by Green county ; east, by Casey and Russell ; south, 
by Cumberland; and west, by Barren. Contains 209,551 acres of 
land ; average value per acre, $2,54. Total value of taxable 
property in the county, in 1846, $1,228,776; number of voters, 
1408; number of children between five and sixteen years, 1844 ; 
total population in 1830, 8,220— in 1840, 8,466. 

Columbia is the county seat of Adair. It is a handsome and 
thriving town, distant about 150 miles from Frankfort, and 620 



GENERAL JOHN ADAIR. 165 

from Washington city ; contains the usual public buildings for 
county purposes; two churches, occupied by four denominations ; 
two schools, seven stores and groceries, five doctors, seven law- 
yers, one tavern, six mechanical shops; — population, 500. 

Neatsville, a small village in this county, contains a population 
of about 50. 

Breedings, another village, contains a population of 20. 

Principal articles of export of Adair : — tobacco, hogs, horses 
and cattle. Face of the country, hilly ; soil, second rate, based 
principally on slate and limestone. Green river runs through the 
northern portion of the county. Principal tributaries on the 
north. White-oak and Case's creeks ; on the south, Russell's creek 
and its tributaries. The east fork of Little Barren river passes 
through the west end of the county. 

General John Adair, in honor of whom this county received its name, was 
born in South Carolina, in the year 1757. His character was formed in the trying 
times and amidst the thrilling incidents of the Revolution. At an early age, he 
entered the army as a volunteer, was made prisoner by the British, and as usual, 
treated with savage cruelty, having been thrown into prison and subjected to every 
species of insult and hardship that the ingenuity of his captors could devise. 

In 1786 he emigrated to Kentucky, and settled in Mercer county. In the border 
war which raged with so much fury on the north-western frontier, General (then 
Major,) Adair was an active and eflicient officer, and frequently engaged with the 
Indians. One incident of this nature merits a relation. On the sixth of Novem- 
ber 1792, Major Adair, at the head of a detachment of mounted volunteers, frotn 
Kentucky, while encamped in the immediate vicinity of Fort !St. Clair, twenty- 
six miles south of Greenville, near where Eaton, llie county seat of Preble county, 
Ohio, now stands, was suddenly and violently attacked by a large party of In- 
diu.is, who rushed on the encampment with great fury. A bloody conflict ensued, 
during which Major Adair ordered Lieutenant Madison, with a small party to gain 
the right flank of the enemy, if possible, and at the same time gave an order for 
Lieutenant Hall to attack their left, but learning that that officer had been slain, 
the Major with about twenty-five of his men made the attack in person, with a 
view of sustaining Lieutenant Madison. 

The pressure of this movement caused the enemy to retire. They were driven 
about six hundred yards, through and beyond the American camp, where they 
made a stand, and again fought desperately. At this juncture about sixty of the 
Indians made an effort to turn the right flank of the whites. Major Adair fore- 
seeing the consequences of this manoeuvre, found it necessary to order a retreat. 
That movement was effected with regularity, and as was expected, the Indians 
pursued them to their camp, where a halt was made, and another severe battle 
was fought, in which the Indians suflfered severely, and were driven from the 
ground. In this affair six of the whites were killed, five wounded, and four miss- 
ing. Among the wounded were Lieutenant (afterwards Governor) George Mad- 
ison, and Colonel Richard Taylor, the father of the present Major General 
Zachary Taylor, the hero of Palo Alto, Monterey. Buena Vista, &c. 

The Indians on this occasion, were commanded by the celebrated Little Turtle. 
Some years afterwards, in 1805-G, when General Adair was Register of the land 
office in Frankfort, Captain William Wells, Indian agent, passed through that 
place, on his way to Washington city, attended by some Indians, among whom 
was the chief. Little Turtle. General Adair called on his old antagonist, and in 
the course of the conversation, the incident above related, being alluded to, Gen. 
Adair attributed his defeat to his having been taken by surprise. The little Turtle 
immediately remarked with great pleasantness, "a good general is never taken 
by surprise." 

In 1807, Major Adair's popularity underwent a temporary obscuration from his 
supposed connection with the treasonable enterprise of Burr. His conduct and 
opinions became the subject of much speculation, and the public got to regard 



166 ALLEN COUNTY. 

him with an eye of some suspicion. But it is now generally believed that Gen- 
eral Adair's course in that aifair was predicated upon an opinion tlrat Colonel 
Burr's plans were approved by the government, which at that time contemplated 
a war with Spain. General Adair's opinions and associations at that day, pla- 
ced him with the federal party, among whom he stood deservedly high. 

In the campaign of 1813 he accompanied Governor Shelby into Canada, as an 
aid, and was present in that capacity at the battle of tlie Thames. His conduct 
during this campaign was such as to draw from his superior officers an expres- 
sion of their approbation, and his name was honorably mentioned in the report 
to the war department. Governor Shelby afterwards conferred upon him the 
appointment of adjutant general of the Kentucky troops, with the brevet rank 
of brigadier general, in which character he commanded the Kentuckians in the 
glorious battle of New Orleans. The acrimonious controversy between him and 
General Jackson, growing out of the imputations cast by the latter on the con- 
duct of the Kentucky troops on that eventful day, is fresh in the recollection 
of all. 

In 1820, he was elected governor of Kentucky, in opposition to Judge Logan, 
Governor Desha, and Colonel Butler. He was often a member of the State 
legislature, and on several occasions 'was speaker of that body. In 1805 he was 
elected to the senate of the United States, from Kentucky, for the term of one 
year. In 1831 he was elected to congress, and served in the house of represen- 
tatives from 1831 to 1833, inclusive. 

General Adair, in all the situations, military and civil, to which he was eleva- 
ted by his countrymen, discharged his duties in such a manner as to command 
the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He was a brave soldier, an 
active, vigilant and efficient officer — a politician of sound principles and enlarged 
views, and an ardent patriot. Among the early pioneers of Kentucky, he deser- 
vedly occupies a prominent place and a high rank. He died on the 19th of 
May, 1840, at the advanced age of 83 years. 



ALLEN COUNTY. 

Allen county was formed in the year 1815, and named in 
honor of Colonel John Allen. It is situated in the southern part 
of the State, and lies on the waters of Big Barren river: Bounded 
on the north by Warren ; east by Barren and Monroe ; south by 
the Tennessee line, and west by Simpson county. Scottsville, 
the county seat, is about one hundred miles from Frankfort. 

Statistics. — The Auditor's report for 1846, gives to this county 
177,242 acres of land; average value of land per acre, ^2,84; 
total valuation of taxable property, $1,200,645. Number of 
voters 1 ,272 ; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 2,047. Population in 1830, 6,486; in 1840, 7,329— increase 
in ten years, eight hundred and forty-three. 

Towns. — There are two towns in Allen — Scottsville, the county 
seat, and Port Oliver. Scottsville contains the court house and 
the usual public buildings, four churches, four stores, three taverns, 
five lawj'ers, three doctors, eight mechanical trades. Established 
in 1817, and called for General Winfield Scott, of the United 
States' army. Port Oliver is situated ten miles from Scottsville, 
on Barren river, and contains one store and tavern. Salt works 
are in operation in the latter place, which manufacture three 
hundred bushels of salt per week. 



CAVES—ANTIQUITIES. 167 

Inscriptions. — ^On the Sulphur fork of Bay's fork of Big Barrei* 
river, at or near the Sulphur Lick, the following words were 
found cut in the bark of a beech tree — " James M'Call dined here 
on his way to Natchez, June the 10th, 1770." On Barren river, 
about nine miles from Scottsville, on the lands of Colonel S. E. 
Carpenter, near where his mill now stands, the following is in 
scribed on a large beech tree — '■'■ Icliabod Clark, mill site, 1779.'" 
On the other side of the tree, this inscription is found — "Too sick 
to get over," date and name not mentioned. 

Caves. — There are a number of caves in the county, but few of 
them have been explored to any extent. In the year 1844, two 
shells were found in one of these caves, resembling a conch shell. 
One of these shells is about eighteen inches long, has been 
sawed or cut lengthwise in the middle, having a small hole bored 
in the little end, so as to be hung up by a string; the other or 
bowl end, answering a good purpose for a water vessel. 

Antiquities. — In the west end of the county, about thirteen 
miles from Scottsville, and seventeen from Bowling-green, is one 
of the most remarkable of the remains of those ancient fortifi- 
cations, belonging to a people unlvnown, of whom our country 
exhibits so many traces. The fortification alluded to is at once 
romantic and impregnable, presenting one of the strongest mili- 
tary positions in the world. At this place, Drake's creek makes 
a horse-shoe bend — running one mile, and then with a gradual 
bend, returning to within thirty feet of the channel where the 
bend may be said to commence. The partition which divides 
the channels of the creek at this point, is of solid limestone, 
thirty feet thick at the base, two hundred yards in length, forty 
feet high, and six feet wide at the top. The top is almost per- 
fectly level, and covered with small cedar trees. The area in- 
cluded within the bend of the creek, is to the east of this narrow 
pass, and contains about two hundred acres of land, rising from 
the creek in a gradual ascent of one hundred feet, where it forms 
a bold promontory. The top of this is leveled and forms a 
square area containing about three acres, enclosed with walls 
and a ditch. The outer ditch is still perceptible, and the walls 
are now about three feet high around the whole circuit of the 
fort. In the rear of this, are to be seen many small mounds. 
This is by nature one of the strongest military positions in the 
world; the only approach to the fort, being over the narrow 
cause-way above mentioned — tall clifls intercepting all access 
from the opposite banks of the stream. 

At the west side of the narrow pass, and immediately at its 
termination, there is a hill similar to the one on the east. Here 
is to be seen a small mound forty feet in circumference and four 
feet high. Upon excavating one side of this mound, a stone 
cofiin was dug up two and a half feet long, one foot Made and 
one foot deep, with a stone covering — the top of the coffin pro- 
jecting one inch beyond the sides. Upon opening the coifin, the 
arm and thigh bones of an infant Avere found in it. This coffin 



;8 ANDERSON COUNTY. 

L^^'ing removed, others of larger dimensions were to be disco- 
vered, but were not removed. Many very large human bones 
}'ive laeen exhumed from mounds in this county — some of the 
l/igh bones measuring from eight to ten inches longer than the 
ce of men now inhabiting the country. 

This county received its name from Col. John Allen, who fell in the disas- 
u us battle of the river Raisin. He was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, the 
ir'ih of December, 1772. His father, James Allen, emigrated to Kentucky in 
tlie fall of the year 1780, and settled at Dougherty's station, on Clarke run, 
about one and a half miles below the present town of Danville. Here he formed 
an acquaintance with Joseph Daviess, the father of Col. Joseph Hamilton Da- 
vioss. Becoming impatient of the close confinement of the station, these fearless 
and ardent men removed farther down the creek, and erecting a small station, 
iived there for three years. At the expiration of this period, Mr. Daviess pur- 
.' ised a tract of land three or four miles west of Danville, and removed to it. 

{n 1784, the father of John Allen removed to Nelson county, and settled on 
Simpson's creek, seven and a half miles from Bardstown. In 1786, the subject 
oi this notice attended a school in Bardstown, kept by a Mr. Shackleford, where 
hi- acquired a slight knowledge of the classics. This school was succeeded by 
oi,e under the charge of Dr. James Priestly, with whom young Allen finished his 
cci'ication. At this school, Joseph H. Daviess, John Rowan, Felix Grundy, 
Archibald Cameron, John Pope, and John Allen, all distinguished in after life, 
fcmed one class. 

Vn the year 1791, John Allen commenced the study of the law in the office of 
CtI. Archibald Stewart, of Stanton, Va. He pursued his legal studies with great 
a;- iduity for about four years, and in 1795, he returned to Kentucky and settled 
j< Shelbyville, where he continued to practice law till 1812. As a lawyer, he 
r ■ ked with the first men of his profession. 

)n the breaking out of the war in 1812, he raised a regiment of riflemen, for 
th ? campaign under Harrison in the north-west. Part of this regiment was in 
tli; battle of Brovvnstown, on the 18lh of January, 1813, In the fatal battle of 
til!" river Raisin, Col. Allen's regiment formed the left wing of the American 
force. The termination of this affair is too well known to require recapitulation 
hf^e; and among the many noble and chivalrous Kentuckians who there found a 
b' Ddy grave, there was none whose loss was more sensibly felt or deeply de- 
pii red than Col. Allen. Inflexibly just, benevolent in all his feelings, and of 
undaunted courage, he was a fine specimen of the Kentucky gentleman of that 
day, and his name will not soon pass away from the memory of his countrymen. 



ANDERSON COUNTY. 

Anderson county was formed in 1827, and named for the Hon. 
Iliohard C. Anderson. It is situated in the middle portion of the 
state ; the Kentucky river forming its northern boundary, and 
Salt river entering its southern border from Mercer, penetrating 
inir the center, when it takes a different direction, and flows out 

the western border, passing through Spencer, and uniting with 
- Rolling Fork in Bullitt county. The county is bounded on the 

:th by Franklin ; east by the Kentucky river ; south by Mercer 
■ '.:l Washington ; and west by Spencer county. The tributaries 
o' Salt river are Crooked, Fox, Stoney, and Hammond creeks; 
vrliile Bailey's run, Little Benson, and Gilbert's creek fall into the 
K<- itucky river. The surface is generally rolling, though some 



RICHARD CLOUGH ANDERSON, JUN. 169 

portions are level, rich, and very productive — the hills producing 
fine tobacco and grasses. The staple products are wheat, corn, 
hemp, and tobacco ; the articles of export, horses, mules, cattle, 
and hogs. 

The auditor's report for 1846, gives to this county 101,891 acres 
of land ; average value of land per acre, $5,66 ; total valuation 
of taxable property, $1,137,922 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,001 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,401. Population in 1830,4,542; in 1810, 
5,452. 

Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Anderson, is situated on the 
turnpike road leading from Louisville to Harrodsburg, fifty-five 
miles from the former, and twenty from the latter place ; three 
and a half miles from lock and dam No. five, and twelve milea 
from Frankfort. Contains fom' stores, four groceries, two taverns, 
a handsome court house and other public buildings ; Reformed or 
Christian, Presbyterian and Baptist churches ; one seminary ; five- 
lawyers ; four doctors ; one each, carpenter, hatter, gunsmith, and 
blacksmith shops — population 350. Established in 1820, and 
called after Capt. James Lawrence, of the U. S. navy, whose 
last M'ords on board the Chesapeake, it will be remembered, Wi'.re, 
"■ Don't give up the ship." This place was first settled by an old 
Dutchman by the name of Coffman, who was killed by the In- 
dians. When his good wife first heard of his melancholy fate, 
she exclaimed in the bitterness of her affliction, " I always told 
my old man that these savage Ingens would kill him ; and I'd 
rather lost my best cow at the pail than my old man." 

Richard Clough Anderson, Jr., (in honor of whom the county of Anderson 
was named,) was born at Louisville, in the then district of Kentucky, on the' 4th 
day of August, 1788. His father was Richard C. Anderson, Sr., who served 
with great gallantry, as an officer, throughout the revolutionary war, at the con- 
clusion of which he was a lieutenant colonel. His mother was Elizabeth Clark, 
a sister of the celebrated General George Rogers Clark. 

Mr. Anderson was sent at an early age to Virginia for his education; and 
after being graduated at William and Mary college, studied law under J.idge 
Tucker. Upon his return to Kentucky he commenced the practice of his piifes- 
sion; and, possessing all the qualities, intellectual, moral and social, nece^.sary 
to insure success, soon took a high stand at the bar, as an able counsellor, and 
as an eloquent advocate. His popular talents would not permit him lonff to 
devote himself to private pursuits. The solicitations of friends and a naiural 
ambition, drew him, in a very short time, into the service of the public. He 
commenced his career, as a politician, in the popular branch of the State .;i >• 
lature, in which he served several years, with distinguished credit to hii :.>li'. 
and with the marked approbation of his constituents. He was accord 'j]y 
elected to congress, in 1817, by a handsome majority over his opponent — tl^' old 
incumbent. In congress he continued four years, during which time he puriici- 
pated in the splendid debates of that most interesting period, with an abilit' and 
success, which reflected no slight honor on his character as an orator ^ffd'a 
statesman. His reported speeches, during this period, are admirable for iheir 
terseness, beauty of arrangement, closeness of argument, and unambitiou ele- 
gance of diction ; but they now lack the charm of that distinct and melodioi,-. elo- 
cution — that graceful and manly and persuasive manner — which gave interest and 
attractiveness to their delivery. In 1822, declining a re-election to coni^ress, 
under the belief that his services were more needed in the councils of his own 
State, than in those of the nation, he again entered the State legislature, and 



ITO ANDERSON COUNTY. 

was chosen speaker of the house of representatives. The duties of this office 
he discharged, in that most excited period of our State history, with a courtesy, 
propriety, discretion and ability, that caused him to be regarded, by many of 
th;it day, as the perfect model of a presiding officer.. This was the origin of 
the angry controversy existing between the old and new court parties, to the 
fojmer of which Mr. Anderson belonged. In January, 1823, Mr. Anderson was 
appointed, by President Monroe, the first minister plenipotentiary to the Republic 
of Colombia. Upon his arrival at Bogota — the capital — with his family, he 
was received with every demonstration of honor and respect. He resided there 
bir a very short time, before he came to be regarded, by the autlrorities of the 
republic, rather as a friend and counsellor than as a stranger. His intercourse 
■with the principal officers of state, was of tbe most agreeable and confidential 
character. In 1824 he negotiated the treaty i)etween the two republics, which 
was ratified among the last acts of President Monroe's administration. In 1825 
he lost his wife — an adrriirable and estimable lady, to whom he was most ten- 
derly attached. This loss induced him to return home for a short time, in order 
to olace his children — two daughters and a son — with his friends in Kentucky. 
In October of that year, he revisited Bogota, accompanied by his brother, now 
C-.'ptain Robert Anderson of the U. S., Army, and remained until July, 1826, 
when he was instructed by President Adams to repair to Porto Bello, to join 
Mr. Sergeant, who had been appointed together with himself, an envoy extraor- 
dioary and minister plenipotentiary to the congress to be assembled at Panama. 
On his way to Carthagena, his intended place of embarkation, he fell sick at 
Turbaco, a small village some twelve miles distant from that city, where, on the 
24th day of July, his disease terminated in death. He was succeeded in his 
mi:!sion to Colombia, by the late ex-president of the United States, General 
W;lliam H. Harrison. 

Thus prematurely ended a brilliant career of usefulness and honor, and of still 
hir'-her promise. The writer of this slight sketch heard one of the most distin- 
guished men of our country declare, that Mr. Anderson's death alone in all pro- 
bability, prevented his reaching the highest office in the Union. A brief but 
disci-iminating notice by the editor, in the National Intelligencer, of August 29th, 
K-tG, renders the following just tribute to his worth and memory. "The United 
States in general, and his native State of Kentucky in particular, have sustained 
a great loss in the death of this distinguished gentleman. On his former visit to 
Colombia he lost his excellent wife — which bereavement he did not long survive. 

" Mr. Anderson was one of the most amiable of men, and most discreet of politi- 
cians. A career of a few years in congress disclosed his valuable qualities. He 
ptjssessed in an eminent degree, a clear discriminating mind, combined with the 
mcst conciliatory and persuasive address, the effect of which has often been seen 
on the floor of the house of representatives, and afterwards on that of the popu- 
lar branch of the legislature of Kentucky, in the midst of the greatest conten- 
tions, like oil stilling the agitated waves of the ocean. In this point of his char- 
acter, it is sufficient praise to say, he nearly resembled the late lamented 
William Lowndes. In brief, without offence be it said, the country could 
not boast a better man than Richard C. Anderson." 

Mr. Anderson was so actively engaged in professional and political pursuits, 
thfit he had but little leisure for literature. He was fondly addicted, however, to 
reading, and devoted most of his spare time to books — principally of biography 
aiiii history. His writings are few, but those few are characterised by strong 
sense, sober reasoning and sagacious insight. He was the author of the article 
in the North American Review, for October, 182G, on the constitution of Colom- 
bia — an article well worthy of perusal for its general excellence, as well as for 
tb" statesman-like suggestions it contains, relative to our own constitution. He 
w.js also engaged on a larger work, upon the political institutions and history of 
Colombia, the completion of which was unfortunately frustrated by his untimely 
de ith. Besides these, a fragmentary journal, of the last few years of his life 
stiil exists, possessing great interest, from the judicious observations upon books, 
an(; the shrewd remarks upon men and events, with which it is interspersed. 

■ n making ah estimate of the character of Mr. Anderson, in his public and 
private relations, it may be truly said of him, that while in private life he was 
W! hout a vice, in his public career he was equally without a reproach. 



BALLARD COUNTY. 171 



BALLARD COUNTY. 

Ballard county was formed out of parts of M'Cracken and 
Hickman in 1842, and named in honor of Capt. Bland Ballard. It 
is situated in the extreme western part of the state, and bounded 
on the north by the Ohio river ; on the west, by the Mississippi ; 
on the east by the counties of Graves and M'Cracken, and on the 
south by the county of Hickman. The lands in the northern part 
of the county are barren ; in the southern, well timbered, — both 
regions undulating. The bottoms of the Ohio and Mississippi 
are extensive, — soil, a mixture of black loam and sand, and very 
productive. The principal creek is Mayfield ; heads in Tennessee, 
passes through Calloway and Graves counties, thence through 
the center of Ballard, running north-west, and empties into the 
Mississippi at Fort Jefferson. Humphrey's creek heads in Mc- 
Cracken, passes through the north-east corner of Ballard, and 
empties into the Ohio below the Grand Chain. This county 
contains, according to the auditor's report for 1846, 243,675 
acres of land ; average value per acre, $1,80 ; total value of tax- 
able property, $632,131 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years old, 706 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, one thousand. Principal productions of the count}^, 
tobacco, hemp, corn, and oats. Stock raising is also beginning to 
attract the attention of farmers. 

The towns of the county are Blandville, Lovelace ville, and 
Milbourn. Blandville is the county seat, and contains a court 
house and other public buildings ; two churches (United Baptist 
and Methodist), two schools, four stores, three taverns, nine law- 
yers, seven doctors, nine mechanical trades — population four 
hundred. Called for the christian name of Captain Bland Bal- 
lard, for whom the county was named. 

LovELACEviLLE is a small village, named in honor of Mr. Love- 
lace, containing one United Baptist church, one Methodist church, 
one school, one store, one tavern, two phj^sicians, two mechan- 
ical trades — population forty. 

Milbourn contains two churches (Methodist and Christian), two 
schools, two stores, one tavern, three physicians, three mechan- 
ical trades — population ninety. 

Captain Bland Ballard, in honor of whom this county was named, was born 
near Fredericksburg, Virginia, on the 16th of October, 1761, and is now in his 
87th year. He came to Kentucky in 1779, and joined the regular militia which 
was kept up for the defence of the country; and after serving on Bowman's cam- 
paign in 1779, accompanied the expedition led by Gen. Clark against the Pick- 
away towns in Ohio in 1781, on which occasion he received a severe wound in the 
hip, from the effects of which he is suffering at this day. At the time of the 
wound, he was near bleeding to death before he could procure surgical aid. In 
1782, he was on the campaign led by Gen. Clark, with Floyd and Logan as 
colonels, that destroyed the Pickaway towns. In 17S6 he was a spy for General 
Clark in the expedition to the Wabash, rendered abortive by the mutiny of the 
soldiers. In the summer of 1791, he served as a guide under Generals Scott and 



172 BALLARD COUNTY. 

Wilkinson, and was present under General Wayne at the decisive battle on the 
20th of August, 1794. 

When not engaged in regular campaign, he served as hunter and spy for Gen- 
eral Clark, who was stationed at Louisville, and in this service he continued for 
two years and a half. During this time he had several rencounters with the In- 
dians. One of these occurred just below Louisville. He had been sent in his 
character of spy to explore the Ohio from the mouth of Salt river to the falls, 
and from thence up to what is now the town of Westport. On his way down 
the river, when six or eight miles below the falls, he heard, early one morning, 
a noise on the Indiana shore. He immediately concealed himself in the bushes, 
and when the fog had scattered sufficiently to permit him to see, he discov- 
ered a canoe filled with three Indians, approaching the Kentucky shore. When 
they had approached within range, he fired and killed one. The others jumped 
overboard, and endeavored to get their canoe into deep water, but before they 
succeeded, he killed a second, and finally the third. Upon reporting his morning's 
work to General Clark, a detachment was sent down, who found the three dead 
Indians and buried them. For this service General Clark gave him a linen shirt, 
and some other small presents. This shirt, however, was the only one he had for 
several years, except those made of lea.ther ; of this shirt the pioneer hero was 
doubtless justly proud. 

While on a scout to the Saline Licks, on one occasion, Ballard, with one com- 
panion, came suddenly upon a large body of Indians, just as they were in the 
act of encamping. They immediately charged, firing their guns and raising the 
yell. This induced the Indians, as they had anticipated, to disperse for the mo- 
ment, until the strength of the assailing party could be ascertained. During this 
period of alarm, Ballard and his companion mounted two of the best horses they 
could find, and retreated for two days and nights, until they reached the Ohio, 
which they crossed upon a raft, making their horses swim. As they ascended the 
Kentucky bank, the Indians reached the opposite shore. 

At the time of the defeat on Long Run, he was living at Lynn's station on 
Beargrass, and came up to assist some families in moving from Squire Boon's 
station, near the present town of Shelbyville. The people of this station had be- 
come alarmed on account of the numerous Indian signs in the country, and had 
determined to move to the stronger stations on the Beargrass. They proceeded 
safely until they arrived near Long Run, when they were attacked front and rear 
by the Indians, who fired their rifles and then rushed on them with their toma- 
hawks. Some few of the men ran at the first fire, of the others, some succeeded 
in saving part of their families, or died with them after a brave resistance. The 
subject of this sketch, after assisting several of the women on horseback who had 
been thrown at the first onset, during which he had one or two single handed 
combats with the Indians, and seeing the party about to be defeated, he succeeded 
in getting outside of the Indian line, when he used his rifle with some effect, 
until he saw they were totally defeated. He then started for the station, pursued 
by the Indians, and on stopping at Floyd's Fork, in the bushes, on the bank, he 
saw an Indian on horseback pursuing the fugitives ride into the creek, and as he 
ascended the bank near to where Ballard stood, he shot the Indian, caught the 
horse and made good his escape to the station. Many were killed, the number 
not recollected, some taken prisoners, and some escaped to the station. They af- 
terwards learned from the prisoners taken on this occasion, that the Indians who 
attacked them were marching to attack the station the whites had deserted, but 
learning from their spies that they were moving, the Indians turned from the 
head of BuUskin and marched in the direction of Long Run. The news of this 
defeat induced Colonel Floyd to raise a party of thirty-seven men, with the in- 
tention of chastising the Indians. Floyd commanded one division and captain 
Holden the other, Ballard being with the latter. They proceeded with great 
caution, but did not discover the Indians until they received their fire, which 
killed or mortally wounded sixteen of their men. Notwithstanding the loss, the 
party under Floyd maintained their ground, and fought bravely until overpowered 
by three times their number, who appealed to the tomahawk. The retreat, how- 
ever, was completed without much further loss. This occasion has been rendered 
memorable by the magnanimous gallantry of young Wells (afterwards the Colo- 
nel Wells of Tippecanoe), who saved the life of Floyd, his personal enemy, by 



BLAND BALLARD. 173 

the timely offer of his horse at a moment when the Indians were near to Floyd, 
who was retreating on foot and nearly exhausted. 

In 1788, the Indians attacked the little Fort on Tick creek (a few miles east 
of Shelbyville), where his father resided. It happened that his father had re- 
moved a short distance out of the fort, for the purpose of being convenient to the 
sugar camp. The first intimation they had of the Indians, was early in the 
morning, when his brother Benjamin went out to get wood to make a fire. They 
shot him and then assailed the house. The inmates barred the door and prepared 
for defence. His father was the only man in the house, and no man in the fort, 
except the subject of this sketch and one old man. As soon as he heard the 
guns he repaired to within shooting distance of his father's house, but dared not 
venture nearer. Here he commenced using his rifle with good effect. In the 
meantime the Indians broke open the house and killed his father, not before, how- 
ever, he had killed one or two of their number. The Indians, also, killed one 
full sister, one half sister, his step-mother, and tomahawked the youngest sister, 
a child, who recovered. When the Indians broke into the house, his step-mother 
endeavored to effect her escape by the back door, but an Indian pursued her and 
as he raised his tomahawk to strike her, the subject of this sketch fired at the In- 
dian, not, however, in time to prevent the fatal blow, and they both fell and ex- 
pired together. The Indians were supposed to number about fifteen, and before 
they completed their Avork of death, they sustained a loss of six or seven. 

During the period he Avas a spy for General Clark, he was taken prisoner by 
five Indians on the other side of the Ohio, a few miles above Louisville, and con- 
ducted to an encampment twenty-five miles from the river. The Indians treated 
him comparatively well, for though they kept him with a guard they did not tie 
him. On the next day after his arrival -at the encampment, the Indians were 
engaged in horse racing. In the evening two very old warriors were to have a 
race, which attracted the attention of all the Indians, and his guard left him a 
few steps to see how the race would terminate. Near him stood a fine black 
horse, which the Indians had stolen recently from Beargrass, and while the atten- 
tion of the Indians was attracted in a diff'erent direction, Ballard mounted this 
horse and had a race indeed. They pursued him nearly to the river, but he escaped, 
though the horse died soon after he reached the station. Tl)is was the only in- 
stance, with the exception of that at the river Raisin, tliat he was a prisoner. He 
was in a skirmish with the Indians near the Saline Licks, Colonel Hardin being 
the commander; the Colonel Hardin who fought gallantly under Morgan at the 
capture of Burgoyne, and who fell a sacrifice to Indian perfidy in the north- 
west; the father of General M. D. Hardin, and grand-father of the Col. Hardin 
of Illinois, whose heroic death at Buena Vista was worth}' of his unsullied life. 

In after life Major Ballard repeatedly represented the people of Shelby county 
in the legislature, and commanded a company in Colonel Allen's regiment under 
General Harrison in the campaign of 1812-13. He led the advance of the detach- 
ment, which fought the first battle of the river Raisin — was wounded slightly on 
that day, and severely by a spent ball on the 22d January. This wound, also, con- 
tinues to annoy his old age. On this disastrous occasion he was taken prisoner, 
and suffered severely by the march through snow and ice, from Maiden to Fort 
George. 

As an evidence of the difficulties which surrounded the early pioneer in this 
country, it may be proper to notice an occasion in which Major Ballard was dis- 
turbed by the Indians at the spot where he now resides. They stole his only 
horse at night. He heard them when they took the horse from the door to which 
he was tied. His energy and sagacity was such, that he got in advance of the 
Indians before they reached the Ohio, waylaid them, three in number, shot the 
one riding his horse, and succeeded not only in escaping, but in catching the 
horse and riding back in safety. 

The generation now on the sphere of action, and the millions who are to suc- 
ceed them in the great valley, will have but an imperfect idea of the character and 
services of the bold patriotic men, who rescued Kentucky from the forest and the 
savage. The subject of this sketch, however, is a fine specimen of that noble 
race of men, and when his gray hairs shall descend to an honorable grave, this 
short biography may serve, in some degree, to stimulate the rising generation to 
emulate his heroic patriotism. 



174 BARREN COUNTY. 



BARREN COUNTY. 

Barren county was formed in 1798, and takes its name from 
what is generally termed the barrens ov prairies which abound in 
the region of country in which it is located. It is bounded north 
by Hart ; east by Adair and Green ; south by Monroe, and west 
by Warren. Glasgow, the county seat, is about one hundied 
miles from Frankfort. The county embraces almost every des- 
cription of soil and surface. From Glasgow north and north- 
east for about ten miles, the land is level and the soil rich; be- 
yond it is generally hilly and poor : the remainder of the county is 
mostly rolling, but with a productive soil. The sub-soil is of 
clay, founded on limestone. Fine springs abound ; and being 
well timbered and watered with several large creeks, saw and 
grist mills have been erected in abundance. The staple products 
are tobacco, corn, wheat, rye and oats. Tobacco is the most im- 
portant article of export from this county — about twenty-five 
hundred hogsheads being the average annual product. Horses, 
mules, and hogs, are also raised for export. There are three salt 
furnaces in operation in the county, making from thirty to forty 
bushels each per day. 

In 1846, the number of acres of land reported was 359,941 ; 
average value per acre $3,34; total value of taxable property, 
$3,191,500: number of white males over twenty-one years of 
age, 2,769 ; number of children between five and sixteen years 
of age, 3,341. 

The towns of Barren are Glasgow, Chaplinton, Edmonton and 
Frederick. Glasgow, the seat of justice, is situated on the turn- 
pike road leading from Louisville to Nashville, one hundred and 
twenty-six miles from Frankfort— contains three meeting houses, 
in which seven denominations worship, viz : Methodists, Episco- 
palians, Reformers, Old and New School Presbyterians, Cumber- 
land Presbyterians and United Baptists ; two academies, male 
and female ; one school, thirteen stores, two groceries, eleven 
lawyers, five doctors, two tanneries, with a large number of me- 
chanical trades. Was established in 1809, and named after the 
old city of Glasgow, in Scotland. Population six hundred. 
Chaplinton, a small village on Big Barren river, contains a 
store, a post-office, etc. Edmonton, a small village eighteen miles 
south-east of Glasgow, contains one school, one store, one tan- 
nery, one doctor, post-office, etc. Frederick, situated seventeen 
miles north-east from Glasgow — contains one school, two doc- 
tors, one tannery, etc. 

There are a number of mineral springs in Barren, which are considered effica- 
cious in many diseases ; but none have been as yet, much resorted to. There is 
a white sulphur spring on the east fork of Little Barren river, sixteen miles east 
of Glasgow, the waters from which, as they flow off, form quite a respectable 
branch, and is supposed to be the largest stream of mineral water in the Green 
river country. There is a well on Buck creek, fourteen miles nearly west of 



EDMUND ROGERS. 175 

Glasgow, which was commenced for salt water, but at the depth of thirty feet or 
more, a very large stream of medical water was struck (sulphur, magnesia, etc.), 
which rises about four feet above the surface of the earth through a large pipe, 
and runs off in a branch of considerable size. This is becoming a place of con- 
siderable resort. There are, also, several smaller springs within a few miles of 
Glasgow, which are thought to be very beneficial to invalids. 

The Indians in the early settlement, made but few incursions into this county. 
Edmund Rogers, one of the first surveyors and pioneers, was compelled on 
several occasions, to abandon his surveys from the signs or attacks of Indians. 
On one occasion when in hot pursuit of him, they overtook and killed one of his 
company — and he imputes his escape alone to the time occupied in dispatching 
the unfortunate individual who fell into their hands. 

Edmund Rogers, one of the pioneers of the Green river country, was born in 
Caroline county, Virginia, on the 5th of May, 1762. He served as a soldier in 
the memorable campaign of 1781, in his native State, which resulted in the cap- 
ture of Cornwallis. He was in the battles of Green Springs, Jamestown, and at 
the siege of York. For these services he refused to apply for a pension, although 
entitled under the acts of congress. It was the love of his country's liberty and 
independence, and no pecuniary reward, which induced him to fight her battles. 
He emigrated to Kentucky in 1783, and became intimate with most of the early 
pioneers. He possessed a remarkable memory, and could detail with accuracy 
up to the time of his death, all the important events of the Indian wars and early 
settlement of Kentucky. He had enjoyed better opportunities to learn the his- 
tory of these transactions than most persons, in consequence of his intimacy with 
General George Rogers Clark (his cousin), and captain John Rogers (his brother), 
and captain Abraham Chapline, of Mercer, in whose family he lived for years. 

Mr. E. Rogers was the longest liver of that meritorious and enterprising class 
of men who penetrated the wilderness of Kentucky, and spent their time in 
locating and surveying lands. It is confidently believed that he survived all the 
surveyors of military lands south of Green river. He began business as a sur- 
veyor in the fall of 1783, in Clark's or the Illinois grant as it was called, on the 
north side of the Ohio river, opposite to Louisville. In the spring of 1784, his 
operations were changed to the military district in this State, on the south side of 
Green river. He made most of the surveys on Little and Big Barren rivers and 
their tributary streams. Muldrough's hill was the boundary of the settlements 
towards the south-west in Kentucky, when Mr. Rogers commenced surveying in 
the military district. He settled upon a tract of land, upon which he afterwards 
laid out the town of Edmonton in Barren county, in the year 1800. He married 
Mary Shirley in 1808. She died in 1835, leaving seven daughters and one son. 
In 1840 owing to his advanced age, he broke up house keeping and removed with 
his single daughters to the house of his son John T. Rogers, where he died on 
the 28th day of August, 1843. His remains were taken to his own farm and 
buried by the side of his wife near Edmonton. 

In purity of life and manly virtues, Mr. Rogers had but few equals. His in- 
tercourse with mankind was characterized by great benevolence and charity, and 
the strictest justice. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy and 
deserving. He raised and educated his nephew, the honorable Joseph Rogers 
Underwood. 

He was not ambitious of distinction. He accepted the ofRee of justice of the 
peace shortly after he settled in Barren county, at the solicitation of his neigh- 
bors. Perceiving as he thought, an act of partiality on the part of the court, he 
resigned his commission at the first court he ever attended, and thereafter per- 
sisted in his resolution to hold no office. 

Mr. Rogers believed that the distinctions made among men, arising from the 
offices they filled, without regard to their intellectual and moral attainments and 
qualifications, were often unjust. He therefore spurned official stations and those 
who filled them, when he thought genuine merit was overlooked, and the shallow 
and presumptuous promoted. He believed that the fortunes of men, were con- 
troled by things apparently of little moment, and that there was in regulating 
and governing the affairs of this world, if not of the whole universe, a chain of 
causes and effects or consequences, in which every link was just as important as 



176 BARREN COUNTY. 

every other in the eyes of God, although in the estimation of men, they were re- 
garded as very different in importance. To his philosophic mind, he saw what 
mankind usually call great things, springing as results from very little things, 
and he was not disposed to concede that the effect was entitled to more considera- 
tion than the cause. He admitted a controling providence, which operated in a 
manner inscrutable to man; and hfnce he never despised what were called little 
things, and never became greatly excited with passionate admiration for what 
were called great things. He admitted there were two great principles at work 
in the earth, one of good, the other of evil. His affections and his actions were 
all with the good. 

In illustration of his idea that apparent trifles were important affairs, he often 
told the writer that the most consequential events of his life, had been the result 
of his falling off a log and getting wet, in attempting to cross a creek. This 
happened the day he left Pitman's station to go into the wilderness south of 
Green river. He got his papers wet, and was induced to return to the station to 
dry them, and then to take a new start. Upon his return, he met with a stranger 
who had a large number of land warrants, and made a contract with him for 
their location. Under this contract he secured the land around Edmonton 
where he lived, and upon these facts he reasoned thus : "If I had not fallen into 
the creek, I should not have turned back ; if I had not returned to the station, I 
should not have made the contract by which I obtained the land on which I set- 
tled; if I had not got that land, I should not have lived upon it ; if I had not 
lived there, I should have been thrown into a different society, and most probably 
would never have seen the lady I married, and of course would not have had 
the wife and children I have; and as a further consequence, the very existence 
and destiny of those children and their descendants through all coming genera- 
tions, and the influence they may exercise in families, neighborhoods and coun- 
ties, depended upon my falling from the log." 

Mr. Rogers and his brother captain John Rogers, made a very singular contract. 
It was firmly agreed between them, that he who died first, should return from 
the world of spirits, and inform the other what was going on there. This en- 
gagement between the brothers, was most seriously entered into. Mr. Rogers 
has often told the writer, that there could be no such thing as visits from the 
spirits of the dead, and holding intercourse with the living; for said he, if such a 
thing could be, I know my brother John would have kept and fulfilled his pro- 
mise. He discountenanced every thing of a superstitious character. 

The motto upon which Mr. Rogers acted through life, was "to do justice, love 
mercy and walk humbly before God." He often repeated these words as con- 
taining man's whole duty. 

His last illness was of short duration. He was in his perfect mind to the last 
breath. About an hour before he expired he was seen to smile, and being asked 
what occasioned it, he said, " he was thinking of the vain efforts of three of the 
best physicians in the country, to save the life of an old man when his time had 
come." He died with perfect composure and without a struggle. 

Inscription. — Mr. Butler, in his History of Kentucky, states, upon the author- 
ity of Judge Underwood, that Edmund Rogers had discovered on a beech tree, 
standing upon the margin of the east fork of the south branch of Little Barren 
river, before there was any settlement south of Green river, the following inscrip- 
tion : " James M'Call, of Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, June 8th, 1770." 
These words were cut in very handsome letters, with several initials of other 
names. 

Antiquities. — The most remarkable mounds in the county, are situated at the 
mouth of Peter's creek, on Big Barren river. Twelve miles south-west from 
Glasgow, on the turnpike leading to Nashville, and immediately in the fork of 
the river and creek, there are a large number of small mounds, which closely 
resemble each other in size and shape. They now appear to be two or three feet 
high, of an oval form, about fifty yards apart, forming a circle of from four to five 
hundred yards in circumference, and presenting strong indications of having had 
huts or some other kind of buildings upon them. About the center of the circle 
of small mounds, is situated a large mound, twenty or thirty feet high, and from 
ninety to one hundred feet in diameter. Without the circle, about one hundred 



BATH COUNTY. 



177 



yards distant, is another large mound, about the same dimensions of the one 
within the circle of small ones. Upon these mounds trees are growing, which 
measure five feet in diameter. Some two hundred yards from these mounds, are 
a number of small mounds, which contain bones, teeth, and hair of human beings, 
in a perfect state of preservation. These bones are found in graves about three 
feet long, and from one to one and a half feet wide, all lined with flat stones. In 
the neighborhood, for half a mile or more, are found many of these graves. There 
is a large warehouse standing on the mound which is within the circle of small 
mounds. 

There is a cave in the bluff of the river, about three miles above Glasgow, 
which contains a large number of bones; but it is of small dimensions, and no 
correct description has been obtained of it. On Skegg's creek, about five miles 
south-west of Glasgow, there is a small cave, in which human bones have been 
found, but they appeared to be those of infants altogether. One bone was found, 
which seemed to be that part of the skull bone about the crown of the head ; it 
was made round, about two and a half inches in diameter, scolloped on the edges, 
and carved on the outside. Whether this was made for an ornament, or for eating 
out of, could not well be determined, although it was sufficiently large to be used 
as a spoon. 



BATH COUNTY. 

Bath county was organized in 1811, and is situated in the eas- 
tern part of the State, and lies on Licking river. It is bounded 
on the north and east by Fleming, south by Morgan, and west by 
Montgomery. It received its name from the great number of 
medicinal springs which abound in the county. The celebrated 
Olympian or Mud Lick springs are situated here, which contain 
a variety of waters, such as salt, black and red sulphur, and cha- 
lybeate of iron. Four miles east of these springs is the White 
Sulphur. 

Lands reported for the county in 1846, 205,261 acres ; average 
value per acre, $8,63; total valuation of taxable property, .$3,- 
006,835. White males over twenty-one years old, 1,732 ; children 
between five and sixteen years old 2,420. Population in 1830, 
8,799— in 1840, 9,763. 

Licking river washes the entire north-east boundary of the 
county, and it is watered by several fine streams, flowing through 
various portions of it. The surface is diversified — hilly, undula- 
ting, and level. The soil north and west of Slate creek, is rich 
and fertile, being based upon limestone ; south and east the 
county abounds in iron and coal, and the soil is not so good. Im- 
mediately around Sharpsburg, for several miles, the surface is 
gently undulating, and the lands highly cultivated, rich, and very 
productive. The principal articles of production and commerce, 
are cattle, mules, hogs, corn, and wheat. There are two iron 
furnaces and one forge in the county, manufacturing about two 
thousand tons of iron per year. 

The towns of the county are, Owingsville, Sharpsburg, Wyo- 
ming, and Bethel. Owingsville is the seat of justice, and con- 
tains two churches, two taverns, a fine court house, post office, 
five stores and groceries, three doctors, seven lawyers, two schools, 
12 



178 BATH COUNTY. 

one blacksmith shop, one tailor, one saddler, &c. Incorporated 
in 1829, and named in honor of Col. Thomas Dye Owings. Pop- 
ulation three hundred. 

Sharpsburg is situated on the Maysville and Mount Sterling 
turnpike road, thirty-eight miles from the former, and twelve 
from the latter place, and twelve miles west of Owingsville. It 
contains three churches, one tavern, four stores, six doctors, two 
saw mills, one bagging factory, one male and one female school, 
two wool factories, and ten mechanical shops. Established in 
1825, and named for Moses Sharp. 

Wyoming, a small village at the mouth of Slate creek, contains 
two stores, two taverns, two cabinet shops, one blacksmith shop, 
two grist and saw mills. 

Bethel,, a small village on the main route from Maysville to 
Mount Sterling, contains a ppst office, one store, one tavern, two 
saddler's shops, blacksmith and hat shops — thirty inhabitants. 

The following- interesting incident in the early settlement of Bath county, is 
related in McClung's "Sketches of Western Adventure," a work published by 
the author of these notes in the year 1832 : 

" In the month of August, 1786, Mr. Francis Downing, then a mere lad, was 
living in a fort, where subsequently some iron works were erected by Mr. Jacob 
Myers, which are now known by the name of Slate creek works, and are the 
property of Colonel Thomas Dye Owings. About the 16th, a young man be- 
longing to the fort, called upon Downing, and requested his assistance in hunting 
for a horse which had strayed away on the preceding evening. Downing readily 
complied, and the two friends traversed the woods in every direction, until at 
length, towards evening, they found themselves in a wild valley, at the distance 
of six or seven miles from the fort. Here Downing became alarmed, and repeat- 
edly assured his elder companion, (whose name was Yates), that he heard sticks 
cracking behind them, and was confident that Indians were dogging them. Yates, 
being an experienced hunter, and from habit grown indifferent to the dangers of 
the woods, diverted himself freely at the expense of his young companion, often 
inquiring, at what price he rated his scalp, and offering to ensure it for a six- 
pence. 

"Downing, however, was not so easily satisfied. He observed, that in what- 
ever direction they turned, the same ominous sounds continued to haunt them, 
and as Yates still treated his fears with the most perfect indifference, he deter- 
mined to take his measures upon his own responsibility. Gradually slackening 
his pace, he permitted Yates to advance twenty or thirty steps in front of him, 
and immediately afterwards descending a gentle hill, he suddenly sprung aside, 
and hid himself in a thick cluster of whortleberry bushes. Yates, who at that 
time was performing some woodland ditty to the full extent of his lungs, was too 
much pleased with his own voice to attend either to Downing or the Indians, and 
was quickly out of sight. Scarcely had he disappeared, when Downing, to his 
unspeakable terror, beheld two savages put aside the stalks of a canebrake, and 
look out cautiously in the direction which Yates had taken. 

" Fearful that they had seen him step aside, he determined to fire upon them, 
and trust to his heels for safety, but so unsteady was his hand, that in raising his 
gun to his shoulder, she went off before he had taken aim. He lost no time in 
following her example, and after running fifty yards, he met Yates, who, alarmed 
at the report, was hastily retracing his steps. It was not necessary to inquire 
what was the matter. The enemy were in full view, pressing forward with great 
rapidity, and " devil take the hindmost," was the order of the day. Yates would 
not outstrip Downing, but ran by his side, although in so doing he risked both 
of their lives. The Indians were well acquainted with the country, and soon 
took a path that diverged from the one which the whites followed, at one point, 
and rejoined it at another, bearing the same relation to it, that the string does to 
the bow. 



BOONE COUNTY. HO 

"The two paths were at no point distant from each other more than one hun- 
dred yards, so that Yates and Downing could easily see the enemy gaining rap- 
idly upon them. They reached the point of re-union first, however, and quickly 
came to a deep gully which it was necessary to cross, or retrace their steps. 
Yates cleared it without difficulty, but Downing, being much exhausted, fell 
short, and falling with his breast against the opposite brink, rebounded with vio- 
lence, and fell at full length upon the bottom. The Indians crossed the ditch a 
few yards below him, and eager for the capture of Yates, continued the pursuit, 
without appearing to notice Downing. The latter, who at first had given himself 
up for lost, quickly recovered his strength, and began to walk slowly along the 
ditch, fearing to leave it, lest the enemy should see him. As he advanced, how- 
ever, the ditch became more shallow, until at length it ceased to protect him 
at all. 

" Looking around cautiously, he saw one of the Indians returning, apparently 
in quest of him. Unfortunately, he had neglected to reload his gun, while in the 
ditch, and as the Indian instantly advanced upon him, he had no resource but 
flight. Throwing away his gun, which was now useless, he plied his legs man- 
fully in ascending the long ridge which stretched before him, but the Indian 
gained on him so rapidly that he lost all hope of escape. Coming at length to a 
large poplar which had been blown up by the roots, he ran along the body of the 
tree upon one side, while the Indian followed it upon the other, doubtless expect- 
ing to intercept him at the root. But here the supreme dominion of fortune was 
manifest. 

" It happened that a large she bear was suckling her cubs in a bed which she 
had made at the root of the tree, and as the Indian reached that point first, she 
instantly sprung upon him, and a prodigious uproar took place. The Indian yelled, 
and stabbed with his knife ; the bear growled and saluted him with one of her 
most endearing " hugs ;" while Downing, fervently wishing her success, ran off 
through the woods, without waiting to see the event of the struggle. Downing 
reached the fort in safety, and found Y'^ates reposing after a hot chase, having 
eluded his pursuers, and gained the fort two hours before him. On the next morn- 
ing, they collected a party and returned to the poplar tree, but no traces either of 
the Indian or bear were to be found. They both probably escaped with their 
lives, although not without injury." 



BOONE COUNTY. 

Boone county was formed in 1798, and named in honor of 
Colonel Daniel Boone. It is situated in the most northern part 
of the state, in a well known bend of the Ohio river, called 
North Bend. The average length of the county is about twenty 
miles, from north to south, and its average breadth about four- 
teen miles. It is bounded on the east by Kenton, on the south 
by Grant and Gallatin counties, and on the north and west by 
the Ohio river, which flows along its border about forty»miles, 
dividing it from the states of Ohio and Indiana. The surface of 
the county is generally hilly, but still there is a considerable 
quantity of level land in it, and nearly all the land is tillable. 
On the Ohio river there are found considerable bodies of level 
land called bottoms, the soil of which is very productive ; farther 
out from the river the land is good second rate. The taxable 
property in this county in 1846 was $3,332,138; number of acres 
of land, 153,330 ; average value of land per acre $14,39 ; white 
males over 21 years of age 1,959; children between 5 and 16 



180 BOONE COUNTY-. 

years of age, 2,104 : population in 1830, 9,012 ; in 1840, 10,034. 
The staple productions are Indian corn, tobacco, oats, wheat, 
whisky, flour, apples, and hogs ; timothy and blue grass grow 
luxuriantly in almost all parts of the county. The Covington 
and Lexington turnpike road runs about ten miles through this 
county. The principal streams and creeks are Woolper, Middle 
creek. Gunpowder and Big Bone creek, which is at its mouth and 
some distance up the south boundary of the county. 

The principal towns are Burlington, the seat of justice, situated 
six miles S. S. W. from the nearest point of the Ohio river ; Flo- 
rence, on the Covington and Lexington t<urnpike road ; Union ; 
"Walton ; Verona ; Hamilton, on the Ohio river ; Petersburg, on 
the Ohio, and Francisville. 

Burlington, the seat of justice, is situated fourteen miles from 
Cincinnati and seventy miles from Frankfort, — contains four 
churches: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Reformed; Mor- 
gan's Academy, with an endowment of $5,000 and sixty stu- 
dents ; two schools, seven lawyers, five doctors, five stores, 
two taverns, one shoe and boot store, one wool factory, eight 
mechanics' shops, one tobacco factor}^, and a population of four 
hundred. It was incorporated in 1824. Florence contains two 
churches, three doctors, two stores, two taverns, two schools, four 
mechanics' shops, and a population of two hundred. It was in- 
corporated in 1830. Francisville contains one church, one tobacco 
factory, and one store. Hamilton contains one school, one tavern, 
three stores, two doctors^ and a population of two hundred. Peters- 
burg contains two schools, one tobacco factory, one steam distil- 
lery and flouring mill, two churches, one tavern, two doctors, and 
a population of two hundred and fifty. Springtoicn, below Cov- 
ington, is a fishing place with seventy-five inhabitants. Union 
contains two churches, one store, one doctor, and fifty inhabitants. 
Walton contains one tavern and two tobacco factories, and has a 
population of fifty. 

Amongst the antiquities of this county is the site of an aboriginal burying 
ground, whose history is hid in the darkness of past ages, now covered by the 
flourishing town of Petersburg. In digging cellars for their houses, the inhabit- 
ants have excavated pieces of earthenware vessels and Indian utensils of stone, 
some of them curiously carved. A little above the town, on the bank of the 
river, are the remains of an ancient fortification. All that is now visible is an 
embankment or breastwork, about four feet high, and extending from the abrupt 
bank of the Ohio to the almost precipitous bank of Taylor's creek, including be- 
tween the river and the creek an area of about twenty or twenty-five acres of 
ground. 

At the mouth of Woolper creek, about twelve miles nearly west from Burling- 
ton, is a singular chasm in a hill, which has been cleft from top to bottom. The 
part split off is separated by an interval of ten or twelve feet from the main 
body of the hill, thus forming a zigzag avenue through it from the low land or 
bottom on the Ohio river to Woolper creek. The north side of this chasm is a 
perpendicular wall of rock seventy or eighty feet high, composed of pebble 
stones. 

In this county is situated the celebrated Big Bone Lick, about twelve miles a 
little west of south from Burlington, and one mile and a half east from Hamil- 
ton, on the Ohio river. The lick is situated in a valley which contains about 



BIG BONE LICK. 181 

one hundred acres, through which flows Big. Bone creek. There are two prin- 
cipal springs, one of which is alYnost on the northern margin of the creek ; the 
other is south of the creek, and at the base of the hills which bound the valley. 
There is a third spring of smaller size some considerable distance north of the 
creek, which flows from a well sunk many years ago, when salt was manufac- 
tured at this lick. The valley is fertile, and surrounded by irregular hills of un- 
equal elevation, the highest being on the west, and attaining an altitude of five 
hundred feet. The back water from the river, at times, ascends the creek as far 
as the lick, which, by the course of the stream, is more than three miles from its 
mouth. At a very early day the surrounding forest had no undergrowth, the 
ground being covered with a smooth grassy turf, and the lick spread over an area 
of about ten acres. The surface of the ground within this area was generally 
depressed three or four feet below the level of the surrounding valley. This de- 
pression was probably occasioned as well by the stamping of the countless num- 
bers of wild animals, drawn thither by the salt contained in the water and im- 
pregnating the ground, as by their licking the earth to procure salt. There is no 
authentic account of this lick having been visited by white men before the year 
1773. In that year James Douglass, of Virginia, visited it, and found the ten 
acres constituting the lick bare of trees and herbage of every kind, and large num- 
bers of the bones of the mastodon or mammoth, and the arctic elephant, scattered 
upon the surface of the ground. The last of these bones which thus lay upon 
the surface of the earth, were removed more than forty years ago ; but since that 
time a considerable number have been exhumed from beneath the soil, which 
business has been prosecuted as zealously by some, as others are wont to dig 
for hidden treasures. Some of the teeth of these huge animals would weigh 
near ten pounds, and the surface on which the food was chewed was about seven 
inches long and four or five broad. A correspondent informs us that he had seen 
dug up in one mass, several tusks and ribs, and thigh bones, and one skull, be- 
sides many other bones. Two of these tusks, which belonged to different ani- 
mals, were about eleven feet in length, and at the largest end six or seven inches 
in diameter ; two others were seven or eight feet long. The thigh bones were 
four or five feet in length, and a straight line drawn from one end of some of the 
ribs to the other would be five feet; the ribs were between three and four inches 
broad. These dimensions correspond with what Mr. Douglass has said of the 
ribs which he used for tent poles when he visited the lick in 1773. Our corres- 
pondent thinks the skull above mentioned certainly belonged to a young animal, 
and yet the distance across the forehead and between the eyes was two feet, and 
the sockets of the tusks eighteen inches deep. The tusks which have been sta- 
ted to be seven or eight feet long exactly fitted these sockets. This lick is the 
only place in which these gigantic remains have been found in such large quan- 
tities, and deserves to be called the grave yard of the mammoth. The first collec- 
tion of these fossil remains was made by Dr. Goforth in 1803, and in 1806 was 
intrusted by him to the English traveler, Thomas Ashe, (the slanderer of our 
country), to be exhibited in Europe, who, when he arrived in England, sold the 
collection and pocketed the money. The purchaser afterwards transferred parts 
of this collection to the Royal College of Surgeons in London, to Dr. Blake of 
Dublin, and Professor Monroe of Edinburgh, and a part was sold at auction. 
The next collection was made by order of Mr. Jefferson, while he was president 
of the American Philosophical Society, about the year 1805, and was divided 
between that society and M. Cuvier, the distinguished French naturalist. A 
third collection was made in 1819, by the Western Museum society. In the j^ear 
1831 a fourth collection was made by Mr. Finnell. This was first sold to a Mr. 
Graves for $2,000, and taken by him to the eastern states, and there sold for 
$5,000. 

^" It has before been intimated that salt was once manufactured at this lick ; but 
since the year 1812 no effort of that kind has been made, as it requires five or six 
hundred gallons of the water to make a single bushel of salt. 

-^- The springs at this place have been considerably frequented on account of 
their medicinal virtues ; but at this time no accommodation of any sort for 
visiters is kept there, and but very inadequate accommodation is to be found 
any where in the neighborhood. 
/' The distinguished pioneer Colonel Danikl Boone, (in honor of whom Boone 



182 BOONE COUNTY. 

county was named, and who was the first white man who ever made a perma- 
nent settlement within the limits of the present State of Kentucky), was born in 
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the right bank of the Delaware river, on the 
11th of February, 1731. Of his life, but little is known previous to his emigra- 
tion to Kentucky, with the early history of which his name is, perhaps, more 
closely identified than that of any other man. The only sources to which we 
can resort for information, is the meagre narrative dictated by himself, in his old 
age, — and which is confined principally to that period of his existence passed in 
exploring the wilderness of Kentucky, and which, therefore, embraces but a com- 
paratively small part of his life ; and the desultory reminiscences of his early as- 
sociates in that hazardous enterprise. This constitutes the sum total of our 
knowledge of the personal history of this remarkable man, to whom, as the 
founder of what may without impropriety be called a new empire, Greece and 
Rome would have erected statues of honor, if not temples of worship. 

It is said that the ancestors of Daniel Boone were among the original Catho- 
lic settlers of Maryland ; but of this nothing is known with certainty, nor is it, 
perhaps, important that anything should be. He was eminently the architect of 
his own fortunes; a self formed man in the truest sense — whose own innate en- 
ergies and impulses, gave the moulding impress to his character. In the years of 
his early boyhood, his father emigrated first to Reading, on the head waters of 
the Schuylkill, and subsequently to one of the valleys of south Yadkin, in North 
Carolina, where the subject of this notice continued to reside until his fortieth 
year. Our knowledge of his history during this long interval, is almost a per- 
fect blank ; and although wfe can well imagine that he could not have passed to 
this mature age, without developing many of those remarkable traits, by which 
his subsequent career was distinguished, we are in possession of no facts out of 
which to construct a biography of this period of his life. We know, indeed, 
that from his earliest years he was distinguished by a remarkable fondness for 
the exciting pleasures of the chase; — that he took a boundless delight in the 
unrestrained freedom, the wild grandeur and thrilling solitude of those vast 
primeval forests, where nature in her solemn majesty, unmarred by the improving 
hand of man, speaks to the impressionable and unhacknied heart of the simple 
woodsman, in a language unknown to the dweller in the crowded haunts of men. 
But, in this knowledge of his disposition and tastes, is comprised almost all that 
can absolutely be said to be known of Daniel Boone, from his childhood to his 
fortieth year. 

In 1767, the return of Findley from his adventurous excursion into the unex- 
plored wilds beyond the Cumberland mountain, and the glowing accounts he 
gave of the richness and fertility of the new country, excited powerfully the 
curiosity and imaginations of the frontier backwoodsmen of Virginia and North 
Carolina, ever on the watch for adventures ; and to whom the lonely wilderness, 
with all its perils, presented attractions which were not to be found in the close 
confinement and enervating inactivity of the settlements. To a man of Boone's 
temperament and tastes, the scenes described by Findley, presented charms not 
to be resisted; and, in 1769, he left his family upon the Yadkin, and in com- 
pany with five others, of whom Findley was one, he started to explore that 
country of which he had heard so favorable an account. 

Having reached a stream of water on the borders of the present State of Ken- 
tucky, called Red river, they built a cabin to shelter them from the inclemency 
of the weather, (for the season had been very rainy), and devoted their time to 
hunting and the chase, killing immense quantities of game. Nothing of particu- 
lar interest occurred until the 22d December, 1769, when Boone, in company 
with a man named Stuart, being out hunting, they were surprised and captured by 
Indians. They remained with their captors seven days, until having by a rare 
and powerful exertion of self-control, suffering no signs of impatience to escape 
them, succeeded in disarming the suspicions of the Indians, their escape was ef- 
fected without difficulty. Through life, Boone was remarkable for cool, collected 
self-possession, in moments of most trying emergency, and on no occasion was this 
rare and valuable quality more conspicuously displayed than during the time of 
this captivity. On regaining their camp, they found it dismantled and deserted. 
The fate of its inmates was never ascertained, and it is worthy of remark, that 
this is the last and almost the only glimpse we have of Findley, the first pioneer. 



DANIEL BOONE. 183 

A few days after this, they were joined by Squire Boone, a brother of the great 
pioneer, and another man, who had followed them from Carolina, and accidentally 
stumbled on their camp. Soon after this accession to their numbers, Daniel 
Boone and Stuart, in a second excursion, were again assailed by the Indians, and 
Stuart shot and scalped; Boone fortunately escaped. Their only remaining com- 
panion, disheartened by the perils to which they were continually exposed, re- 
turned to North Carolina ; and the two brothers were left alone in the wilderness, 
separated by hundreds of miles from the white settlements, and destitute of every- 
thing but their rifles. Their ammunition running short, it was determined that 
Squire Boone should return to Catolina for a fresh supply, while his brother re- 
mained in charge of the camp. This resolution was accordingly carried into 
effect, and Boone was left for a considerable time to encounter or evade the teem- 
ing perils of his hazardous solitude alone. We should suppose that his situa- 
tion now would have been disheartening and wretched in the extreme. He him- 
self says, that for a few days after his brother left him, he felt dejected and 
lonesome, but in a short time his spirits recovered their wonted equanimity, and 
he roved through the woods in every direction, killing abundance of game and 
finding an unutterable pleasure in the contemplation of the natural beauties of 
the forest scenery. On the 27lh of July, 1770, the younger Boone returned from 
Carolina with the ammunition, and with a hardihood almost incredible, the 
brothers continued to range through the country without injury until March, 1771, 
when they retraced their steps to North Carolina. Boone had been absent 
from his family for near three years, during nearly the whole of which time he 
had never tasted bread or salt, nor beheld the face of a single white man, with 
the exception of his brother and the friends who had been killed. 

We, of the present day, accustomed to the luxuries and conveniences of a 
highly civilized state of society — lapped in the soft indolence of a fearless secu- 
rity — accustomed to shiver at every blast of the winter's wind, and to tremble at 
every noise the origin of which is not perfectly understood — can form but an im- 
perfect idea of the motives and influences which could induce the early pioneers 
of the west to forsake the safe and peaceful settlements of their native States, and 
brave the unknown perils, and undergo the dreadful privations of a savage and un- 
reclaimed wilderness. But, in those hardy hunters, with nerves of iron and sinews 
of steel, accustomed from their earliest boyhood to entire self-dependence for the 
supply of every want, there was generated a contempt of danger and a love for 
the wild excitement of an adventurous life, which silenced all the suggestions of 
timidity or prudence. It was not merely a disregard of danger which distin- 
guished these men, but an actual insensibility to those terrors which palsy the 
nerves of men reared in the peaceful occupations of a densely populated country. 
So deep was this love of adventure, which we attribute as the distinguishing 
characteristic of the early western hunters, implanted in the breast of Boone, that 
he determined to sell his farm, and remove with his family to Kentucky. 

Accordingly, on the 25th of September, 1771, having disposed of all his prop- 
erty, except that which he intended to carry with him to his new home, Boone 
and his family took leave of their friends, and commenced their journey west. 
In Powell's valley, being joined by five more families and forty men, well armed, 
they proceeded towards their destination with confidence; but when near the 
Cumberland mountains, they were attacked by a large party of Indians. These, 
after a severe engagement, were beaten off and compelled to retreat ; not, how- 
ever, until the whites had sustained a loss of six men in killed and wounded. 
Among the killed, was Boone's eldest son. This foretaste of the dangers which 
awaited them in the wilderness they were about to explore, so discouraged the 
emigrants, that they immediately retreated to the settlements on Clinch river, a 
distance of forty miles from the scene of action. Here they remained until 1774. 
During this interval, Boone was employed by Governor Dunmore, of Virginia, 
to conduct a party of surveyors through the wilderness, to the falls of the Ohio, 
a distance of eight hundred miles. Of the incidents attending this expedition, 
we have no account whatever. After his return, he was placed by Dunmore in 
command of three frontier stations, or garrisons, and engaged in several affairs 
with the Indians. At about the same period, he also, at the solicitation of sev- 
eral gentlemen of North Carolina, attended a treaty with the Cherokees, known 
as the treaty of Wataga, for the purchase of the lands south of the Kentucky 



184 BOONE COUNTY. 

river. It was in connection with this land purchase, and under the auspices of 
Colonel Richard Henderson, that Boone's second expedition to Kentucky was 
made. His business was to mark out a road for the pack horses and waggons 
of Henderson's party. Leaving his family on Clinch river, he set out upon this 
liazardous undertaking at the head of a few men, in the early part of the year 
1775, and arrived, without any adventure worthy of note, on the 22nd of March, 
in the same year, at a point within fifteen miles of the spot where Boonesborough 
was afterwards built. Here they were attacked by Indians, and it was not until 
after a severe contest, and loss on the part of the whites of four men in killed 
and wounded, that they were repulsed. The attack was renewed the next day, 
and the whites sustained a loss of five more of their companions. On the first of 
April, they reached the southern bank of the Kentucky river, and began to build 
a fort, afterwards known as Boonesborough. On the 4th, they were again at- 
tacked by the Indians, and lost another man ; but, notwithstanding the dangers 
to which they were continually exposed, the work was prosecuted with indefat- 
igable diligence, and on the 14th of the month finally completed. Boone instantly 
returned to Clinch river for his family, determined to remove them to this new 
and remote settlement at all hazards. This was accordingly effected as soon as 
circumstances would permit. From this time, the little garrison was exposed to 
incessant assaults from the Indians, who appeared to be perfectly infuriated at the 
encroachments of the whites, and the formation of settlements in the midst of 
their old hunting grounds ; and the lives of the emigrants were passed in a con- 
tinued succession of the most appalling perils, which nothing but unquailing 
courage and indomitable firmness could have enabled them to encounter. They 
did, however, breast this awful tempest of war, and bravely, and successfully, 
and in defiance of all probability, the small colony continued steadily to increase 
and flourish, until the thunder of barbarian hostilities rolled gradually away to 
the north, and finally died in low mutterings on the frontiers of Ohio, Indi- 
ana, and Illinois. The summary nature of this sketch will not admit of more 
than a bare enumeration of the principal events in which Boone figured, in these 
exciting times, during which he stood the center figure, towering like a colossus 
amid that hardy band of pioneers, who opposed their breasts to the shock of that 
dreadful death struggle, which gave a yet more terrible significance, and a still 
more crimson hue, to the history of the old dark and bloody ground. 

In July, 1776, the people at the Fort were thrown into the greatest agitation 
and alarm, by an incident characteristic of the times, and which singularly illus- 
trates the habitual peril which environed the inhabitants. Two young ladies, a 
Miss Boone and a Miss Calloway, were amusing themselves in the neighborhood 
of the fort, when a concealed party of Indians suddenly rushed from the sur- 
rounding coverts and carried them away captives. The screams of the terrified 
girls instantly aroused the inmates of the garrison; but the men being generally 
dispersed in their usual avocations, Boone hastily pursued with a small party of 
only eight men. The little party, after marching hard during the night, came up 
with the Indians early in the next day, the pursuit having been conducted with 
such silence and celerity that the savages were taken entirely by surprise, and 
having no preparations for defence, they were routed almost instantly, and without 
difficulty. The young girls were restored to their gratified parents without having 
sustained the slightest injury or any inconvenience beyond the fatigue of the 
march and a dreadful fright. The Indians lost two men, while Boone's party was 
uninjured. 

From this time until the 15th of April, the garrison was constantly harassed by 
flying parties of savages. They were kept in continual anxiety and alarm; and 
the most ordinary duties could only be performed at the risk of their lives. 
"While plowing their corn, they were way-laid and shot; while hunting, they 
were pursued and fired upon; and sometimes a solitary Indian would creep up 
near the fort during the night, and fire upon the first of the garrison who appeared 
in the morning." On the 15th of April, a large body of Indians invested the 
fort, hoping to crush the settlement at a single blow ; but, destitute as they were 
of scaling ladders, and all the proper means of reducing fortified places, they 
could only annoy the garrison, and destroy the property ; and being more exposed 
than the whites, soon retired precipitately. On the 4th of July following, they 
again appeared with a force of two hundred warriors, and were repulsed with 



DANIEL BOONE. ' 185 

loss. A short period of tranquility was now allowed to the harassed and dis- 
tressed garrison ; but this was soon followed by the most severe calamity that 
had yet befallen the infant settlement. This was the capture of Boone and 
twenty-seven of his men in the month of January 1778, at the Blue Licks, whither 
he had gone to make salt for the garrison. He was carried to the old town of 
Chillicothe, in the present state of Ohio, where he remained a prisoner with the 
Indians until the 16th of the following June, when he contrived to make his 
escape, and returned to Boonsborough. 

During this period, Boone kept no journal, and we are therefore uninformed as 
to any of the particular incidents which occurred during his captivity. We only 
know, generally, that, by his equanimity, his patience, his seeming cheerful sub- 
mission to the fortune which had made iiim a captive, and his remarkable skill 
and expertness as a woodsman, he succeeded in povt-erfully exciting the admiration 
and conciliating the good will of his captors. In March, 1778, he accompanied 
the Indians on a visit to Detroit, where Governor Hamilton offered one hundred 
pounds for his ransom, but so strong was the affection of the Indians for their 
prisoner, that it was unhesitatingly refused. Several English gentlemen, touched 
with sympathy for his misfortunes, made pressing offers of money and other 
articles, but Boone steadily refused to receive benefits which he could never 
return. 

On his return from Detroit, he observed that large numbers of warriors had as- 
sembled, painted and equipped for an expedition against Boonsborough, and his 
anxiety became so great that he determined to effect his escape at every hazard. 
During the whole of this agitating period, however, he permitted no symptom of 
anxiety to escape; but continued to hunt and shoot with the Indians as usual, 
until the morning of the 16lh of June, when, making an early start, he left Chil- 
licothe, and shaped his course for Boonsborough. This journey, exceeding a 
distance of one hundred and fifty miles, he performed in four days, during which 
he ate only one meal. He was received at the garrison like one risen from the 
dead. His family supposing him killed, had returned to North Carolina; and 
his men, apprehending no danger, had permitted the defences of the fort to fall to 
decay. The danger was imminent; the enemy were hourly expected, and the 
fort was in no condition to receive them. Not a moment was to be lost: the gar- 
rison worked night and day, and by indefatigable diligence, everything was made 
ready within ten days after his arrival, for the approach of the enemy. At this 
time one of his companions arrived from Chillicothe, and reported that his escape 
had determined the Indians to delay the invasion for three weeks. The attack 
was delayed so long that Boone, in his turn, resolved to invade the Indian coun- 
try ; and accordingly, at the head of a select company of nineteen men, he 
inarched against the town of Paint Creek, on the Scioto, within four miles of 
which point he arrived without discovery. Here he encountered a party of thirty 
warriors, on their march to join the grand army in its expedition against Boons- 
borough. This party he attacked and routed without loss or injury to himself; 
and, ascertaining that the main body of the Indians were on their march to 
Boonsborough, he retraced his steps for that place with all possible expedition. 
He passed the Indians on the 6th day of their march, and on the 7th reached the 
fort. The next day the Indians appeared in great force, conducted by Canadian 
officers well skilled in all the arts of modern warfare. The British colors were 
displayed and the fort summoned to surrender.. Boone requested two days for 
consideration, which was granted. At the expiration of this period, having 
gathered in their cattle and horses, and made every preparation for a vigorous re- 
sistance, an answer was returned that the fort would be defended to the last. A 
proposition was then made to treat, and Boone and eight of the garrison, met 
the British and Indian officers, on the plain in front of the fort. Here, after they 
had went through the farce of pretending to treat, an effort was made to detain 
the Kentuckians as prisoners. This was frustrated by the vigilance and activity 
of the intended victims, who springing out from the midst of their savage foemen, 
ran to the fort under a heavy fire of rifles, which fortunately wounded only one 
man. The attack instantly commenced by a heavy fire against the picketing, 
and was returned with fatal accuracy by the garrison. The Indians then, at- 
tempted to push a mine into the fort, but their object being discovered by the 
quantity of fresh earth they were compelled to throw into the river, Boone cut a 



186 BOONE COUNTY. 

trench within the fort, in such a manner as to intersect their line of approach, 
and thus frustrated their design. After exhausting all the ordinary artifices of 
Indian warfare, and finding their numbers daily thinned by the deliberate and 
fatal fire from the garrison, they raised the siege on the ninth day after their first 
appearance, and returned home. The loss on the part of the garrison, was two 
men killed and four wounded. Of the savages, twenty-seven were killed and 
many wounded, who, as usual, were carried off. This was the last siege sus- 
tained by Boonsborough. 

In the fall of this year, Boone went to North Carolina for his wife and family, 
who, as already observed, had supposed him dead, and returned to their kindred. 
In the summer of 1780, he came back to Kentucky with his family, and settled 
at Boonsborough. In October of this year, returning in company with his 
brother from the Blue Licks, where they had been to make S&lt, they were en- 
countered by a party of Indians, and his brother, who had been his faithful com- 
panion through many years of toil and danger, was shot and scalped before his 
eyes. Boone, after a long and close chase, finally effected his escape. 

After this, he was engaged in no affair of particular interest, so far as we are 
informed, until the month of August, 1782, a time rendered memorable by the 
celebrated and disastrous battle of the Blue Licks. A full account of this bloody 
and desperate conflict, will be found under the head of Nicholas county, to which 
we refer the reader. On this fatal day, he bore himself with distinguished 
gallantry, until the rout began, when, after having witnessed the death of his 
son, and many of his dearest friends, he found himself almost surrounded at the 
very commencement of the retreat. Several hundred Indians were between him 
and the ford, to which the great mass of the fugitives were bending their way, 
and to which the attention of the savages was particularly directed. Being inti- 
mately acquainted with the ground, he together with a few friends, dashed into 
the ravine which the Indians had occupied, but which most of them had now left 
to join in the pursuit. After sustaining one or two heavy fires, and baffling one 
or two small parties who pursued him for a short distance, he crossed the river 
below the ford by swimming, and returned by a circuitous route by Bryant's station. 

Boone accompanied General George Rogers Clark, in his expedition against 
the Indian towns, undertaken to avenge the disaster at the Blue Licks ; but be- 
yond the simple fact that he did accompany this expedition, nothing is known of 
his connection with it : and it does not appear that he was afterwards engaged in 
any public expedition or solitary adventure. 

The definitive treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, 
in 1783, confirmed the title of the former to independence, and Boone saw the 
standard of civilization and freedom securely planted in the wilderness. Upon 
the establishment of the court of commissioners in 1779, he had laid out the chief 
of his little property to procure land warrants, and having raised about twenty 
thousand dollars in paper money, with which he intended to purchase them, on 
his way from Kentucky to the city of Richmond, he was robbed of the whole, 
and left destitute of the means of procuring more. Unacquainted with the nice- 
ties of the law, the few lands he was enabled afterwards to locate, were, through 
his ignorance, swallowed up and lost by better claims. Dissatisfied with these 
impediments to the acquisition of the soil, he left Kentucky, and in 1795, he was 
a wanderer on the banks of the Missouri, a voluntary subject of the king of 
Spain. The remainder of his life was devoted to the society of his children, and 
the employments of the chase — to the latter especially. When age had enfeebled 
the energies of his once athletic frame, he would wander twice a year into the 
remotest wilderness he could reach, employing a companion whom he bound by 
a written contract to take care of him, and bring him home alive or dead. In 
1816, he made such an excursion to Fort Osage, one hundred miles distant from 
the place of his residence. "Three years thereafter," says Gov. Morehead, "a 
patriotic solicitude to preserve his portrait, prompted a distinguished American 
artist to visit him at his dwelling near the Missouri river, and from him I have 
received the following particulars : He found him in a small, rude cabin, indis- 
posed, and reclining on his bed. A slice from the loin of a buck, twisted round 
the rammer of his rifle, within reach of him as he lay, was roasting before the 
fire. Several other cabins, arranged in the form of a parallelogram, marked the 
spot of a dilapidated station. They were occupied by the descendants of the 



DANIEL BOONE. 191 

pioneer. Here he lived in the midst of his posterity. His withered energies and 
locks of snow, indicated that the sources of existence were nearly exhausted." 
He died of fever, at the house of his son-in-law, in Flanders, Calloway county, Mo., 
in the year 1820, at the advanced age of 89 years. The legislature of Missouri was 
in session at St. Louis when the event was announced ; and a resolution was imme- 
diately passed, that, in respect for his memory, the members would wear the usual 
badge of mourning for twenty days, and an adjournment was voted for that day. 

It has been generally supposed that Boone was illiterate, and could neither 
read nor write, but this is an error. There is now in the possession of Mr. Jo- 
seph B. Boyd, of Maysville, an autograph letter of the old woodsman, a/ac simile 
of which is herewith published. 

The following vigorous and eloquent portrait of the character of the old pio- 
neer, is extracted from Gov. Morehead's address, delivered at Boonsborough, in 
commemoration of the first settlement of Kentucky : 

" The life of Daniel Boone is a forcible example of the powerful influence 
which a single absorbing passion exerts over the destiny of an individual. Born 
with no endowments of intellect to distinguish him from the crowd of ordinary 
men, and possessing no other acquirements than a very common education 
bestowed, he was enabled, nevertheless, to maintain through a long and useful 
career, a conspicuous rank among the most distinguished of his cotemporaries ; 
and the testimonials of the public gratitude and respect with which he was hon- 
ored after his death, were such as are never awarded by an intelligent people to 
the undeserving. * * * ♦ He came originally to the wilderness, not to settle 
and subdue it, but to gratify an inordinate passion for adventure and discovery — 
to hunt the deer and buffalo — to roam through the woods — to admire the beauties 
of nature — in a word, to enjoy the lonely pastimes of a hunter's life, remote from 
the society of his fellow men. He had heard, with admiration and delight, Finley's 
description of the country of Kentucky, and high as were his expectations, he found 
it a second paradise. Its lofty forests — its noble rivers — its picturesque scenery — 
its beautiful valleys — but above all, the plentifulness of "beasts of every Amer- 
ican kind" — these were the attractions that brought him to it. * * * * * 
He united, in an eminent degree, the qualities of shrewdness, caution, and cour- 
age, with uncommon muscular strength. He was seldom taken by surprise — he 
never shrunk from danger, nor cowered beneath the pressure of exposure and 
fatigue. In every emergency, he was a safe guide and a wise counsellor, because 
his movements were conducted with the utmost circumspection, and his judgment 
and penetration were proverbially accurate. Powerless to originate plans on a 
large scale, no individual among the pioneers could execute with more efficiency 
and success the designs of others. He took the lead in no expedition against the 
savages — he disclosed no liberal and enlarged views of policy for the protection 
of the stations ; and yet it is not assuming too much to say, that without him, in 
all probability, the settlements could not have been upheld, and the conquest of 
Kentucky might have been reserved for the emigrants of the nineteenth century. 
***** His manners were simple and unobtrusive— exempt from the 
rudeness characteristic of the backwoodsman. In his person there was nothing 
remarkably striking. He was five feet ten inches in height, and of robust and 
powerful proportions. His countenance was mild and contemplative — indicating 
a frame of mind altogether different from the restlessness and activity that dis- 
tinguished him. His ordinary habiliments were those of a hunter — a hunting 
shirt and moccasins uniformly composing a part of them. When he emigrated to 
Louisiana, he omitted to secure the title to a princely estate, on the Missouri, 
because it would have cost him the trouble of a trip to New Orleans. He would 
have traveled a much greater distance to indulge his cherished propensities as an 
adventurer and a hunter. He died, as he had lived, in a cabin, and perhaps his 
trusty rifle was the most valuable of his chattels. 

Such was the man to whom has been assigned the principal merit of the dis- 
covery of Kentucky, and who filled a large space in the eyes of America and 
Europe. Resting on the solid advantages of his services to his country, his fame 
•will survive, when the achievements of men, greatly his superiors in rank and 
intellect, will be forgotten." 

(For an account of the removal of the mortal remains of Boone and his wife from Mis- 
■ouri to Kentucky, and their re-interment at Frankfort, see Franklin county.) 



192 BOURBON COUNTY. 



BOURBON COUNTY. 

Bourbon county was formed in the year 1785, and is one of the 
nine organized by the Virginia legislature before Kentucky be- 
came an independent State. It was named in compliment to the 
Bom-bon family of France — a prince of that family, then upon 
the throne, having rendered the American colonies most important 
aid, in men and money, in the great struggle for independence. The 
county is bounded north by Harrison, east by Montgomery, south 
by Clarke, and west by Fayette. It lies in the heart of the gar- 
den of Kentucky — the surface gently undulating, the soil remar- 
kably rich and productive, based on limestone, with red clay 
foundation. Hemp, corn and wheat are cultivated in the county, 
and grasses, generally, grow in great luxuriance ; but stock ap- 
pears to be the staple article of commerce. Horses, mules, cat- 
tle and hogs, in great numbers, are annually exported. The 
Bourbon cattle are unsurpassed in beauty, or in the fine quality of 
their meat, by any in the United States. 

The taxable property of Bourbon in 1846 was valued at $9,- 
475,752 ; 175,017 acres of land in the county ; average value per 
acre, $33,GG ; number of white males over twenty-one years of 
age, 1,712; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 1,470; population in 1830, 18,434— in 1840, 14,478. 

Paris, the principal town and county seat of Bourbon, is situa- 
ted on the turnpike road from Maysville to Lexington, about 
forty-three miles from Frankfort. It is a neat and pleasant 
town, and is a place of considerable business and importance : 
Containing a handsome court-house, with cupalo and clock, six 
churches — Baptist, Reformed, Old School Presbyterian, New 
School Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist, — an academy and 
several private schools, a branch of the northern bank of Ken- 
tucky, three taverns, seven dry goods stores, six grocery stores, 
fifteen lawyers, eight physicians, three bagging factories, a large 
flouring, saw and fulling mills, forty or fift}' mechanics' shops, 
and about 1,500 inhabitants. Paris contains one newspaper 
ofiice — the ^'■Westeim Citizen'''' — the oldest newspaper, except the 
Kentucky Gazette, in the State. The establishment is now 
owned by Messrs. Lyle & Walker, but was formerly, for a period 
of more than twenty years, owned by Joel R. Lyle, Esq., still 
living in the neighborhood of Paris, and who is among the few 
editors of Kentucky who have been able to retire from the press 
with a handsome competency. 

The town was established by the Virginia legislature in 1789, 
under the name of Hopewell, by which it was known for several 
years. It was also called Bourbonton, after the county in which 
it lies, but finally received its present name from the city of Paris 
in France, in the plenitude of good feeling which then existed 
towards that nation. 




VIEW 0^ MAIN STREET, PARIS, KY. 




MOUNT LEBANON, K Y., R E S I D E ^•J C E OP GOV- GARRARD 



BOURBON COUNTY. 



193 



Millershurg is situated on Hinkston,on the Maysville and Lexing- 
ton road, eight miles from Paris and thirty-eight from Maysville: 
Contains five hundred inhabitants, four churches — Methochst, Re- 
formed, Baptist and Presbyterian — five stores, four doctors, two 
taverns, one flouring mill, two saw mills, and a number of me- 
chanics' shops. Established in 1817, and named after the owner 
of the land, Mr. Miller. Centreville is a small village situated on 
the road from Paris to Georgetown, with sixty inhabitants, one 
tavern, two stores, one wool factory, and several mechanics. 
Clintonville lies nine miles south of Paris, and contains two 
churches, one tavern, two stores, one doctor, and several mechan- 
ics. Jacksonville lies nine miles north west of Paris, with two 
stores, two mechanics, and thirty inhabitants. North Middleton 
is a small town in the east part of Bourbon, ten miles from Pa- 
ris, containing two churches and an academy, three stores, one 
tavern, two doctors, a large number of mechanics, and three hun- 
dred and seventy-five inhabitants. RiLddeW s Mills, situated on 
Hinkston creek, seven miles from Paris, contains two churches, 
three stores, one tavern, twelve mechanics' shops, and one hun- 
dred inhabitants. 

The lands in Bourbon are in a high state of cultivation, being 
all enclosed, and the woodland well set in grass. The soil of 
the " Caneridge lands" is of a reddish color, which is supposed 
to be more durable than the black loam, and not so easily af- 
fected either by a dry or wet season. Primitive limestone, with- 
out any apparent organic remains, occurs in this section of the 
county in huge masses. 

The only salt spring in the county is on the farm of Joseph 
Wilson, Esq., in the Caneridge neighborhood. It was formerly 
worked, and is said to be more strongly impregnated than the 

waters of the Blue Licks. Sul- 
phur and chalybeate springs 
are common in the county. 
Lead ore is occasionally found 
in small quantities, as also an 
inferior species of iron ore. 

The Vine JIB, in the annexed draw- 
ing, represents an ancient ditch 
across a narrow neck of land inter- 
cepted in a bend of Stoner, about 
one and a fourth miles below Paris. 
The peninsula thus cut off by the 
ditch, embraces an area of about fifty 
acres. The figures 1 and 2 represent 
mounds of earth. The first is situated 
on the lowest bench of the bottom 
land, and the other is on the top of 
the cliff. The mound in the bottom 
has been opened, and human bones 
were discovered therein. An old 
settler of the county has informed 
me, that a well defined cause-way, 




194 



ANCIENT FORTIFICATIONS. 



or smaller ditch, was perceptible at the period of the first settlement in the 
county, which extended from this ditch one and a half miles west to another 
large mound, on an elevated piece of ground. This latter mound is one of a 
range or chain of mounds, that extend quite across the county, in a north-west by 
w^est direction, than which, for telegraphic purposes, their position could hardly 
have been better selected by the most skillful engineer. Indeed, it is conjectured 
by some, that beacons were sometimes kindled on their summits, as coals have 
been found just below the surface, and occasionally, human bones, stone hatchets, 
spears, arrow points and a peculiar kind of ware. 




This draft represents an ancient circular fortification with embrasures at the 
cardinal points, near the junction of Stoner's and Hinkston's forks of Licking, 
six miles north of Paris, near to which is the village of Ruddell's mills, formerly 
called Ruddell's station. No tradition points to the period when, or by whom 
this entrenchment was made ; but being situated upon low ground, subject to 
overflow, there is reason to suppose, that it has been constructed within the last 
hundred and fifty years ; for if it had been formed anterior to this period, all ves- 
tiges of its configuration would have been destroyed by the action of the con- 
fluent waters. 

Three miles further up Hinkston's fork, there is a similar fortification, with the 
addition of two mounds ; one within, and the other without the circle. Stone 
axes, hatchets, chisels, dirks, spear and arrow points of flint, also a hatchet of 
iron, very much corroded with rust, have been found here. 

On all of the principal water courses in the county, Indian graves are to be 
found, sometimes single, but most frequently, several grouped together. Single 
graves are usually indicated by broad flat stones, set in the ground edgewise 
around the skeleton ; but where a number have been deposited together, rude stone 
walls were erected around them, and these having fallen inwards, the rocks re- 
tain a vertical position, sometimes resembling a rough pavement. Many of these 
piles appear to be in various stages of decomposition, according to the lapse of 
time they have been thus exposed to the action of the elements. From the de- 
liberate care that seems to have been bestowed upon their dead, and other indi- 
cations, it is manifest that at no very remote period, the territory of Bourbon 
had a native Indian population. In proof of this, the vestiges of a large Indian 
town are still perceptible near where Pretty-run empties into Strode's creek, on the 
farm of Peter Hedge. The centre of the site is distinguished by three small 
mounds ranged in a line; and flanked on either side by the remains of double 
TOWS of lodges or huts; and at the distance of about one hundred rods to the 
eastward, on a bluff of Stoner, was their regular burial ground. At the western 
extremity of the village, on a slight elevation of black earth or mould, the bones 
of almost every species of wild animal are to be found, those of the buffalo, the 
bear and the deer being the most common. 

At a short distance from this, on a similar elevation, is where either the funeral 
pyre or the stake, for the purpose of torturing prisoners was erected, as it is at the 
spot that coals, ashes and calcined human bones have been found ; sad vestiges 
of their cruel orgies. A variety of ornaments, such as bears' tusks and claws with 
holes drilled through them, stone medals, shells, etc.; fragments of vases with 
handles, stone axes, and implements of warfare, have been found in profusion. 
The growth of the timber on the site, and in its immediate vicinity, fixes within 



BOURBON COUNTY. 196 

reasonable certainty the period, when the village ceased to be inhabited. This 
timber is of the same varieties with that of the primitive stock on the hills, with 
this singular difference, that the former invariably grew two or three trees frorn 
the same roots, and when a portion of them were cut down by the present owner, 
they exhibited the uniform age of ninety years, counting the annulations. The 
current supposition is this, that the original growth was cut down by the inhabi- 
tants of the village, and after they made their exit, that two or three sprouts had 
sprung up from the still living roots, among the ruined wigwams, and thus ex- 
hibiting a cotemporaneous growth at the present day. However this may be, it 
is evident that this aboriginal town had a tragic end. In every direction the 
bones and teeth of its unfortunate inhabitants, corresponding to every age, have 
been discovered just beneath the surface of the soil ; sometimes lying across each 
other within the foundation of their huts, but most numerously in the bottom below 
the site of the town, whither perhaps the tide of battle rolled, and the devoted in- 
habitants met their fate at the hands of some hostile band. 

In excavating a place for a building in this town a few years since, two or 
three large bones were found fifteen feet below the surface, in a fissure between 
two rocks. They were not as large as the bones of the mammoth, but were 
larger than those of any known species of living animal of this continent. 

Five miles below Paris, on Stoner, a cave has been recently discovered, con- 
taining a number of skeletons in a good state of preservation. The crania is of 
Indian conformation, and one of them appears to have been pierced by a rifle ball. 
It is highly probable that these are the relics of some of the hostile Indians that 
were killed in the siege of Hinkston's station, a few miles below, as it is well 
remembered the same band of British and Indians encamped in the vicinity of 
this cave after the reduction of Hinkston's station, while on their march to attack 
Martin's station, which was located on Stoner, about three miles below Paris. 

At a period when there were but few settlers in the county, a band of Indians, 
numbering about twenty, ventured into it, for the purpose of stealing horses. A 
party of a dozen hunters followed their trail, and overtook them on Stoner, a few 
miles above Paris, and fired a volley of rifle balls into their camp, which killed 
one of their number and wounded two or three more. The Indians then fled ; but 
after a short interval, contrary to their usual custom, they came back, and fired in 
turn upon the hunters while they were engaged in securing their stolen horses. 
Both parties then took trees, and the fight was continued obstinately for a long 
time. Finally the ammunition of the whites failed, and being nearly all wounded, 
they were obliged to leave the Indians masters of the field. In this skirmish, 
which was the last that took place in Bourbon, it was supposed the Indians lost 
half their number in killed and wounded. The hunters lost but one killed, (Frank 
Hickman, it is believed was his name), whose skeleton was afterwards identified 
by the initials on his knee buckles. 

In June, 1780, Martin's station, in this county, was captured by a large body 
of Canadians and Indians, under Colonel Byrd, an officer of the British army. 
For the particulars of the expedition, and the capture of Ruddell's and Martin's 
stations, see Harrison county. 

On the night of the Ilth of April, 1787, the house of a widow, named Shanks, 
on Cooper's run, in this county, became the scene of an adventure of thrilling 
interest. She occupied what is generally called a double cabin, in a lonely part 
of the county, one room of which was tenanted by the old lady herself, together 
with two grown sons, and a widowed daughter, at that time suckling an infant, 
while the other was occupied by two unmarried daughters from sixteen to twenty 
years of age, together with a little girl not more than half grown. The hour was 
11 o'clock at night. One of the unmarried daughters was still busily engaged 
at the loom, but the other members of the family, with the exception of one of 
the sons, had retired to rest. Some symptoms of an alarming nature had engaged 
the attention of the young man for an hour before anything of a decided character 
took place. 

The cry of owls, was heard in the adjoining wood, answering each other in 
rather an unusual manner. The horses, which were enclosed as usual in a pound 
near the house, were more than commonly excited, and by repeated snorting and 
galloping, announced the presence of some object of terror. The young man was 
often upon the point of awakening his brother, but was as often restrained by the 



196 MURDERS BY INDIANS. 

fear of incurring ridicule and the reproach of timidity, at that time an unpar- 
donable blemish in the character of a Kentuckian. At length hasty steps were 
heard in the yard, and quickly afterwards, several loud knocks at the door, accom- 
panied by the usual exclamation, "who keeps house?" in very good English. 
The young man, supposing from the language, that some benighted settlers were 
at the door, hastily arose, and was advancing to withdraw the bar which secured 
it, when his mother, who had long lived upon the frontiers, and had probably 
detected the Indian tone in the demand for admission, instantly sprung out of bed, 
and ordered her son not to admit them, declaring that they were Indians. 

She instantly awakened her other son, and the two young men seizing their 
guns, which were always charged, prepared to repel the enemy. The Indians 
finding it impossible to enter under their assumed characters, began to thunder at 
the door with great violence, but a single shot from a loop hole, compelled them 
to shift the attack to some less exposed point ; and, unfortunately, they discovered 
the door of the other cabin, which contained the three daughters. The rifles of 
the brothers could not be brought to bear upon this point, and by means of several 
rails taken from the yard fence, the door was forced from its hinges, and the three 
girls were at the mercy of the savages. One was instantly secured, but the eldest 
defended herself desperately with a knife which she had been using at the loom, 
and stabbed one of the Indians to the heart, before she was tomahawked. 

In the meantime the little girl, who had been overlooked by the enemy in their 
eagerness to secure the others, ran out into the yard, and migfet ha^e effected her 
escape, had she taken advantage of the darkness and fled, but instead of that the 
terrified little creature ran around the house wringing her hands, and crying out 
that her sisters were killed. The brothers, unable to hear her cries, without 
risking every thing for her rescue, rushed to the door and were preparing to sally 
out to her assistance, when their mother threw herself before them and calmly 
declared that the child must be abandoned to its fate; that the sally would sac- 
rifice the lives of all the rest without the slightest benefit to the little girl. Just 
then the child uttered a loud scream, followed by a few faint moans, and all was 
again silent. Presently the crackling of flames was heard, accompanied by a 
triumphant yell from the Indians, announcing that they had set fire to that division 
of the house which had been occupied by the daughters, and of which they held 
undisputed possession. 

The fire was quickly communicated to the rest of the building, and it became 
necessary to abandon it, or perish in the flames. In the one case there was a 
possibility that some might escape; in the other, their fate would be equally 
certain and terrible. The rapid approach of the flames cut short their momentary 
suspense. The door was thrown open, and the old lady, supported by her eldest 
son, attempted to cross the fence at one point, while her daughter carrying her 
child in her arms, and attended by the younger of the brothers, ran in a different 
direction. The blazing roof shed a light over the yard but little inferior to that 
of day, and the savages were distinctly seen awaiting the approach of their vic- 
tims. The old lady was permitted to reach the stile unmolested, but in the act 
of crossing, received several balls in her breast, and fell dead. Her son, provi- 
dentially, remained unhurt, and by extraordinary agility, effected his escape. 

The other party succeeded also in reaching the fence unhurt, but in the act of 
crossing, were vigorously assailed by several Indians, who throwing down their 
guns, rushed upon them with their tomahawks. The young man defended his 
sister gallantly, firing upon the enemy as they approached, and then wielding the 
butt of his rifle with a fury that drew their whole attention upon himself, and 
gave his sister an opportunity of effecting her escape. He quickly fell, however, 
under the tomahawks of his enemies, and was found at day-light, scalped and 
mangled in a shocking manner. Of the whole family, consisting of eight persons, 
when the attack commenced, only three escaped. Four were killed upon the spot, 
and one (the second daughter) carried off as a prisoner. 

The neighborhood was quickly alarmed, and by daylight about thirty men were 
assembled under the command of Colone! Edwards. A light snow had fallen 
during the latter part of the night, and the Indian trail could be pursued at a gal- 
lop. It led directly into the mountainous country bordering upon Licking, and 
afforded evidences of great hurry and precipitation on the part of the fugitives. 
Unfortunately, a hound had been permitted to accompany the whiles, and as the 



BOURBON COUNTY. 197 

trail became fresh and the scent warm, she followed it with eagerness, baying 
loudly and giving the alarm to the Indians. The consequences of this impru- 
dence were soon displayed. The enemy finding the pursuit keen, and perceiving 
that the strength of the prisoner began to fail, instantly sunk their tomahawks in 
her head, and left her, still warm and bleeding, upon the snow. 

As the whites came up, she retained strength enough to wave her hands in 
token of recognition, and appeared desirous of giving them some information with 
regard to the enemy, but her strength was too far gone. Her brother sprung from 
his horse and knelt by her side, endeavoring to stop the effusion of blood, but in 
vain. She gave him her hand, muttered some inarticulate words, and expired 
within two minutes after the arrival of the party. The pursuit was renewed with 
additional ardor, and in twenty minutes the enemy was within view. They had 
taken possession of a steep narrow ridge, and seemed desirous of magnifying 
their numbers in the eyes of the whites, as they ran rapidly from tree to tree, 
and maintained a steady yell in their most appalling tones. The pursuers, how- 
ever, were too experienced to be deceived by so common an artifice, and being 
satisfied that the number of the enemy must be inferior to their own, they dis- 
mounted, tied their horses, and flanking out in such a manner as to enclose the 
enemy, ascended the ridge as rapidly as was consistent with a due regard to the 
shelter of their persons. 

The firing quickly commenced, and now for the first time they discovered that 
only two Indians were opposed to them. They had voluntarily sacrificed them- 
selves for the safety of the main body, and had succeeded in delaying pursuit 
until their friends could reach the mountains. One of them was instantly shot 
dead, and the other was badly wounded, as was evident from the blood upon his 
blanket, as well as that which filled his tracks in the snow for a considerable dis- 
tance. The pursuit was recommenced, and urged keenly until night, when the 
trail entered a running stream and was lost. On the following morning the snow 
had melted, and every trace of the enemy was obliterated. This affair must be 
regarded as highly honorable to the skill, address, and activity of the Indians, 
and the self devotion of the rear guard is a lively instance of that magnanimity 
of which they are at times capable, and which is more remarkable in them, from 
the extreme caution, and tender regard for their own lives, which usually distin- 
guishes their warriors. 

A few weeks after this melancholy affair, a very remarkable incident occurred 
in the same neighborhood. One morning, about sunrise, a young man of wild 
and savage appearance suddenly arose from a cluster of bushes in front of a cabin, 
and hailed the house in a barbarous dialect, which seemed neither exactly Indian 
nor English, but a collection of shreds and patches, from which the graces of 
both were carefully excluded. His skin had evidently once been white — although 
now grievously tanned by constant exposure to the weather. His dress in every 
respect was that of an Indian, as were his gestures, tones, and equipments, and 
his age could not be supposed to exceed twenty years. He talked volubly but 
uncouthly, placed his hand upon his breast, gestured vehemently, and seemed 
very earnestly bent upon communicating something. He was invited to enter the 
cabin, and the neighbors quickly collected around him. 

He appeared involuntarily to shrink from contact with them ; his eyes rolled 
rapidly around with a distrustful expression from one to the other, and his whole 
manner was that of a wild animal, just caught, and shrinking from the touch of 
its captors. As several present understood the Indian tongue, they at length 
gathered the following circumstances, as accurately as they could be translated, 
out of a language which seemed to be an " omnium gatherum" of all that was 
mongrel, uncouth, and barbarous. He said that he had been taken by the In- 
dians, when a child, but could neither recollect his name, nor the country of his 
birth. That he had been adopted by an Indian warrior, who brought him up with 
his other sons, without making the slightest difference between them, and that 
under his father's roof he had lived happily until within the last month. 

A few weeks before that time, his father, accompanied by himself and a younger 
brother, had hunted for some time upon the waters of the Miami, about forty 
miles from the spot where Cincinnati now stands, and after all their meat, skins, 
&c., had been properly secured, the old man determined to gratify his children by 
taking them upon a war expedition to Kentucky. They accordingly built a bark 



198 SINGULAR INCIDENT. 

canoe, in which they crossed the Ohio near the mouth of Licking, and having 
buried it, so as to secure it from the action of the sun, they advanced into the 
country and encamped at the distance of fifteen miles from the river. Here their 
father was alarmed by hearing an owl cry in a peculiar tone, which he declared 
boded death or captivity to themselves, if they continued their expedition ; and 
announced his intention of returning without delay to the river. 

Both of his sons vehemently opposed this resolution, and at length prevailed 
upon the old man to disregard the owl's warning, and conduct them, as he had 
promised, against the frontiers of Kentucky. The party then composed them- 
selves to sleep, but were quickly awakened by their father, who had again been 
warned in a dream that death awaited them in Kentucky, and again besought 
his children to release him from his promise, and lose no time in returning home. 
Again they prevailed upon him to disregard the warning, and persevere in the 
march. He consented to gratify them, but declared he would not remain a mo- 
ment longer in the camp which they now occupied, and accordingly they left it 
immediately, and marched on through the night, directing their course towards 
Bourbon county. 

In the evening they approached a house, that which he had hailed, and in which 
he was now speaking. ,-, Suddenly, the desire of rejoining his people occupied his 
mind so strongly as to exclude every other idea, and seizing the first favorable 
opportunity, he had concealed himself in the bushes, and neglected to reply to all 
the signals which had been concerted for the purpose of collecting their party 
when scattered. This account appeared so extraordinary, and the young man's 
appearance was so wild and suspicious, that many of the neighbors suspected 
him of treachery, and thought that he should be arrested as a spy. Others op- 
posed this resolution, and gave full credit to his narrative. In order to satisfy 
themselves, however, they insisted upon his instantly conducting them to the spot 
where the canoe had been buried. To this the young man objected most vehe- 
mently, declaring, that although he had deserted his father and brother, yet he 
would not betray them. 

These feelings were too delicate to meet with much sympathy from the rude 
borderers who surrounded him, and he was given to understand that nothing short 
of conducting them to the point of ernbarcation, would be accepted as an evi- 
dence of his sincerity. With obvious reluctance he at length complied. From 
twenty to thirty men were quickly assembled, mounted upon good horses, and 
under the guidance of the deserter, they moved rapidly towards the mouth of 
Licking. On the road, the young man informed them that he would first conduct 
them to the spot where they had encamped when the scream of the owl alarmed 
his father, and where an iron kettle had been left concealed in a hollow tree. He 
was probably induced to do this from the hope of delaying the pursuit so long as 
to afford his friends an opportunity of crossing the river in safety. 

But if such was his intention, no measure could have been more unfortunate. 
The whites approached the encampment in deep silence, and quickly perceived two 
Indians, an old man and a boy, seated by a fire, and busily employed in cooking 
some venison. The deserter became much agitated at the sight of them, and so 
earnestly implored his countrymen not to kill them, that it was agreed to 
surround the encampment, and endeavor to secure them as prisoners. This 
was accordingly attempted, but so desperate was the resistance of the Indians, 
and so determined were their efforts to escape, that the whites were compelled to 
fire upon them, and the old man fell mortally wounded, while the boy, by an in- 
credible display of address and activity, was enabled to escape. The deserter 
beheld his father fall, and throwing himself from his horse, he ran up to the spot 
where the old man lay, bleeding but still sensible, and falling upon his body, be- 
sought his forgiveness for being the unwilling cause of his death, and wept bitterly. 
His father evidently recognized him, and gave him his hand, but almost in- 
stantly afterwards expired. The white men now called upon him to conduct 
them at a gallop to the spot where the canoe was buried, expecting to reach it 
before the Indian boy, and intercept him. The.deserter in vain implored them to 
compassionate his feelings. He urged that he had already sufficiently demon- 
strated the truth of his former assertions, at the expense of his father's life, and 
earnestly entreated them to permit his younger brother to escape. His compan- 
ions, however, were inexorable. Nothing but the blood of the young Indian 



BOURBON COUNTY. 



199 



would satisfy them, and the deserter was again compelled to act as a guide. 
Within two hours they reached the designated spot. The canoe was still there, 
and no track could be seen upon the sand, so that it was evident that their victim 
had not yet arrived. 

Hastily dismounting, they tied their horses and concealed themselves within 
close rifle shot of the canoe. Within ten minutes after their arrival, the Indian 
appeared in sight, walking swiftly towards them. He went straight to the spot 
where the canoe had been buried, and was in the act of digging it up, when he 
received a dozen balls through his body, and leaping high into the air, fell dead 
upon the sand. He was instantly scalped and buried where he fell, without 
having seen his brother, and probably without having known the treachery by 
which he and his father had lost their lives; The deserter remained but a short 
time in Bourbon, and never regained his tranquility of mind. He shortly after- 
wards disappeared, but whether to seek his relations in Virginia or Pennsylvania, 
or whether disgusted by the ferocity of the whites, he returned to the Indians, 
has never yet been known. He was never heard of afterwards.* 

CAPTAIN GARRARD'S TROOP. 

We copy the " Muster roll of a troop of volunteer state dragoons, for twelve 
months, under command of Captain William Garrard, of Major James V. Ball's 
squadron, in the service of the United States from date of the last muster (Octo- 
ber 31, 1812), to the 31st December, 1812, inclusive," with the remarks appended 
to each name. The roll is certified as correct, and the remarks as "accurate 
and just," by the officers. The roll will awaken old reminiscences, and will be 
examined by many of our readers with great interest, 

OFFICERS. 



William Garrard, Captain, frost bitten. 
Edmund Basye, 1st Lieut, do. and wounded. 
David M. Hickman, 2d do., wounded. 
Thus. H. McCIanahan, Cornet, frost bitten. 
Chas. 8.Clarkson,lst Serg't, sick on furlough. 
William Barton, 2d do., do. 

John Clark, 3d do., died Nov. 1 5, 1 8 1 2. 
Benj.W. Edwards,4th do., Serg't Major. 

PRI V 

John Finch, frost bitten, appointed Sergeant. 

William Beneer, present fit for duty. 

David B. Langhorn, frost bitten. 

John Wynne, sick, absent. 

William Mountjoy, frost bitten. 

Samuel Henderson, do. 

Henry Wilson, wounded Dec. 18th, 1812. 

William Jones, sick on furlough. 

John Terrill, frost bitten. 

Walter Woodyard, do. 

Moses Richardson, do., wounded 18th Dec. 

Jacob Shy, frost bitten. 

Lewis Duncan, sick on furlough. 

Robert Thomas, frost bitten. 

Jacob Counts, absent on furlough. 

John Snoody, frost bitten. 

Thomas Bedford, killed in action 18th Dec. 

James Finch, frost bitten and sick. 

Walker Thornton, present fit for duty. 

Thomas Eastin, wounded on the 18th Dec. 

Gerrard Robinson, sick on furlough, 

William M. Baylor, frost bitten. 

Alexander Scott, do. 

William Scott, do., wounded Dec. 18. 

James Clark do., sick. 

Roger P. West, burnt by the explosion of 

powder. 
Frederick Loring, frost bitten. 
Thomas Barton, do. 



James Benson, 1st Corporal, sick on furlough. 
Wni. Walton, 2nd do., frost bitten. 
Jesse Todd, 3d do., sick, absent. 
Jno. S. Bristow, 4th do., frost bitten. 
Joseph McConnell, Farrier, wounded Dec. 18. 
Ephraitn Wilson, Trumpeter, frost bitten. 
William Daviss, Saddler, do., re- 

signed Nov. 20. 

AT ES. 

Samuel J. Caldwell, fi-ost bitten and sick. 



John Baseman, 


do. 


Jesse Bowlden, 


do. 


John Funston, 


do. 


James Johnston, 


do. 


John Layson, 


do. 


Will. B. Northcutt, 


do. 



Jonathan Clinkenbeard, do. 

Thomas Webster, wounded on the 18th Dec. 

Abel C. Pepper, frost bitten and sick. 

Beverly Brown, killed in action 18th Dec. 

Edward Waller, fit for duty. 

Gustavus E. Edwards, wounded, frost bitten. 

Stephen Barton, do. do. 

Stephen Bedford, do. 

John M. Robinson, do. 

Jacob Sharrer, sick on furlough. 

Isaac Sanders, rejoined 26th November. 

James Brown, frost bitten. 

Henry Towles, sick on furlough. 

John Metcalfe, frost bitten. 

Stephen Owen, do. 

James Conn, sick on furlough. 

Jacob Thomas, frost bitten. 

William Allentharp, not yet joined the troop, 

Nathaniel Hill, do. 

Strother J. Hawkins, wounded, frost bitten. 

Edward McGuire, sick on furlough. 

Troy W^augh, servant, frost bitten. 



* Sketches of Western Adventure. 



200 DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

The number of horses marked as killed, on the roll, is eight, and eight as 
wounded. 

This county was the residence of Governor James Garrard, whose biograph- 
ical sketch will be found under the head of Garrard county. The monument to 
his memory, erected by the stale of Kentucky, contains the following inscription : 

" This marble consecrates the spot on which repose the mortal remains of Colonel James 
Garhari), and records a brief memorial of his virtues and his worth. He was born in the 
county of Stafford, in the colony of Virginia, on the 14th day of January, 1749. On at- 
tainining the age of manhood, he participated with the patriots of the day in the dangers 
and privations incident to the glorious and successful contest which terminated in the inde- 
pendence and happiness of our country. Endeared to his family, to his friends, and to society, 
by the practice of the social virtues of Husband, Father, Friend and Neighbor; honored by 
his country, by frequent calls to represent her dearest interests in her Legislative Councils ; 
and finally by two elections, to fill the chair of the Chief Magistrate of the State, a trust 
of the highest confidence and deepest interest to a free community of virtuous men, pro- 
fessing equal rights, and governed by equal laws ; a trust which, for eight successive years, 
he fulfilled with that energy, vigor, and impartiality which, tempered with christian spirit of 
God-like mercy and charity for the frailty of men, is best calculated to perpetuate the ines- 
timable blessings of Government and the happiness of Man. An administration which re- 
ceived its best reward below, the approbation of an enlightened and grateful country, by whose 
voice, expressed by a resolution of its general assembly in December, 1822, this Monu- 
ment of departed worth and grateful sense of public service, was erected, and is inscribed. 
He departed this life on the 19th day of January, 1822, as he had lived, a sincere and pious 
christian, firm, constant and sincere in his own religious sentiments, tolerant for those who 
differed from him ; reposing in the mercy of God, and the merits of his Redeemer, his 
hopes of a glorious and happy Immortality." 

This county has been the nursery of many prominent, and some very distin- 

fuished men, particularly at the bar and on the bench. It was the residence of 
udge Robert Trimble, of the supreme court of the United States, (see Trimble 
county) — of Judge Mills, of the court of appeals of Kentucky — and of Judge 
Bledsoe, who was remarkable for his forensic powers. Captain William and 
General James Garrard, were active soldiers in the war of 1812 — both frequent 
representatives in the legislature, and the former for many years clerk of the 
Bourbon county court. Several distinguished pioneer divines were also residents 
of this county, who are noticed under proper heads. 

The Honorable Thomas Corwin, the able and eloquent senator of Ohio, and 
the Rev. John P. Durbin, D. D., late president of Dickinson college, and one of 
the most eloquent divines in the United States, are both natives of Bourbon 
county. 

Colonel James Smith, whose interesting narrative of his captivity in western 
Pennsylvania and residence among the Indians, was published many years since, 
and transferred, in an abridged form, to the " Sketches of Western Adventure, " 
settled in Bourbon, seven miles above Paris, in 1788. Having been prominent 
in his native State, as an Indian fighter, a member of the Pennsylvania conven- 
tion, and a member of her legislature, his public and private worth became spee- 
dily known in Bourbon ; and in the first year of his residence, he was electecj a 
member of the convention, that sat at Danville, to confer about a separation from 
the State of Virginia. From that period until 1799, with an intermission of two 
years only, according to his narrative, he continued to represent Bourbon -county, 
either in convention or as a member of the general assembly. A few extracts 
from the narrative of Colonel Smith are subjoined. 

On the second evening succeeding his capture, (in the year 1755), Colonel 
Smith arrived with his captors at fort Du Quesne, now Pittsburgii. When 
within half a mile of the fort, they raised the scalp halloo, and fired their guns. 
The garrison was instantly in commotion, the cannon were fired, the drums were 
beaten, and the French and Indians ran out in great numbers to meet the party 
and partake of their trium])h. Smith was instantly surrounded by a multitude 
of savages, painted in various colors, and shouting with delight. They rapidly 
formed in two long lines, and brandishing their hatchets, ramrods, switches, etc., 
called aloud upon him to run the gauntlet. 

*' Never having heard of this Indian ceremony before, he stood amazed for some time, not 



BOURBON COUNTY. 201 

knowing what to do ; one of his captors explained to him, that he was to run between the 
two hnes, and receive a blow from each Indian as he passed, concluding his explanation by 
exhorting him to " run his best," as the faster he run the sooner the affair would be over. 
This truth was very plain ; and young Smith entered upon his race with great spirit. He 
was switched very handsomely along the lines, for about three-fourths of the distance, the 
stripes only acting as a spur to greater exertions, and he had almost reached the opposite ex- 
tremity of the line, when a tall chief struck him a furious blow with a club upon the back 
of the head, and instantly felled him to the ground. Recovering himself in a moment, he 
sprung to his feet and started forward again, when a handful of sand was thrown in his 
eyes, which, in addition to the great pain, completely blinded him. He still attempted to 
grope his way through ; but was again knocked down and beaten with merciless severity. 
He soon became insensible under such barbarous treatment, and recollected nothing more, 
until he found himself in the hospital of the fort, under the hands of a French surgeon, bea- 
ten to a jelly, and unable to move a limb. Here he was quickly visited by one of his cap- 
tors, the same who had given him such good advice, when about to commence his race. He 
now inquired, with some interest, if he felt " very sore." Young Smith replied, that he 
had been bruised almost to death, and asked what he had done to merit such barbarity. The 
Indian replied that he had done nothing, but that it was the customary greeting of the In- 
dians to their prisoners ; that it was something like the English " how d'ye do]" and that 
now all ceremony would be laid aside, and he would be treated with kindness." 

Smith was still a captive and at fort Du Qiiesne, when General Braddock 
was defeated, the same year, and nearly the whole of his army cut down, or 
dragged into captivity, and reserved for a more painful death. 

" About sunset, [on the day of battle] he heard at a distance the well known scalp halloo, 
followed by wild, quick, joyful shrieks, and accompanied by long continued firing. This 
too surely announced the fate of the day. About dusk, the party returned to the fort, driving 
before them twelve British regulars, stripped naked and with their faces painted black ! an 
evidence that the unhappy wretches were devoted to death. Next came the Indians dis- 
playing their bloody scalps, of which they had immense numbers, and dressed in the scarlet 
coats, sashes, and military hats of the officers and soldiers. Behind all came a train of bag- 
gage horses, laden with piles of scalps, canteens, and all the accoutrements of British sol- 
diers. The savages appeared frantic with joy, and when Smith beheld them entering the 
fort, dancing, yelling, brandishing their red tomahawks, and waving their scalps in the air, 
while the great guns of the fort replied to the incessant discharge of rifles without, he says, 
that it looked as if h — .11 had given a holiday, and turned loose its inhabitants upon the 
upper world. The most njielancholy spectacle was the band of prisoners. They appeared 
dejected and anxious. Poor fellows ! They had but a few months before left London, at 
the command of their superiors, and we may easily imagine their feelings, at the strange 
and dreadful spectacle around them. The yells of delight and congratulation were scarcely 
over, when those of vengeance began. The devoted prisoners — British regulars — were led 
out from the fort to the banks of the Alleghany, and to the eternal disgrace of the French 
commandant were there burnt to death, one after another, with the most awful tortures. 
Smith stood upon the battlements and witnessed the shocking spectacle. The prisoner was 
tied to a stake with his hands raised above his head, stripped naked, and surrounded by In- 
dians. They would touch him with red hot irons, and stick his body full of pine splinters 
and set them on fire, drowning the shrieks of the victim in the yells of delight with which 
thsy danced around him. His companions in the meantime stood in a group near the stake, 
and had a foretaste of what was in reserve for each of them. As fast as one prisoner died 
under his tortures, another filled his place, until the whole perished. All this took place so 
near the fort, that every scream of the victims must have rung in the ears of the French 
commandant !" 

Colonel Smith has an article in his pamphlet on the manners and customs of 
the Indians, their traditions and religious sentiments, their police or civil govern- 
ment, ect. The following extracts must suffice: 

" Their traditions are vague, whimsical, romantic, and many of them scarce worth relat- 
ing ; and not any of them reach back to the creation of the world. They tell of a squaw 
that was found when an infant, in the water, in a canoe made of bull-rushes ; this squaw 
became a great prophetess and did many wonderful things; she turned water into dry land, 
and at length made this continent, which was, at that time, only a very small island, and 
but a few Indians in it. Though they were then but few, they had not sufficient room to 
hunt; therefore this squaw went to the water side, and prayed that this little island might be 
enlarged. The great Being then heard her prayer, and sent great numbers of water tortoises 
and muskrats, \vhich brought with them mud and other materials, for enlarging this island, 
and by this means, they say, it was increased to the size that it now remains ; therefore, 



202 BENJAMIN MLLS. 

they say, that the white people ought not to encroach upon them, or take their land from 
them, because their great grand-mother made it. They say that, about tliis time, the angels 
or the heavenly inhabitants, as they call them, frequently visited them and talked with their 
forefathers ; and gave directions how to pray, and how to appease the great Being when he 
was offended They told them they were to offer sacrifice, burnt tobacco, buffalo and deer 
bones; but that they were not to bum bear or raccoon bones in sacrifice, 

" The Indians, generally, are of opinion that there are a great number of inferior Deities, 
which they call Carreijagaroona, which signities the Heavenly inhabitants. These beings, 
they suppose, are employed as assistants in managing the affairs of the universe, and in in- 
specting the actions of men : and that even the irrational animals are engaged in viewing 
their actions, and bearing inteUigence to the gods. The eagle, for this purpose, with her 
keen eye, perched on the trees around their camp in the night ; therefore, when they observe 
the eagle or the owl near, they immediately ofler sacrifice, or bum tobacco, that they may 
have a good report to carry to the gods. They say that there are also great numbers 
of evil spirits, which they call Onmahmona, which signifies the inhabitants of the Lower 
Region. These spirits are always going after them, and setting things right, so that they are 
constantly working in opposition to each other. Some talk of a future state, but not with 
any certainty : at best, their notions are vague and unsettled. Others deny a future state al- 
together, and say that after death they neither think nor live. 

" I have often heard of Indian kings, but never saw any. How any term used by In- 
dians in their own tongue, for the chief man of a nation, could be rendered king, I know 
not. The chief of a nation is neither the supreme ruler, monarch or potentate ; He can 
neither make war or peace, league or treaties : He cannot impress soldiers or dispose of 
magazines: He cannot adjourn, prorogue or dissolve a general assembly, nor can he refuse 
his assent to their conclusions, or in any manner control them. "\A'ith them, there is no 
such thing as hereditary succession, title of ncbihty or royal blood, even talked of. The 
chief of a nation, even with the consent of his assembly, or council, cannot raise one shilUng 
of tax ofi' the citizens, but only receive what they please to give as free and voluntarj- dona- 
tions. The chief of a nation has to hunt for his Uving, as any other citizen," 

Benjamin Mills was born in the county of Worcester, on the eastern shore 
of Maryland, January 12lh, 1779. "While he was quite young, his family emi- 
grated to the vicinity of Washington, Pennsylvania, where he obtained his edu- 
cation, and engaged in the study of medicine. While yet a youth, he was called 
to the presidency of Washington Academy, an institution which was soon after 
erected into Washington College, and v^iiich has sent from its walls a number 
of prominent public men. Having removed with his father to Bourbon county, 
Kentucky, and relinquished the study of medicine for that of the law, in 1805 or 
'06, he commenced in Paris the practice of the latter profession. His abilities 
and diligence soon ensured him, in his own and the adjacent counties, an exten- 
sive practice. For several years he was elected to represent the county of Bour- 
bon in the legislature, and in 1816 failed of an election to the senate of the 
United States, in competition with Isham Talbot, Esq., by only three votes. In 
1817, to relieve himself from an oppressive and injurious practice of the law, he 
accepted the appointment of judge in the Montgomery circuit. In the succeed- 
ing year, by the unanimous request of the Fayette bar, he was transferred to that 
circuit. In 1820, he was elevated to a seat on the bench of the court of appeals, 
■which he filled with great firmness, through a period of extraordinary excitement 
with reference to the judiciary of the State, till he retired in 1828. Having re- 
signed this post, he removed from Paris to Frankfort, to engage again in the 
practice of the law in the higher courts of the State. Success commensurate 
with his wishes again crowned his labors, till the morning of the 6th of Decem- 
ber, 1831, when, by an apoplectic stroke, his mortal existence was terminated. 

As a man. Judge Mills was never remarkably popular. Though kind and 
faithful in every relation of life, he aimed, by a course of firm and inflexible in- 
tegrity, rather to command the approbation than to win the affections of his fellow 
men. He was, to a very great exent, a self-made man, and affords a fine ex- 
ample of the ennobling tendency of republican institutions, and an encouragement 
to all meritorious young men who are struggling in obscurity and poverty. 

As a practitioner of the law, by a profound and thorough knowledge of its 
principles, and the most approved forms of practice, he soon rose to eminence. 
As a public speaker, he was clear, logical and forcible ; but not possessing a fine 
voice, and seldom using the ornaments of rhetoric, he was less admired as an 
orator than many others. 



BOURBON COUNTY. 203 

As a legislator, he was zealous and active in the promotion of wise, and the 
resistance of injudicious measures. Some of the most valuable provisions of the 
statutes of the state, had their origin in his conceptions. His efforts on the exci- 
ting new election question in 1816, will be remembered by those familiar with 
the politics of that day, as having a great influence in settling a construction of 
the constitution, which, in several instances since, has been acquiesced in with 
happy effects by the people of the state. 

As a circuit judge, he conducted the business of the courts with uncommon 
industry and energy. The promptness and general accuracy of his decisions, and 
the perfect impartiality of his administration of justice, gained for him the respect 
of the orderly portion of the community. 

While on the bench of the court of appeals, his official acts tended not only 
to enlighten, but to enlarge the sphere of his profession, and to establish a sys- 
tem of legal polity alike favorable to the country and honorable to himself. His 
written opinions furnish abundant proofs of the clearness of his perceptions, the 
depth of his legal researches, the strength of his memory, his power of analysis, 
and the steadiness and sternness of his integrity. 

For the last twelve years of his life, he was a member of the Presbyterian 
church, and for a considerable portion of that time a ruling elder. His life, during 
this period, was in a high degree consistent with his profession ; and the extent 
of his charities in the support of all the great benevolent enterprises of the day, 
was surprising to those who knew how limited were his means. 

Jesse Bledsoe was born on the 6th of April, 1776, in Culpepper county, Vir- 
ginia. His father, Joseph Bledsoe, was a Baptist preacher. His mother's maiden 
name was Elizabeth Miller. In early life. Judge Bledsoe's health was delicate, 
and from weakness in his eyes, could not be sent regularly to school. ^Yhen his 
health and sight were restored, which was not until he had become quite a large 
boy, (having emigrated with an elder brother to the neighborhood of Lexington, 
Kentucky), he went to Transylvania seminary, and b)' the force of talent and 
assiduous industry, became a fine scholar. Few men were better or riper clas- 
sical scholars ; and to the day of his death it was his pleasure and delight to 
read the Grecian orators and poets in their original tongue. After finishing his 
collegiate course, he studied law, and commenced its practice with success and 
reputation. 

Judge Bledsoe was repeatedly elected to the house of representatives of the 
Kentucky legislature, from the counties of Fayette and Bourbon ; and was also 
a senator from the latter county. He was secretary of state, of Kentucky, under 
Gov. Charles Scott ; and during the war with Great Britain, was elected a sen- 
ator in the congress of the United States from the state of Kentucky, for an 
unexpired term, serving in that capacity for two or three j^ears. In 1S"22, he was 
appointed by Gov. Adair, a circuit judge in the Lexington district, and removed 
to Lexington, where he received the appointment of professor of law in the Tran- 
sylvania University. He held the offices of judge and professor for five or six 
years, when he resigned both, and again commenced the practice of law. 

In 1833, he removed to Mississippi, and in the fall of 1835 or spring of 1836, 
he emigrated to Texas, and commenced gathering materials for a history of the 
new republic. In May, 1836, he was taken sick in that portion of Texas near 
the line of the United States, and not far from Nacogdoches, where he died. 

At an early age, he married the eldest daughter of Colonel Nathaniel Gist, and 
his widow is still living in Frankfort. 

Judge Bledsoe possessed a strong and powerful intellect, and was surpassed 
in popular and forensic eloquence by but few men of his day. 

John Allen was born in James City county, Va., in 1749. When the revolu- 
tonary war broke out, he joined the American army, and devoted all his energies 
to the service of his country. He rose to the rank of major, and acted for some 
time as commissary of subsistence. At a tea party in Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, which was attended by British and American officers, the conduct of the 
former towards the latter became very insulting; and an officer named Davis 
repeated the insult so frequently as to provoke Major Allen to strike him with 
his sword, which instantly broke up the party. In the course of the war, Major 
Allen was taken prisoner by the same officer, (Davis), and what was most re- 



204 BOYLE COUNTY. 

markable in the history of the times, was treated by him with special kind- 
ness. 

In 1781, Major Allen married Miss Jane Tandy, of Albermarle county, Vir- 
ginia, and engaged in the practice of the law, having studied his profession with 
Colonel George Nicholas, then of Charlottesville. He emigrated to Kentucky 
in 1786, in company with Judge Sebastian, and located in Fayette county. In 
1788, he removed to Bourbon, and settled in Paris, then containing but a few locr 
cabins — the ground upon which the town is now reared being then a marsh, 
springs of water bursting from the earth in great profusion. After the organization 
of the State government, Major Allen was elected one of the commissioners to 
select a site for the permanent seat of government. During the first term of Gov. 
Garrard, under the old constitution. Major Allen was appointed judge of the Paris 
district court, the duties of which he discharged with general acceptance. In 
1802, after the adoption of the present constitution, and during the second term 
of Gov. Garrard, he was appointed judge of the circuit court, including in his 
district the county of Bourbon. 

Judge Allen died in the year 1816, having devoted a large portion of his long 
life to the service of his country, and leaving behind him a name which will be 
held in grateful remembrance by his posterity. He had born to him twelve chil- 
dren — nine sons and three daughters. His widow still survives, and resides in 
Paris, being now four score years of age, and enjoying a degree of health which 
rarely falls to the lot of one of her years. 



BOYLE COUNTY. 

Boyle county was formed from parts of Mercer and Lincoln in 
1841, and named for the Hon. John Boyle, for many years chief 
justice of the state. It is bounded on the north by Mercer, east 
by Garrard, south by Casey and Lincoln, and west by Marion. 
Danville, the county seat, is forty miles from Frankfort. The 
soil of this county is very deep and rich, and generally lies well 
for cultivation. The products are principally stock and hemp. 
The citizens are generally independent in their circumstances, 
well educated and intelligent. Number of acres of land in the 
county, 147,045; average value per acre, $12,22; taxable prop- 
erty in 1846, $3,852,123 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 1,119 ; number of children between the ages of 
five and sixteen years, 1,372. The county was organized since 
the census of 1840 was taken. 

The towns of Boyle are Danville and Perry ville. Danville is 
situated three miles west from Dick's river, forty miles south by 
west from Frankfort, and thirty-five miles from Lexington — lati- 
tude thirty-seven degrees thirty minutes north. It contains a 
new and capacious court-house and other public buildings, six 
churches — Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Reformed or Chris- 
tian, Episcopal and African, — a branch bank of the Bank of Ken- 
tucky, twelve dry goods stores, one book and drug store, two ho- 
tels, ten physicians, nine lawyers, one weekly newspaper, (the 
Kentucky Tribune), several mills and factories, and about forty 
mechanics' shops and manufacturing establishments. Centre 
College, the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and a fine Female Semi- 
nary, are also situated in Danville. Danville was established by 



BOYLE COUNTY. 



205 



the Virginia legislature in 1787, and was for many years the 
seat of government of Kentucky. The first court-house and jail 
built in Kentucky was erected here, and here the first constitu- 
tion of the state was formed ; but owing to some freak of for- 
tune, the seat of government was moved to Lexington in 1792, 
where it enjoyed but a brief sojourn, and was removed from 
thence to Frankfort. The town was laid out by Mr. Walker 
Daniel, who gave it its name. Population about 2,000. Perry- 
viLLE is a small village twelve miles west of Danville — contains 
one Presbyterian church and one Cumberland Presbyterian 
church, seven physicians, two taverns, five stores, one wool fac- 
tory, and eight mechanical trades. Established in 1817. 

■^ The Deaf and Dumb Asylum located at Danville was chartered in 1822, and 
went into operation the spring following. The plan of instruction pursued in 
this institution is based upon the system invented and successfully used by the 
Abbe Sicard, of Paris, in France, with such improvements as experience has 
pointed out. The average number of pupils is about thirty. Two instructors 
attend them all the time. The other officers of the institution are a physician, 
superintendent and matron, in whose family all the pupils reside and receive their 
constant attention. The terms of admission are $105 per year for board and tui- 
tion to those who can afford to pay ; but ample provision has been made by the 
state for those who are in indigent circumstances, which fact must be certified to 
by a magistrate in the county where they reside. Persons in comfortable cir- 
cumstances at home, but unable to educate their children without ruinous sacrifi- 
ces, receive the public assistance, in part or in whole, as may be necessary. The 
buildings consist of two substantial plain brick houses, which are ample and 
comfortable, situated in a retired part of the town, with a superintendent who is 
eminently qualified to discharge the duties of his station. The number of pupils 
in the institution from January 1, 1846, to January 1, 1847, was fifty-three, and 
provision is made by law for the support of forty indigent pupils. 




CENTRE COLLEGE, DANVII. 



808 CENTRE COLLEGE. 

Centrk College is located in Danville, a pleasant town near the centre of the 
state, Avith a very intellectual and intelligent population. The college was char- 
tered by the legislature of Kentucky in 1819. Jeremiah Chamberlain, D. D., 
the first president, went into office in 1823. In 1824, the board of trustees, ac- 
cording to an arrangement with the Presbyterian synod of Kentucky, procured 
an act of the legislature modifying its charter so as to secure to the synod, on 
its payment of twenty thousand dollars to the funds of the institution, the right 
of appointing the board of trustees. This condition having, in 1830, been com- 
pletely fulfilled on the part of the synod, all the members of the board have 
since that period been appointed by the synod, as their terms of office, from time 
to time, have expired. One third of the board are appointed each year. 

Dr. Chamberlain resigned his office in 1826, and the Rev. Gideon Blackburn, 
D. D., succeeded him in 1827, the office having, in the meantime, been tempora- 
rily filled by the Rev. David C. Proctor. On the resignation of Dr. Blackburn in 
1830, John C. Young, D. D., the present president, was elected. 

The number of students varied in the earlier period of the existence of the 
institution, from fifty to one hundred and ten, and a very large proportion of those 
in attendance were pursuing only a partial and irregular course. In 1830, the 
number of students had been reduced to 33 of all classes, including those in the 
grammar school, as well as those in the college proper. Since that period, the 
number has been, with slight temporary variations, steadily, but slowly increasing, 
until it has ranged, during the last three years, from one hundred and sixty-five 
to one hundred and eighty-five. The number of those pursuing a full course, has 
increased in a much greater ratio. The graduating classes, formerly very small, 
have been steadily enlarging. The graduates of the first twelve years amounted 
to 55. This number the last ten years has enlarged to 224. About 1200 students 
have been connected with the institution, nearly all of whom have received all 
their higher education from its instructions. 

The synod determined to raise $100,000 as a permanent endowment. Funds 
have been already contributed, by the liberality of various individuals, which, as 
vested by the board, yield an annual income of about $3,000. Of this amount, 
twelve thousand dollars were given by Mr. Samuel Laird, of Fayette county, to 
endow a professorship. Measures have been adopted which, it is hoped, will 
secure the full amount contemplated by the synod. 

The course of instruction varies but slightly from that pursued by those colleges 
•which have the oldest and most established reputation. An equal amount of the 
ancient languages and mathematics is taught. In the natural sciences, the want 
of equal facilities for illustration and experiment renders the course somewhat less 
complete than theirs ; while, on the other hand, in the moral and mental sciences, 
it is somewhat more extensive. 

The moral and religious culture of the youth under their care, has been always 
regarded by the officers of the college, as their most important object. Their aim 
is not to inculcate the peculiarities of any religious sect, but to fix in the minds 
and hearts of their pupils those great and controlling truths of revelation, which 
influence the happiness, and shape the character of men for time and eternity ; 
and while no parent of any other religious denomination has ever had his son 
proselyted here, many have rejoiced to find him return, at the close of his college 
course, deeply impressed with those religious principles which give strength and 
consolation to man in the duties and trials of life. The college has been remark- 
able for many years, for the moral and religious habits of its students, and for the 
rare occurrence of such disorders as are frequent in many institutions. 

The tuition fee is thirty dollars per session of ten months. The ordinary 
charges in town, for board, washing, lodging, fuel and lights, vary from two dol- 
lars to two dollars and fifty cents per week ; and in the country, at from one to 
two miles distant, from one dollar and twenty-five cents to two dollars per week. 
Young men pursuing their studies with a view to the ministry, and receiving aid 
from any society, pay only ten dollars per annum for tuition. 

In the libraries connected with the college, there are between five thousand and 
six thousand volumes, and among them, some rare and valuable works. The 
course of study embraces the customary period of four years ; and instruction is 
given in all the branches of learning usually taught in the colleges of the country. 

There is but one term during the year, with a short vacation in the spring. 



BOYLE COUNTY. 20T 

Commencfiment on the third Thursday in July. The session begins on the third 
Thursday in September. 

Among the early settlers of Danville, was a young man, named Tom Johnson, 
possessed of a good education and some genius, and withal a poet. He became, 
however, an inveterate drunkard, his intemperance hurrying him to a premature 
grave. On one occasion, when Tom's poetical inspirations were quickened by 
his devotions at the shrine of Bacchus, he came into Gill's tavern to procure his 
dinner ; but too many hearty eaters had been in advance of him at the table, and 
Tom found nothing but bones and crumbs. He surveyed the table for some 
minutes quite philosophically, and then offered up the following prayer : 

" I Thou who blest the loaves and fishes, 
Look down upon these empty dishes ; 
And that same power that did them fill. 
Bless each of us, but d — n old Gill." 

A man in the neighborhood, bearing the christian name of John, had become 
largely indebted to the merchants and others of Danville, and like many of the 
present day, left for parts unknown. Tom consoled the sufferers by the following 
impromptu effusion : 

"John ran so long and ran so fast, 
No wonder he ran out at last ; 
• He ran in debt, and then to pay, 

He distanc'd all, and ran away." 

Walker Daniel, a young laAvyer from Virginia, came to Boyle, then Lincoln, . 
in 1781, and entered upon the practice of his profession. His only competitor / 
at that period, was Christopher Greenup, afterwards governor of the State. Mr. / 
Daniel was the original proprietor of the town of Danville, and succeeded in lay- 
ing the foundation of an extensive fortune. He was killed by the Indians in 
August, 1784, after the short residence of three years. From an old pioneer of 
Mercer, we learn that Mr. Daniel was a young gentleman of rare talents, and 
gave promise of great distinction. 

John Bovle, for more than sixteen years chief justice of Kentucky, was born 
of humble parentage, October 28, 1774, in Virginia, at a place called "Castle 
Woods," on Clinch river, in the then county of Bottetourt, near Russell or Taze- 
well. His father emigrated, in the year 1779, to Whitley's station in Kentucky, 
whence he afterwards moved to a small estate in the county of Garrard, where he 
spent the remainder of his days. 

Young Boyle's early education, notwithstanding the limited means of obtaining 
scholastic instruction, was good, and his knowledge of what he learned thorough. 
In the rudiments of the Greek and Latin languages, and of the most useful of 
the sciences, the Rev. Samuel Finley, a pious Presbyterian minister of Madison 
county, was his instructor. Energetic and ambitious, Mr. Boyle readily settled 
upon the law as the calling most congenial to his feelings, and most certain and 
gratifying in its rewards. He studied under the direction of Thomas Davis, of 
Mercer county, then a member of congress, and whom he succeeded as the repre- 
sentative of the district. 

In the year 1797, just after he had entered upon his professional career, he 
married Elizabeth Tilford, the daughter of a plain, pious, and frugal farmer, and 
moved to the town of Lancaster, In the following year, upon an out-lot of the 
town, which he had purchased, he built a small log house, with only two rooms, 
in which not only himself, but three other gentlemen — who successively followed 
htm as a national representative, and one of whom succeeded him in the chief justice' 
ship, and another served a constitutional term in the gubernatorial chair of Kentucky, 
— began the sober business of conjugal life. Here the duties of his profession 
engrossed his attention until 1802, when he was elected, without opposition, to 
the house of representatives of the United States. 

As a member of congress, Mr. Boyle was vigilant, dignified, and useful, com- / 
manding at once the respect and confidence of the Jeffersonian, the then domin- / 
ant party, with which he acted, and the hearty approbation of a liberal constitu- ' 
ency. He was twice re-elected without competition, and refused a fourth canvass, 
because a political life was less congenial to his taste, than the practice of his 



208 JOHN BOYLE. 

profession amid the sweets of his early home. The same feeling compelled him 
to decline more than one federal appointment, tendered him by President Jefferson. 
President Madison, among his earliest otficial acts, appointed him the first gov- 
ernor of Illinois, a position doubly alluring, and which Mr. Boyle conditionally 
accepted. On his return to Kentucky, he was tendered a circuit judgeship, and 
afterwards a seat upon the bench of the court of appeals. The latter he accepted, 
and entered upon its onerous and responsible duties on the 4th of April, 1809. 
Ninian Edwards, then chief justice of the court, solicited and obtained the relin- 
quished governorship. 

On the 3d of April, 1810, Judge Boyle was promoted to the chief justiceship, 
which he continued to hold until the 8th of November, 1826. The decisions of 
the court, while he was upon the bench, are comprised in fifteen volumes of the 
State Reports, from 1st Bibb to 3d Monroe, and are marked with firmness and 
purity. 

Chief Justice Boyle was the head of the " Old Court" of appeals, during the 
intensely exciting contest of three years duration, between the "Relief" or 
" New Court," and the "Anti-Relief" or "Old Court" parties. The notes of 
"The Bank of the Commonwealth," issued upon a deficient capital, were ne- 
cessarily quite fluctuating in value — at one time depreciating more than fifty per 
cent, A serious revulsion in the monetary interests of the State, opened the way 
for a system of popular legislation, designed to satisfy temporarily the cry for re- 
lief. The two years replevin law — prolonging from three montlis to two years 
the right of replevying judgments and decrees on contracts, unless the creditor 
would accept Commonwealth bank money at par — was the crowning project of 
the system. The court of appeals unanimously decided the statute unconstitu- 
tional, so far as it was designed to be retroactive — a step that brought upon them 
the full torrent of popular abuse and indignation. The relief party carried the 
day at the election soon after, (1823), and on the meeting of the legislature, an 
address was voted — by less than two-thirds, as the constitution required, to re- 
move by address — calling upon the governor to remove the appellate judges, and 
setting forth their decision as unauthorised, ruinous and absurd. This bold effort 
at intimidation failing in its end, at the succeeding session the majority, grown 
more determined as the echo of the popular will became louder, "re-organized" 
the court of appeals, or abolished the court established by the constitution, and 
instituted a new court, for which purpose commissions were issued to other per- 
sons. Matters now reached a crisis, and Kentucky was required either to take 
her stand by the broad fundamental law which had so powerfully contributed to 
her progress, or to yield to the inconstant, unreasonable and selfish clamor that 
rang hoarsely through the State. The struggle was, as it were, for the life of 
the State — involving the stability of a constitutional government, and the effi- 
ciency and independence of an enlightened judiciary. In August, 1826, the appeal 
to the ballot box decided the contest. The " Old Court" party triumphed, and 
confidence was gradually restored in the ability, integrity and purity of Chief 
Justice Boyle and his associates. 

In the November following, the earliest day at which it could be done consis- 
tently with his determination to ride out the judicial storm the memorable deci- 
sion of the court had brewed, Boyle resigned the chief justiceship of Kentucky. 
But his services upon the bench were too highly appreciated to be dispensed with. 
The federal government, anticipating his resignation, tendered him the oflfice of 
district judge of Kentucky, which he accepted, and was induced to hold, although 
his better judgment prompted him to give it up, until his death, which occurred 
on the 28th day of January, 1835. His estimable lady preceded him a year and 
a half, having fallen a victim to that scourge of the nations, the cholera, in 1833. 

The appointment of associate justice of the supreme court of the United States 
was twice within his reach ; but he loved retirement, and distrusted his qualifi- 
cations for a position so responsible. Upon the death of Judge Todd, he refused 
to be recommended as his successor; and, subsequently, expressed the same un- 
willingness upon the demise of Judge Trimble, of the same court. 

For one year, in the latter part of his life, he was sole professor in the Tran- 
sylvania law school. Numbers of young men followed him to the quiet of his 
home, where his pleasures were divided between teaching law, miscellaneous 
reading, and the cares of his family and farm. 




AUGUSTA COLLEGE, AUGUSTA, KY. 



BRACKEN COUNTY. 209 

His dying ejaculation — " I have lived for my country^'' — is the best eulogium 
that could be written upon his life and public services. In all the relations of 
father, friend, representative and judge, his conduct and conversation marked him 
as a man, tender and sympathising, generous and disinterested, faithful and vigi- 
lant, deliberative and incorruptible. 



BRACKEN COUNTY. 

Bracken county was formed in 1796, lies in the northern part 
of the state, on the Ohio river, and bounded as follows : North by 
the Ohio river, east by Mason, west by Pendleton, south-west by 
Harrison, and south-east by Nicholas. Brooksville is the county 
seat — Augusta the principal town and landing place or depot. 
The lands of the county are high, and the surface rolling and 
hilly, such as usually border on the Ohio river, the south-west 
resting upon the Licking river. The upper part, bordering on 
Mason, is rich and fertile. The staples are tobacco, wheat, corn 
and pork. The finest "iWa^on county tobacco''' is raised in Bracken ; 
the wheat crops are good, and the land, when new, produces 
good corn. 

Number of acres of land in Bracken 124,844 ; taxable property 
in 1846, $1,750,242 ; average value of land per acre, $7,99 ; num- 
ber of white males over twenty-one years of age, 1,421 ; number 
of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,675. Popula- 
tion in 1830, 6,392— in 1840, 7,053. 

Augusta lies on the Ohio river, six miles below the Mason line, 
and immediately below the mouth of Bracken creek. The town 
includes three hundred acres of land, and is one of the most 
beautiful situations on the Ohio river, with a fine harbor. It is 
eighteen miles below Maysville, and forty-five miles above Cin- 
cinnati — has three lawyers, four physicians, and contains three 
brick churches, (Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist), the town 
hall, a large brick building fifty feet square, the spacious and el- 
egant edifice of the Augusta college, large steam saw and mer- 
chant mills, an extensive tannery, ten stores and groceries, one 
book and drug store, three tobacco warehouses, a large number 
of mechanics' shops, and 1,200 inhabitants. A letter from Gen. 
John Payne, who has resided many years in Augusta, and who 
was an active, brave, and efficient officer under Harrison at the 
Mississinaway towns, and on the north-west frontier during the 
last war with Great Britain, gives the following interesting ac- 
count of the ancient remains discovered in that place : 

The bottom on which Augusta is situated, is a large burying ground of the ancients. 
A post hole cannot be dug without turning up human bones. They have been found in 
great numbers, and of all sizes, every where between the mouths of Bracken and Locust 
creeks, a distance of about a mile and a half. From the cellar under my dwelling, sixty by 
seventy feet, one hundred and ten skeletons were taken. I numbered them by the skulls ; 
and there might have been many more, whose skulls had crumbled into dust. My garden 
was a cemetery ; it is full of bones, and the richest ground I ever saw. The skeletons were 
of all sizes, from seven feet to the infant. David Kilgour (who was a tall and very large 
14 



210 BREATHITT COUNTY. 

man) passetl our village at the time I was excavating my cellar, and we took him down and 
applied a thigh bone to his — the owner, if well proportioned, must have been some ten or 
twelve inches taller than Kilgour, and the lower jaw bone would slip on over his, skin and 
all. Who were they ? How came their bones there ? Among the Indians there is no tra- 
dition that any town was located near here, or that any battle was ever fought near here. 
When I was in the army, I inquired of old Crane, a Wyandott, and of Anderson, a Dela- 
ware, both intelligent old chiefs, (the former died at camp 8eneca in 1813,) and they could 
give no information in reference to these remains of antiquity. They knew the localities at 
the mouths of Locust, Turtle and Bracken creeks, but they knew nothing of any town or 
village near there. In my garden, Indian arrow heads of flint have been found, and an 
earthen ware of clay and pounded muscle. Some of the largest trees of the forest were 
growing over these remains when the land was cleared in 1792. 

Augusta College, one of the best literary institutions of the west, is located 
here. It is under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was the 
first college ever established by that denomination in the world. The college 
was founded in 1822 — has six professorships, and a preparatory and primary 
school attached to it. The number of students varies from one hundred to one 
hundred and fifty. The library contains 2,500 volumes. Commencement on 
Thursday after the first Wednesday in August. Rev. Joseph S. Tomlinson, 
D. D. President. 

Brooksville, the seat of justice, is nine miles from Augusta, and 
about sixty-five miles from Frankfort — contains a commodious 
brick court-house and other public buildings ; three taverns, three 
stores, three lawyers, two physicians, and four mechanics' shops. 
Population about seventy-five. Named after David Brooks. Pow- 
ersvitle, is a small village, three miles south of Brooksville, con- 
taining but few inhabitants. Germantown, a handsome village, 
lies on the line between Mason and Bracken, — the greatest portion 
in Bracken. 

The soil of Bracken is based on yellow clay, with limestone foundation. Tim- 
ber, in some parts, sugar tree, buckeye, black walnut and hickory; in others, 
white and black oak. Gold has been found in the county, and it is believed by 
some of the most intelligent citizens that, upon a strict examination, by competent 
persons, this precious metal might be found in great abundance. 

This county derived its name from two creeks : Big and Little 
Bracken, and these creeks were called for an old hunter, named 
Bracken, who settled on the banks of one of them, and is supposed 
to have been killed by the Indians at an early period of the settle- 
ment of Kentucky. 



BREATHITT COUNTY. i 

Breathitt county was formed in 1839, and called after the late 
Governor Breathitt. It is situated in the eastern part of the State, 
on the head waters of the Kentucky river ; and is bounded on 
the north by Morgan county ; east by Floyd ; south by Perry, and 
west by Owsley. Jackson is the county seat and only town. The 
surface is hilly, interspersed with rich and productive vallies — the 
soil based on red clay, with sandstone foundation. The county 
abounds in bituminous coal, large quantities of which are sent to 
market annually, down the Kentucky river. Iron ore is also found 
in abundance ; and salt is manufactured to some extent. The 



BREATHITT COUNTY. 211 

principal articles of export are coal, timber, beeswax and ginseng. 
Taxable property of the county in 1846, $323,479. Number of 
acres of land in Breathitt 162,121 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years, 528 ; number of children between the ages of 
five and sixteen years, 868. Population in 1840, 2,195. 

Jackson, the county seat, received its name in honor of the late 
president Jackson. It contains the county buildings, one Metho- 
dist church, one Reformed church, two schools, five stores and 
groceries, two taverns, three lawyers, one doctor and five me- 
chanical trades. Population, 150. 

John Breathitt, late governor of Kentucky, (for whom this county was called) 
was a native of the state of Virginia. He was the eldest child of William 
Breathitt, and was born on the ninth day of September, 1786, about two miles 
from New London, near the road leading to Lynchburg. His father removed from 
Virginia, and settled in Logan county, Kentucky, in the year 1800, where he 
raised a family of five sons and four daughters. The old gentleman was a farmer, 
possessed of a few servants and a tract of land, but not sufficiently wealthy to 
give his children collegiate educations. The schools of his neighborhood (for it 
should be remembered the Green river country was a wilderness in 1800), afforded 
but few opportunities for the advancement of pupils. John, the subject of this 
notice, made the best use of the means for improvement placed within his reach, 
and by diligent attention to his books, made himself a good surveyor. Before he 
arrived at age, he received an appointment as deputy surveyor of the public lands, 
and in that capacity, surveyed many townships in the state of Illinois, then a 
territory of the United States. 

John Breathitt taught a country school in early life, and by his industry and 
economy, as teacher and surveyor, he acquired property rapidly, consisting mostly 
in lands, which were easily obtained under the acts of the assembly appropriating 
the public domain. After his earnings had secured a capital capable of sustaining 
him a few years, he resolved to read law, which he did under the direction of the 
late Judge Wallace. He was admitted to the bar as a qualified attorney, in Feb- 
ruary, 1810. His industry and capacity for business, soon secured him a lucrative 
practice; and from this time he rapidly advanced in public estimation. 

In 1810 or '11, he was elected to represent the county of Logan in the house 
of representatives of the general assembly, and filled the same office for several 
years in succession. In 1828, he was elected lieutenant governor of the 
commonwealth, the duties of which station he filled with great dignity and 
propriety. In 1832, he was elected governor, but did not live to the end of his 
official term. He died in the governor's house, in Frankfort, on the 21st of 
February, 1834. 

It is not the design of the writer to notice the political principles, official acts, 
and measures of policy recommended or executed by Governor Breathitt, These 
maybe found among the archives and records of the country, and their considera- 
tion here would swell this article to the magnitude of a lengthy work. It may 
not, however, be improper to say, that Governor Breathitt acted with the demo- 
cratic party, and espoused with warmth the election of General Jackson to the 
presidency in 182S and 1832. 

Governor Breathitt had two wives, both of whom he survived. The first was 
Miss Whitaker, daughter of William Whitaker of Logan county ; and the second 
was Miss Susan M. Harris, daughter of Richard Harris, of Chesterfield county, 
Virginia. By his first wife he left a son and daughter, and by his last a daughter. 

Governor Breathitt, in all his transactions, was considerate and cautious. 
Rashness was no part of his character. He was nevertheless, firm, and pursued 
his objects with great assiduity, after resolving upon the course he intended to 
pursue. He did not commit himself in favor of any measure, without beforehand 
weighing the consequences with much deliberation. 

As a husband, father, friend and neighbor, it is not too much to say that Gov- 
ernor Breathitt had no superior. In all the relations of life, he was actuated by 



212 BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY. 

a spirit of indulgence and benevolence. The comfort and happiness of others, 
with him were objects of pre-eminent solicitude. His affection and kindness to 
his relations, manifested itself in an eminent degree, by the assistance he gave 
his father, and the liberal expenditures he made in educating his brothers and 
sisters. To associates of his profession, he was uniformly courteous, and ever 
ready to give the younger members of the bar aid and instruction. 



BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY. 

The county of Breckineu)ge was formed in the year 1799, and 
was named in honor of the Hon. John Breckinridge. It is situa- 
ted in the western-middle part of the State, and bounded on the 
north by the Ohio river, on the east by Hardin, on the south by 
Grayson, and on the west by Hancock county. 

The face of the country is generally rolling, high, dry, and 
finely watered. The climate is pleasant and healthy; the soil 
fertile, with a basis of red clay and limestone. The principal 
water courses are. Sinking creek, the North Fork of Rough creek, 
main Rough creek, and Clover creek. 

The principal products of the county are tobacco, corn, wheat, 
and oats. Four thousand five hundred hogsheads of tobacco are 
annually raised and exported. The total wealth of the county in 
1846, according to the auditor's report, was $1,933,364. Number 
of acres of land, 309,926. The population in 1830 was 7,345 — 
in 1840 it was 8,944; sho\ving an increase of population in ten 
years of 1,599. 

The principal towns are Hardinsburg, Cloverport, Stephens- 
port, Hudsonville, Constantine, and Jackeysburg. 

Hardijisburg is the seat of justice, and was named in honor of 
Captain William Hardin, a distinguished Indian fighter. It was 
laid out in town lots in 1782 ; incorporated in 1800, and contains 
a population of eight hundred inhabitants. 

Cloverpot^t is the second town in the county ; it is a place of 
considerable importance as a shipping point, and contains a pop- 
ulation of seven hundred inhabitants. Its immediate neighbor- 
hood abounds in extensive banks of coal of fine quality. Four 
miles from Cloverport are the Breckinridge, Tar, and White Sul- 
phur Springs, which are becoming one of the most fashionable 
watering places in the State. 

Stephensport is a neat and handsome village, of some commer- 
cial importance, situated on the Ohio river, at the mouth of Sink- 
ing creek. It contains a population of two hundred inhabitants, 
and was incorporated in 1825. The remaining towns are Hud- 
sonsville, Constantine, and Jackeysburg. 

Breckinridge county possesses a very remarkable curiosity, in 
Sinking creek, a considerable stream, which supplies a sufficiency 
of water to drive machinery during the entire year. Six or seven 



BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY. 213 

miles from its source, the creek suddenly sinks beneath the earth, 
showing no trace of its existence for five or six miles, when it 
re-appears above ground, and flows into the Ohio. On this creek 
is to be seen a natural rock mill-dam, eight feet high, and forty 
feet wide, which answers all the purposes of a dam to a mill 
which has been erected at the place by a Mr. Huston. Near the 
creek is a large cave, called Penitentiary cave, which has never 
been fully explored. Some of the apartments are said to rival, 
in the splendor and magnificence of their scenery, the celebrated 
Mammoth cave in Edmonson county. In one of the rooms, about 
one hundred yards from the mouth of the cave, the roof is from 
sixty to seventy feet high, and on the floor there are three natural 
basins or troughs of cool, clear water, of very remarkable con- 
struction and appearance, fifteen feet in length, four feet wide, 
and twelve inches deep. These basins are elevated above the 
level of the floor in the form of troughs, and it is remarkable that 
the stone which forms the sides and ends of the basins, do not 
exceed in thickness the blade of a table knife. 

One of the earliest settlers in that portion of Kentucky which now forms the 
county of Breckinridge, was Capt. William Hardin, a noted hunter and Indian 
fighter — a man of dauntless courage and resolution — cool, calm, and self-pos- 
sessed in the midst of most appalling dangers, and perfectly skilled in all the 
wiles and arts of border warfare. Soon after Capt. Hardin had erected a station 
in what is now the county of Breckinridge, intelligence was received that the 
Indians were building a town on Saline creek, in the present state of Illinois. 
Hardin, not well pleased that the savages should establish themselves in such 
close vicinity to his little settlement, determined to dislodge them. He soon had 
collected around him a force of eighty select men ; the hardiest and boldest of 
those noted hunters whose lives were passed in a continual round of perilous ad- 
venture. 

When this force reached the vicinity of the lick, they discovered Indian signs, 
and approaching the town cautiously, they found it in the possession of three war- 
riors who had been left to guard the camp. Hardin ordered his men to fire on 
them, which ihey did, killing two. The third attempted to make his escape, 
but he was shot down as he ran. He succeeded, however, in regaining his feet, 
and ran fifty yards, leaped up a perpendicular bank, six feet high, and fell dead. 

In the mean time, Hardin, correctly supposing that the main body of the In- 
dians were out on a hunting expedition, and would shortly return, made immedi- 
ate preparation for battle. He accordingly selected a place where a few acres of 
timbered land were surrounded on all sides by the prairie. Here he posted his men 
with orders to conceal themselves behind the trees, and reserve their fire until the 
Indians should approach within twenty-five yards. Soon after the little band had 
taken their position, they discovered the Indians rapidly approaching on their trail, 
and numbering apparently between eighty and one hundred men. When the sav- 
ages had arrived within one hundred yards of the position of the Kentuckians, 
one of the men, in his impatience to begin the battle, forgot the order of the cap- 
tain, and fired his gun. Immediately the Indians charged, and the fight com- 
menced in earnest. 

At the first fire. Captain Hardin was shot through the thighs. Without, how- 
ever, resigning his command, or yielding to the pain of his wound, he sat down 
on a large log, and during the whole action, continued to encourage his men and 
give forth his orders, with as much coolness, promptitude, and self-possession, as 
if engaged in the most ordinary avocation. This more than Spartan firmness and 
resolution, was not, however, anything very remarkable in the early history of 
Kentucky. Every battle field furnished many examples of similar heroism. The 
iron men of those times, seem, indeed, to have been born insensible to fear, and 
impregnable to pain. The coolness, courage, and unyielding determination of 



214 JOHN BRECKINRIDGE. 

Hardin, in this trying situation, no doubt contributed greatly to the success of the 
day ; and after a severe contest, in wiiich some thirty of the savages fell, they 
were finally repulsed. The loss of the whites, in killed and wounded, was very 
considerable. During the action the parties were frequently engaged hand to 
hand. 

This battle was never reported to the government, and it seems to have es- 
caped the notice of the historians of early times in Kentucky ; though it was^ 
unquestionably, one of the most fiercely contested battles ever fought in the west. 

The Honorable John Breckinridge, [for whom this county was named], was 
the second son of Colonel Robert Breckinridge, of Augusta county, Virginia, 
and was born on a farm, upon a part of which the town of Staunton now stands, 
on the 2d day of December, 1760. His paternal ancestors were what were then 
called " Scotch Irish," that is, they were Presbyterians — from the north of Ire 
land, immediately — but originally from Scotland. After the restoration of 
Charles H., they were hotly persecuted in Ayreshire, their original seat, and 
being driven out from thence, spent half a century in the highlands of Breadal- 
bane, and removed thence to Ireland, and early in the last century to Virginia; 
a portion of the persecuted remnant of the Scotch Covenanters, who suffered 
so long and so heroically for liberty and the reformed religion. His paternal 
and maternal grand fathers both lie buried in the grave yard of the Tinkling 
Springs congregation, in the county of Augusta, of which both of them were 
ruling elders. His mother, Lettice Preston, was the oldest child of John Pres- 
ton and Elizabeth Patton, and was the second wife of his father. General 
James Breckinridge, of Virginia, was his younger, and a full brother; General 
Robert Breckinridge, of Kentucky, was his elder, and a half brother. 

At a very early age, he was carried by his father to the neighborhood of 
Fincastle, in Bottetourt county, Virginia, whither he removed, and where he 
died, when his son was about eleven years of age ; leaving a widow, and seven 
children, in circumstances which we should now consider narrow: and exposed, 
upon what was then almost the extreme limit of the white settlements, to all the 
dangers of an Indian frontier; and this only a few years before the commence- 
ment of our long and bloody struggle for National Independence, which was 
ended about the time the subject of this notice arrived at man's estate. 

Raised in the midst of dangers, hardships, and privations ; the tradition of his 
faniily replete only with tales of suffering and exile, for conscience sake ; and a 
widowed mother and orphan family — of which he became the head at the age of 
early boyhood — the objects of his constant care ; it is by no means strange that 
his powerful character and uncommon talents, should have been early and re- 
markably developed. A calm, simple, correct man — gentle to those he loved — 
stern aiid open to those he could not trust — always true, always brave, always 
self dependent, it is just in such a way, that such circumstances would mould 
and develop such a nature as his. But it is not so easy to ascertain how it was, 
that in his circumstances, there should hive been implanted in him, from earliest 
childhood, a thirst for knowledge that seemed to the end of bis life, insatiable; 
nor could anything less than the highest mental endowments, directed with 
energy that never flagged, explain the extent, the variety, and the richness of 
the acquisitions which he was enabled to make. His education, both preparatory 
and professional, was privately conducted, and so far as is now known, chiefly 
without other aid than books, except about two years, which he spent at the col- 
lege of William and Mary, in Virginia. During the latter part of his attendance 
at this ancient seat of learning, and when he was about nineteen years of age, he 
was elected to the Virginia house of burgesses, from the county of Bottetourt, 
without his having even suspected that such a matter was in agitation. On ac- 
count of his youth, the election was twice set aside, and it was only on the third 
return, and against his own wishes and remonstrances, that he took his seat. 
From this time to the period of his death, he lived constantly, as a lawyer and a 
statesman, in the public eye. 

In the year 1785 he married Mary Hopkins Cabell, a daughter of Colonel 
Joseph Cabell, of Buckingham county, Virginia; and settled in the county of 
Albemarle, and practised law in that region of Virginia, until the year 1793, in 
the spring of which he removed to Kentucky, and settled in Lexington ; near ts 



BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY. 215 

which place, at " Cabell's Dale," in the county of Fayette, he resided till the 
period of his death, which occurred on the I4th December, 1806, when he had 
just completed his 46th year. 

As a lawyer, no man of his day excelled him, and very few could be compared 
with him. Profoundly acquainted with his profession, highly gifted as a public 
speaker, laborious and exact in the performance of all his professional duties and 
engagements — these great qualities, united to his exalted private character, gave 
him a position at the bar, which few men ever attained, or ever deserved; and 
enabled him, besides the great distinction he acquired, to accumulate a large for- 
tune. An event extremely characteristic attended the disposition of his estate : 
for on his death bed, he absolutely refused to make a will, saying that he had 
done his best to have such provisions made by law for the distribution of estates, 
as seemed to him wise and just, and he would adhere to it for his own family. 
At the end of forty years, it is not unworthy to be recorded, that his wisdom and 
foresight, in this remarkable transaction, did not lose their reward. 

As a statesman, very few men of his generation occupied a more commanding 
position, or mingled more controllingly with all the great questions of the day ; 
and not one enjoyed a more absolute popularity, or maintained a more spotless 
reputation. He took a leading, perhaps a decisive part in all the great questions 
of a local character that agitated Kentucky, from 1793 to 1806, and whose settle- 
ment still exerts a controlling influence upon the character of her people and in- 
stitutions. The constitution of 1798-99, which is still preserved unaltered, was 
more the work of his hands than of any one single man. The question of negro 
slavery, as settled in that constitution, upon a middle and moderate ground, — the 
ground which Kentucky still occupies — the systematizing, to some extent, the 
civil and criminal codes — the simplification of the land law — the law of 
descents — the penitentiary system — the abolition of the punishment of death, 
except for wilful murder and treason — all these, and many other important sub- 
jects, of a kindred nature, fell under his moulding labors at the forming period of 
the commonwealth, and remain still nearly as they were adjusted half a century 
ago. In those vital questions that involved the destiny of the whole west, and 
threatened the plan if not the continuance of the Union itself, no man took an 
earlier or more decided stand. It is capable of proof, that the free navigation of 
the Mississippi river, and subsequently the purchase of Louisiana (^ which latter 
act, though it covered Mr. Jefferson with glory, he hesitated to perform, upon 
doubts both as to its policy and constitutionality), were literally forced upon the 
general government by demonstrations from the west, in which the mind and the 
hand of this great patriot and far-sighted statesman were conspicuous above all. 

As a statesman, however, he is best known as one of the leading men — perhaps 
in the west, the undoubted leader of the old democratic party ; which came into 
power with Mr. Jefferson, as president, under whose administration he was made 
attorney general of the United States. He was an ardent friend, personal and 
political, of Mr. Jefferson ; he coincided with him upon the great principles of the 
old democracy; he concerted with him and Mr. Madison, and others of kindred 
views, the movements which brought the democratic party into power; he sup- 
ported the interests of that party with pre-eminent ability, in the legislature of 
Kentucky, and in the senate of the United States ; and died as much beloved, 
honored and trusted by it, as any man he left behind. Some twenty years after 
his death, it began to be whispered, and then to be intimated in a few news- 
papers, that the Kentucky resolutions of 1798-9, which he offered, and which 
was the first great movement against the alien and sedition laws — and the general 
principles of the party that passed them, were in fact the production of Mr. Jef- 
ferson himself, and not of John Breckinridge ; and it is painful to reflect that Mr. 
Jefferson did certainly connive at this mean calumny upon the memory of his 
friend. The family of Mr. Breckinridge have constantly asserted that their father 
was the sole and true author of these resolutions, and constantly defied the pro- 
duction of proof to the contrary ; and there seems to be no question that they are 
right. 

In stature, John Breckinridge was above the middle size of men ; tall, slender 
and muscular ; a man of great power and noble appearance. He had very clear 
gray eyes, and brown hair, inclining to a slight shade of red. He was extremely 



216 BULLITT COUNTY. 

grave and silent in his ordinary intercourse ; a man singularly courteous and 
gentle, and very tenderly loved by those who knevir him. His family consisted 
of nine children: two of them only, with his venerable widow, still live; but his 
descendants are numerous, both of his own and other names. 



BULLITT COUNTY. 

Bullitt county was established in 1796, and named for Lieuten- 
ant Governor Bullitt. It is situated in the north-west middle 
part of the state, its extreme western boundary extending to near 
the mouth of Salt river, and is watered by that stream and its 
tributaries. Bounded on the north by Jefferson ; east by Spencer; 
south by Nelson, and on the west by Hardin and Meade, — the 
Rolling fork of Salt river washing its south-west border. This 
county is generally fertile, though the surface is rolling; the 
scenery is variegated and beautiful, the hills covered with tall 
pine and laurel, and abounding in iron and other ores, and salt 
and mineral waters. The valuation of taxable property in 1846, 
$1,801,972; number of acres in the county, 162,004; average 
value per acre, $5,56 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 1,206; children between five and sixteen years of 
age, 1,313. Hogs, cattle and sheep, are the principal articles of 
commerce ; a great number of the former being driven to Louis- 
ville annually. There are in the county, three woolen factories, 
four steam merchant mills, a number of blast iron furnaces, and 
a rolling mill and forges, making superior iron and nails. 

The towns in Bullitt, are, Shepherdsville, Mount Washington 
and Pittstown. Shepherdsville, the county seat, is situated on Salt 
river, seventy-four miles from Frankfort — contains one Methodist 
church, (a handsome brick building, appropriated to the use of 
Bullitt academy,) four stores, two groceries, five doctors, seven 
lawyers, three taverns and twenty mechanics' shops. Incorpo- 
rated in 1793. Population about four hundred. Mount Wash- 
ington, formerly Vernon, a beautiful town, incorporated in 1822, 
contains three churches, two schools, six stores and groceries, five 
doctors, one lawyer, two taverns, and twelve mechanical trades. 
Population about seven hundred. Pittstown is a small village, 
situated at the junction of the Rolling fork and main Salt river, 
nine miles from Shepherdsville. 

The Paroquet Springs, a fine and popular watering place — the 
grounds beautifiilly improved, with rooms sufficient for the accom- 
modation of six hundred persons — is situated half a mile above 
Shepherdsville, in this county. The water contains salt, iron, 
magnesia and salts. Bullitt's old licks, where the first salt works 
were erected in Kentucky, lie about three miles from Shepherds- 
ville. 

The first forts and stations erected in the county, were called Fort Nonsense, 
Mud Garrison, Breashear's Station, Clear's Station and Whitaker's Station; 
which were severally the scenes of a number of conflicts with the Indians, who 



BULLITT COUNTY. 217 

resorted to the licks to hunt the game, and make salt. Near Bullitt's lick, on a 
high knob, which is called "Caiiill's knob," the Indians whipped to death an old 
man whom they caught while chopping wood for the salt works. 

Hknrv Crist was born in the state of Virginia, in the year 1764. During the 
revolutionary war, his father, with a numerous family, emigrated to the western 
part of Pennsylvania, from whence young Henry and other ardent youths of the 
neighborhood, made frequent and daring excursions into the western wilderness; 
sometimes into what is now the state of Ohio, sometimes to Limestone, (now 
Maysville,) and finally to the falls of the Ohio, which place he first visited in 1779. 
The buffalo and deer had clearly indicated to the early settlers, those places where 
salt water was to be found. The greatdifficulty of importing salt, the increasing 
demand and high price of the article, encouraged the attempt to manufacture iiere 
at a very early day. Salt was made at Bullitt's lick, now in Bullitt county, near 
seventy years ago. 

In Grist's excursions to the west, he had become acquainted and associated with 
an enterprising Dutchman, named Myers, a land agent and general locator, and in 
whose name more land has been entered than in that of almost any other man in 
the west. This pursuit of locator of lands, brought Crist at a very early day to 
Bullitt's lick, where betook a prominent and active part in some of those scenes 
which have contributed to the notoriety of that renowned resort of all who lived 
within fifty miles around in the first settlement of the country. Here the first salt 
was made in Kentucky, and here from five hundred to a thousand men were col- 
lected together in the various branches of salt making, as well as buying of, sell- 
ing to, and guarding the salt makers, when Louisville and Lexington could boast 
but a kw hovels, and when the buffalo slept in security around the base of Cap- 
itol hill. 

In May, 1778, a flat boat loaded with kettles, intended for the manufacture of 
salt at Bullitt's lick, left Louisville with thirteen persons, twelve armed men and 
one woman, on board. The boat and cargo were owned by Henry Crist and Sol- 
omon ISpears; and the company consisted of Crist, Spears, Christian Crepps, 
Thomas Floyd, Josepii Boyce, Evans Moore, an Irishman named Fossett, and five 
others, and a woman, whose names the writer cannot now recollect, though he 
has heard Crist often repeat them. The intention of the party was to descend the 
Ohio, which was then very high, to the mouth of Salt river, and then ascend the 
latter river, the current of which was entirely deadened by back water from the 
Ohio, to a place near the licks, called Mud Garrison, which was a temporary for- 
tification, constructed of two rows of slight stockades, and the space between 
filled with mud and gravel from the bank of the river hard by. The works enclosed 
a space of about half an acre, and stood about midway between Bullitt's lick 
and the falls of Salt river, where Nhepherdsville now stands. These works were 
then occupied by the families of the salt makers, and those who hunted to supply 
them with food, and acted also as au advanced guard to give notice of the approach 
of any considerable body of men. 

On the 25th of May, the boat entered Salt river, and the hands commenced 
working her up with sweep-oars. There was no current one way or the other — 
while in the Ohio, the great breadth of the river secured them against any sud- 
den attack, but when they came into Salt river, they were within reach of the 
Indian rifle from either shore. It became necessary, therefore, to send out scouts, 
to apprise them of any danger ahead. In the evening of the first day of their as- 
cent of the river, Crist and Floyd went ashore to reconnoitre the bank of the river 
ahead of the boat. Late in the evening they discovered a fresh trail, but for 
want of light, they could not make out the number of Indians. They remained 
out all night, but made no further discoveries. In the morning, as they were re- 
turning down the river towards the boat, they heard a number of guns, which 
they believed to be Indians killing game for breakfast. They hastened back to 
the boat and communicated what they had heard and seen. 

They pulled on up the river until about eight o'clock, and arrived at a point 
eiglit miles below the mouth of the Rolling furk, where they drew into shore on 
the north side of the river, now in Bullitt county, intending to land and cook and 
eat their breakfast. As they drew into shore, they heard the gobbling of turkeys 
(as they supposed) on the bank where they were going to land, and as the boat 
touched, Fossett and another sprang ashore, with their guns in their hands, to 



218 FIGHT WITH THE INDIANS. 

shoot turkeys. They were cautioned of tlicir danger, but disregarding the admo- 
nition, liaslily ascended the banli. Their companions in the boat had barely lost 
sight of them, when tliey heard a volley of rifles discharged all at once on the 
bank immediately above, succeeded by a yell of savages so terrific as to induce 
a belief that the woods were filled with Indians. This attack, so sudden and vi- 
olent, took the boat's company by surprise ; and they had barely time to seize 
their rifles and place themselves in a posture of defence, when Fossett and his 
companion came dashing down the bank, hotly pursued by a large body of Indi- 
ans. Crist stood in the bow of the boat, with his rifle in his hand. At the first 
sight of the enemy, he brought his gun to his face, but instantly perceived that 
the object of his aim was a white man, and a sudden thought flashed across his 
mind, that the enemy was a company of surveyors that he knew to be then in 
the woods, and that the attack was made in sport, &c., let his gun down, and 
at the same time his white foeinan sunk out of his sight behind the bank. But 
the firing had begun in good earnest on both sides. Crist again brought his rifle 
to his face, and as he did so the white man's head was rising over the bank, with 
his gun also drawn up and presented. Crist got the fire on him, and at the crack 
of his rifle the white man fell forward dead. Fossett's hunting companion plun- 
ged into the water, and got in safely at the bow of the boat. But Fossett's arm 
was broken by the first fire on the hill. The boat, owing to the high water, did 
not touch the land, and he got into the river further toward the stern, and swam 
round with his gun in his left hand, and was taken safely into the stern. So in- 
tent were the Indians on the pursuit of their prey, that many of them ran to the 
water's edge, struck and shot at Fossett and his companion while they were get- 
ting into the boat, and some even seized the boat and attempted to draw it nearer 
the shore. In this attempt many of the Indians perished; some were shot dead 
as they approached the boat, others were killed in the river, and it required the 
most stubborn resistance and determined valor to keep them from carrying the 
boat by assault. Repulsed in their efforts to board the boat, the savages with 
drew higher up the bank, and taking their stations behind trees, commenced 
a regular and galling fire, which was returned with the spirit of brave men ren- 
dered desperate by the certain knowledge that no quarter would be given, and 
that it was an issue of victory or death to every soul on board. 

The boat had a log-chain for a cable, and when she was first brought ashore, 
the chain was thrown round a small tree that stood in the water's edge, and the 
hook run through one of the links. This had been done before the first fire 
was made upon Fossett on shore. The kettles in the boat had been ranked up 
along the sides, leaving an open gangway through the middle of the boat from 
bow to stern. Unfortunately, the bow lay to shore, so that the guns of the Indi- 
ans raked the whole length of the gangway, and their fire was constant and de- 
structive. Spears and several others of the bravest men had already fallen, some 
killed and others mortally wounded. From the commencement of the battle, 
many efforts had been made to disengage the boat from the shore, all of which 
had failed. The hope was that, if they could once loose the cable, the boat 
would drift out of the reach of the enemy's guns ; but any attempt to do this by 
hand would expose the person to certain destruction. Fossett's right arm was 
broken, and he could no longer handle his rifle. He got a pole, and placing him- 
self low down in the bow of the boat, commenced punching at the hook 
in the chain, but the point of the hook was turned from him, and all his efforts 
seemed only to drive it further into the link. He at length discovered where a 
small limb had been cut from the pole, and left a knot about an inch long ; this 
knot, after a number of efforts, he placed against the point of the hook, and, jerking 
the pole suddenly towards him, threw^ the hook out of the link. The chain fell, and 
the boat drifted slowly out from the bank; and by means of an oar worked over 
head, the boat was brought into the middle of the river, with her side to the shore, 
which protected them from the fire of the Indians. The battle had now lasted up- 
wards of an hour. The odds against the crew was at least ten to one. The fire 
had been very destructive on both sides, and a great many of the Indians had been 
killed ; but if the boat had remained much longer at the shore, it was manifest 
that there would have been none of the crew left to tell the tale of their disaster. 

The survivors had now time to look round upon the havoc that had been made 
of their little band. Five of their companions lay dead in the gangway — Spears, 



BULLITT COUNTY. 2W 

Floyd, Fossett and Boyce were wounded — Crepps, Crist and Moore remained 
unhurt. It was evident that Spears' wound was mortal, and that he could sur- 
vive but a few moments. He urged the survivors to run the boat to the opposite 
side of the river, and save themselves by immediate flight, and leave him to his 
fate. Crepps and Crist positively refused. 

But the boat was gradually nearing the southern shore of the river. At this 
time the Indians, to the number of forty or fifty, were seen crossing the river 
above, at a few hundred yards distance, some on logs, and some swimming and 
carrying their rifles over their heads. The escape of the boat was now hopeless, 
as there was a large body of Indians on each side of the river. If the boat had 
been carried immediately to the opposite side of the river as soon as her cable 
was loosed, the survivors might have escaped ; but to such minds and hearts, the 
idea of leaving their dying friends to the mercy of the Indian tomahawk was in- 
supportable. The boat at length touched the southern shore — a hasty preparation 
was made to bear the wounded into the woods — Floyd, Fossett and Boyce got to 
land, and sought concealment in the thickets. Crepps and Crist turned to their 
suffering friend. Spears, but death had kindly stepped in and cut short the savage 
triumph. The woman now remained. They oflTered to assist her to shore, that 
she might take her chance of escape in the woods ; but the danger of her posi- 
tion, and the scenes of blood and death around her, had overpowered her senses, 
and no entreaty or remonstrance could prevail with her to move. She sat with 
her face buried in her hands, and no eflfort could make her sensible that there was 
any hope of escape. 

The Indians had gained the south side of the river, and were yelling like 
blood-hounds as they ran down towards the boat, which they now looked upon 
as their certain prey. Crepps and Crist seized a rifle apiece, and ascended the 
river bank : at the top of the hill they met the savages and charged them with a 
shout. Crepps fired upon them, but Crist, in his haste, had taken up Fossett's 
gun, which had got wet as he swam with ii into the boat on the opposite side — 
it missed fire. At this time Moore passed them and escaped. The Indians, 
when charged by Crepps and Crist, fell back into a ravine that put into the river 
immediately above them. They parted, and met no more. The Indians, intent 
on plunder, did not pursue them, but rushed into the boat. Crist heard one long, 
agonizing shriek from the unfortunate woman, and the wild shouts of the sava- 
ges, as they possessed themselves of the spoils of a costly but barren victory. 

Crepps, in the course of the next day, arrived in the neighborhood of Long 
lick, and being unable to travel farther, laid down in the woods to die. Moore 
alone escaped unhurt, and brought in the tidings of the defeat of the boat. The 
country was at once roused. Crepps was found, and brought in, but died about 
the time he reached home. Crist described Crepps as a tall, fair haired, hand- 
some man : kind, brave, and enterprising, and possessed of all those high and 
striking qualities that gave the heroic stamp to that hardy race of pioneers 
amongst whom he had lived and died. He had been the lion of the fight. By 
exposing himself to the most imminent peril, he inspirited his companions with 
his own contempt of danger. He and Crist had stood over Fossett, and kept the 
Indians treed while he disengaged the cable; and his coolness during the long, 
bloody struggle of the day, had won the admiration of Crist himself — than whom 
a more dauntless man had never contended with mortal foe. Crepps left a young 
wife and one son, then an infant. His wife was enceinte at the time of his death 
— the posthumous child was a daughter, and is the wife of the Hon. Charles A. 
WicklifFe. The son died shortly after he arrived at man's estate. 

Crist was so disabled by the wound that he could not walk. The bones of 
his heel were crushed. He crept into a thicket and laid down — his wound bled 
profusely. He could not remain here long. His feet were now of no use to him. 
He bound his moccasins on his knees, and commenced his journey. Piece by 
piece his hat, hunting shirt, and vest were consumed to shield his hands against 
the rugged rocks which lay in his way. He crawled on all day up the river, 
and at night crossed over to the north side upon a log that he rolled down the 
bank. He concealed himself in a thicket and tried to sleep — but pain and ex- 
haustion and loss of blood had driven sleep from his eyes. His foot and leg 
were much swollen and inflamed. Guided by the stars he crept on again — be- 
tween midnight and day he came in sight of a camp fire, and heard the barking 



220 HENRY CRIST. 

of a dog. A number of Indians rose up from around the fire, and he crept softly 
away from the light. He laid down and remained quiet for some time. When 
all was still again, he resumed his slow and painful journey. He crawled into a 
small branch, and kept on down it for some distance upon the rocks, that he 
might leave no trace behind him. At daylight, he ascended an eminence of con- 
siderable height to ascertain, if possible, where he was, and how to shape his 
future course; but all around was wilderness. He was aiming to reach Bullitt's 
lick, now about eight miles distant, and his progress was not half a mile an hour. 
He toiled on all day — night came on — the second night of his painful journey. 
Since leaving the small branch the night before, he had found no water — since 
the day before the battle he had not tasted food. Worn dovvn with hunger, want 
of sleep, acute pain, and raging thirst, he laid himself down to die. But his suf- 
ferings were not to end here — guided again by the stars, he struggled on. Every 
rag that he could interpose between the rugged stones and his bleeding hands 
and knee (for he could now use but one), was worn away. The morning came 
— the morning of the third day ; it brought him but little hope ; but the indomi- 
table spirit within him disdained to yield, and during the day he made what pro- 
gress he could. As the evening drew on, he became aware that he was in the 
vicinity of Bullitt's lick; but he could go no further; nature had made her last 
effort, and he laid himself down atnd prayed that death would speedily end his 
sufferings. 

When darkness came on, from where he lay he could see the hundred fires of 
the furnaces at the licks all glowing; and he even fancied he could see the dusky 
forms of the firemen as they passed to and fro around the pits, but they were more 
than a half mile off, and how was he to reach them 1 He had not eaten a morsel 
in four days, he had been drained of almost his last drop of blood, the wounded 
leg had become so stiff and swollen that for the last two days and nights he had 
dragged it after him ; the flesh was worn from his knee and from the palms of his 
hands. Relief was in his sight, but to reach it was impossible. Suddenly he 
heard the tramp of a horse's feet approaching him, and hope sprang up once more 
in his breast. The sound came nearer and still more near. A path ran near the 
place where he lay, a man on horse-back approached within a few rods of him, 
he mustered his remaining strength, and hailed him ; but to his utter surprise and 
dismay, the horseman turned suddenly and galloped off towards the Licks. De- 
spair now seized him. To die alone of hunger and thirst, in sight of hundreds 
and of plenty, seemed to him the last dregs of the bitterest cup that fate could 
offer to mortal lips. O ! that he could have fallen by the side of his friends in 
the proud battle I That he could have met the Indian tomahawk, and died in the 
strength of his manhood ; and not have been doomed to linger out his life in days 
and nights of pain and agony, and to die by piecemeal in childish despair. While 
these thoughts were passing in his mind, the horseman (a negro), regained the 
Licks and alarmed the people there with the intelligence that the Indians were 
approaching. On being interrogated, all the account he could give was, that 
some person had called to him in the woods a half mile off, and called him by the 
wrong name. It was manifest it was not Indians ; and forthwith a number of 
men set out, guided by the negro, to the place. Grist's hopes again revived, when 
he heard voices, and saw lights approaching. They came near and hailed. Crist 
knew the voice, and called to the man by name. This removed all doubt, and 
they approached the spot where he lay. A sad and mournful sight was before 
them. A man that had left them but a few days before, in the bloom of youth, 
health and buoyant spirits, now lay stretched upon the earth, a worn and mangled 
skeleton, unable to lift a hand to bid them welcome. They bore him home. The 
ball was extracted ; but his recovery was slow and doubtful. It was a year before 
he was a man again. 

The woman in the boat was carried a prisoner to Canada. Ten years after- 
wards, Crist met her again in Kentucky. She had been redeemed by an Indian 
trader, and brought into Wayne's camp on the Maumee, and restored to her friends. 
She informed Crist that the body of Indians which made the attack on the boat, 
numbered over one hundred and twenty, of whom about thirty were killed in the 
engagement. This account was confirmed by Indians whom Crist met with 
afterwards, and who had been in the battle. They told Crist that the boat's crew 
fought more like devils than men, and if they had taken one of them prisoner, 



BUTLER COUNTY. 

they would have roasted him alive. Crist vv'as afterwards a member of the Ken- 
tucky legislature, and in 1808 was a member of Congress. He died at his resi- 
dence in Bullitt county, in August, 1844, aged eighty years. 

Alexander Scott Bullitt was born in Prince William county, Virginia, in 
the year 1T61. His father, Cuthbert Bullitt, was a lawyer of some distinction, 
and practiced his profession with success until he was appointed a judge of the 
supreme court of Virginia, which office he held at the time of his death. In 1784, 
six years before the father's death, the subject of this sketch emigrated to Ken- 
tucky, then a portion of Virginia, and settled on or near the stream called BuUskin, 
in what is now Shelby county. Here he resided but a kw months, being com- 
pelled by the annoyances to which he was subjected by the Indians, to seek a less 
exposed situation. This he found in Jefferson county, in the neighborhood of 
Sturgus' station, where he entered and settled upon the tract of land on which 
he continued to reside until his death. In the fall of 1785, he married the daughter 
of Col. W. Christian, who had removed from Virginia the preceding spring. In 
April, 1786, Colonel Christian, with a party of eight or ten men, pursued a small 
body of Indians, who had been committing depredations on the property of the 
settlers in the neighborhood of Sturgus' station. Two of the Indians were over- 
taken about a mile north of JefTersonvilie, Indiana, and finding escape impossible, 
they turned upon their pursuers, and one of them fired at Colonel Christian, who 
was foremost in the pursuit, and mortally wounded him. Next to Colonel Chris- 
tian, was the subject of this sketch and Colonel John O'Bannon, who fired simul- 
taneously, bringing both Indians to the ground. Under the impression that the 
Indians were both dead, a man by the name of Kelly incautiously approached 
them, when one of them who, though mortally wounded, still retained some 
strength and all his thirst for blood, raised himself to his knees, and fired with 
the rifle which had not been discharged, killed Kelly, fell back and expired.* 

In the year 1792, Colonel Bullitt was elected by the people of Jefferson county 
a delegate to the convention which met in Danville, and framed the constitution 
of Kentucky. After the adoption of the constitution, he represented the county 
in the legislature, and was president of the senate until 1799, when he was again 
chosen a delegate to the convention to amend the constitution, which met in 
Frankfort. Of this convention he was chosen president. The year following 
this convention, (1800,) he was elected lieutenant governor of the state, in which 
capacity he served one term. After this, his county continued to send him to the 
legislature, of which body he served either as a representative or senator, until 
about 1808, when he retired from public life, and resided on his farm in Jefferson 
county until his death, which occurred on the 13th of April, 1816. 



BUTLER COUNTY. 

Botler county was organized in the year 1810. It is situated in 
the south-west part of the State, and lies on both sides of Green 
river. It is bounded on the north by Ohio and Grayson ; east by 
Warren ; south by Logan, and west by Muhlenburg. The taxa- 
ble property of the county in 1846, as reported by the auditor, is 
$501,483 ; number of acres of land, 163,441 ; average value per 
acre, $1,45; white males over twenty-one years, 793; children 
between the ages of five and sixteen years, 1,162. Population in 
1830, 3,055 ; in 1840, 3,898. The surface is hilly ; the soil second 
rate, but productive. Besides Barren river, which flows through 

♦This account, which is believed lo be substantially correct, differs in some particulars from that 
gfiven in the biographical sketch of Colonel Christian. 



222 CALDWELL COUNTlf. 

the county, it is watered by a number of fine mill streams. To- 
bacco is the principal staple. 

The towns of the county are — Morgantown, Lockport and 
Roduster. Morgantown is the seat of justice, and is situated on 
the left or southern bank of Greezi river, one hundred and forty- 
one miles from Frankfort — contains a court-house and jail, post 
office, one school, two lawyers, three doctors, six different trades, 
and one hundred and ten inhabitants. Incorporated in 1813. 
Lockport is a small village, containing thirty inhabitants, situated 
on the Green river, at lock and dam No. 4. Roduster is also a 
very small village, containing about thirty inhabitants. 

This county received its name in honor of General Butler, of Pennsylvania, 
an officer of the revolutionary war, who distinguished himself, on more than one 
occasion, in a remarkable manner. He commanded the right wing of the Ameri- 
can army under General St. Clair, in the memorable and disastrous battle with 
the Indians on one of the tributaries of the Wabash, near the Miami villages, in 
the now state of Ohio. He was wounded early in the action, and before his 
wounds could be dressed, an Indian who had penetrated the ranks of the regi- 
ment, ran up to the spot where he lay, and tomahawked him before his attendants 
could interpose. The desperate savage was instantly killed. 



CALDWELL COUNTY. 

Caldwell county was formed in 1809, and named in honor of 
Gen. .John Caldwell. It is situated on the waters of the Cumber- 
land and Tennessee rivers — bounded on the north by Crittenden 
and Hopkins ; east by Christian ; south by Trigg ; and west by 
the Tennessee river. The portion of the county lying between 
the Twigg and Crittenden lines, is a beautiful plain, being level 
and productive, except between the Cumberland and Tennessee, 
which is broken and poor, but abounds with ore ; and there are 
already in operation in that section, five large iron establish- 
ments, and one furnace for smelting lead. The portion of the 
county bordering on the Trade water, (a navigable stream,) is 
generally undulating. Coal has been found on Flinn's fork, but 
has not yet been worked. The principal exports are tobacco, 
corn, pork, and iron. 

The valuation of taxable property in 1846, was $2,157,206 ; 
number of acres of land, 304,935 ; number of white males over 
twenty one years of age, 1,935 ; children between five and six- 
teen years of age, 2,253. Population in 1830, 8,832— in 1840, 
10,365. 

The towns of Caldwell are, Princeton, Fredonia, and Eddyville. 
Princeton, the county seat, is about 230 miles from Frankfort — 
contains four churches (Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and 
Cumberland Presbyterian), Cumberland college, one academy, 
two schools, ten stores and groceries, four taverns, seven lawyers, 
seven doctors, and tw^enty mechanical shops and manufactories. 
Incorporated in 1820 — population twelve hundred. Fredonia is a 



CALLOWAY COUNTY. 223 

small town, twelve miles west of Princeton, and contains one 
Presbyterian chm-ch, one school, two stores, two doctors, and four 
mechanical trades — population one hundred. Eddyville is situa- 
ted on the Cumberland river, at the mouth of Eddy creek, from 
which it takes its name — contains one church edifice, two schools, 
ten stores and groceries, four warehouses, two taverns, three doc- 
tors, and fourteen mechanical shops. Incorporated in 1812 — pop- 
ulation six hundred. 

The Cumberland College is located in the vicinity of Princeton, and under 
the control and management of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. The in- 
stitution was organized in 1825, as a manual labor school; but the mode of con- 
ducting it has been changed, and it is now a literary institution only, the manual 
labor system not having operated well. Like most institutions of learning in the 
west, it has had many and trying reverses. In 1842 it was in a great measure 
abandoned by the church. In 1844, the Green river synod assumed the charge 
of the college, and undertook to endow and perpetuate it. Its operations, in the 
mean time, had been carried on by enterprising individuals. The institution is 
located one mile from the court house. The site is beautiful, and susceptible of 
the highest degree of improvement. There are two neat and substantial brick 
buildings, one of them newly erected, for dormitories and public purposes, be- 
sides a president's house. The college library consists of several hundred vol- 
umes. There is also a respectable philosophical and chemical apparatus. The 
faculty of the institution consists of a president, two professors, and a tutor. The 
average number of students is sixty. The whole number of graduates since the 
establishment of the college is fifty-two. 

Gen. John Caldwell, in honor of whom this county received its name, was a 
native of Prince Edward county, Virginia. He removed to Kentucky in 1781, and 
settled near where Danville now stands. He took an active part in the conflicts 
with the Indians, and rose by regular steps from the rank of a common soldier to 
that of a major general in the militia. He served as a subaltern in the campaign 
against the Indians in 178(5, under Gen". George Rogers Clark. He was a prom- 
inent man of his day — esteemed in private and political, as he was in military 
life. He was a member, from Nelson county, of the conventions held in Dan- 
ville in 1787 and 1788. In 1792, he was elected from the same county a senato- 
rial elector, under the first constitution; and in the college of electors, he was 
chosen the senator from Nelson. He took his seat in the senate at the session of 
1792-3. He was elected lieutenant governor of the State in 1804, and during 
his term of service removed to the lower part of the State. He died at Frank- 
fort in the year 1807 or 1808, while the legislature was in session. 



CALLOWAY COUNTY. 

Calloway county was formed in 1821, and is situated in the 
south-western part of the State, immediately below and on the 
waters of the Tennessee river — bounded on the north by Mar- 
shall, east by the Tennessee river, south by the State line of 
Tennessee, and west by the county of Graves. The surface of 
more than half of the county is level bottoms, interspersed with 
enough timber for farming purposes, tho^igh the broken and hilly 
portion has the densest population. The staple products are to- 
bacco, corn, and small grain. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $800,004 ; number of acres 



224 CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

of land in the county, 235,736 ; average value per acre, $1,78; 
number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 1,191 ; 
children between five and sixteen years old, 1,966. Population 
in 1840, 9,794. 

There are three towns, Murray, New Concord, and Wadesbo- 
rough, in Calloway. Murray, the county seat, is about two hun- 
dred and fifty miles from PVankfort — contains a handsome brick 
court-house and jail, a Christian church, four stores, two taverns, 
three lawyers, three doctors, five mechanics' shops, with 200 in- 
habitants — named after the Hon. J. L. Murray. New Concord is 
a small village in the south-eastern part of the county, contain- 
ing two doctors, one store, one tavern, a few mechanics' shops, 
with 60 inhabitants. Wadesborough was formerly the county seat 
— contains one store, two taverns, one doctor, one smith, one 
lanyard — population 70. Named after Mr. Banister Wade. 

This county was called after Col. Richard Calloway, who removed with his 
family to Kentucky in 1776. He speedily became an efficient actor in the affairs 
of the infant settlements, and his services were numerous and valuable. As 
early as 1777, he and John Todd were elected the first burgesses to the general 
assembly of Virginia; while, in the spring of the same year, he had been appointed 
a justice of the peace. In 1779, he, with others, under an act of the Virginia legis- 
lature, was appointed a trustee to lay off the town of Boonsborough. The 
trustees declined to act; others were appointed. Mr. Morehead, in his eloquent 
Boonsborough address, classes Col. Calloway among the law-givers and defen- 
ders of the frontier. His career in the new settlements, however, was short. 
Like a great many other daring spirits of the times, he was killed before he had 
an opportunity of very greatly distinguishing himself. 



CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

Campbell county was formed in 1794, and named in honor of 
Colonel John Campbell. It is situated in the north part of the 
State, and lies' on the Ohio, immediately above Licking river : 
Bounded on the north and east by the Ohio river ; south by Pen- 
dleton, and west by Licking river, which separates it from Ken- 
ton. Alexandria, the county seat, is about eighty miles from 
Frankfort. The face of the country is diversified — the river bot- 
toms being level, rich and productive, while the uplands are undu- 
lating or hilly. The staple products are corn, wheat, tobacco 
and pork. 

The taxable property of Campbell in 1846, was valued at 
$1,668,757; number of acres of land in the county, 77,208; 
average value per acre, $11,56; total number of white males 
over twenty-one years of age, 1,472; children bet\veen five and 
sixteen years old, 1,444. Population in 1840, 5,214. 

Newport is the principal town of Campbell. It is situated on 
a beautiful bottom on the Ohio, immediately above the junction 
of the Licking with that noble river, and opposite the city of 
Cincinnati. It contains five churches of different denominations, 



BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS. 225 

one seminary of learning, five private schools, five lawyers, five 
physicians, six stores, twenty-three groceries, two lodges of Ma- 
sons, one lodge of Odd Fellows, one division of the Sons of 
Temperance, one rolling mill, one cotton factory, one rope walk, 
one silk factory, three blacksmith shops, twelve carpenter and 
joiners' shops, two tailor and two saddler shops, two taverns, one 
court-house, one market-house — with two hundred and fifty brick 
and one hundred and seventy-five frame houses. Population 
about 4,000. Newport is rapidly increasing in population and 
wealth, and her trade and manufacturing estabhshments have 
more than doubled within the short period of five years. 

Alexandria is the county seat of Campbell, situated about thir- 
teen miles from Newport, and about eighty miles from Frankfort. 
It contains a court-house and the usual public buildings, with a 
small population. 

The county of Campbell, as originally organized, comprised the 
territory at present embraced by Campbell, Pendleton, Boone, 
Kenton and part of Grant. The justices of the first quarter ses- 
sion court of the new county, were — Washington Berry, presi- 
dent. Captain John Craig and Charles Daniel, sen. The county 
court justices, were — Robert Benham, Thomas Kennedy, John 
Hall, John Bush, John Cook, John Ewing and Thomas Corwin. 
The first courts of the county met, by law, at Wilmington, 
on Licking river, about twenty-two miles from Newport, but the 
county seat was afterwards located at Newport. 

James Taylor (the present venerable General James Taylor of 
Newport), was elected the first clerk of both the county and quar- 
ter sessions court, and Captain Nathan Kelly the first sheriff of 
the county. When the county of Kenton was stricken off from 
Campbell, the county seat was removed to Alexandria. 

In the autumn of 1779, two keel boats, laden with military stores, bound from 
New Orleans to Pittsburgh, under the command of Colonel Rogers, were ascend- 
ing the Ohio river ; and when near the sand-bar, above where the city of Cin- 
cinnati now stands, called four mile bar — they discovered a nr.nber of Indians 
on rafts and in canoes coming out of the mouth of the Little Miami river, which 
stream was then very high, and shot its w^aters, together with the Indian craft, 
nearly across the river. Colonel Rogers immediately landed his boats, and the 
crew, to the number of seventy men, advanced secretly through the woods and 
willows that grew thickly on the sand bar which here joined the Kentucky shore, 
expecting to attack the Indians, when they should land, by surprise. Before, 
however, Rogers had succeeded in reaching the point where he presumed he 
would encounter the savages, he found himself suddenly surrounded by a force 
of more than treble his numbers. The Indians instantly poured in a close dis- 
charge of rifles, and then throwing down their guns, fell upon the survivors with 
the tomahawk! The panic was complete, and the slaughter prodigious. Major 
Rogers, together with forty-five of his men, were almost instantly destroyed. 
The survivors made an effort to regain their boats, but the five men who had been 
left in charge of them, had immediately put off from shore in the hindmost boat, 
and the enemy had already gained possession of the other. Disappointed in the 
attempt, they turned furiously upon the enemy, and aided by the approach of 
darkness, forced their way through their lines, and with the loss of several 
severely wounded, at length effected their escape to Harrodsburgh. 

Among the wounded was Capt. Robert Benham. Shortly after breaking through 
the enemy's line, he was shot through both hips, and the bones being shattered, 
15 



226 CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

he instantly fell to the ground. Fortunately, a large tree had recently fallen near 
the spot where he lay, and with great pain, he dragged himself into the top, and 
lay concealed among the branches. The Indians, eager in pursuit of the others, 
passed him without notice, and by midnight all was quiet. On the following day, 
the Indians returned to the battle ground, in order to strip the dead and take care 
of the boats. Benham, although in danger of famishing, permitted them to pass 
without making known his condition, very correctly supposing that his crippled 
legs would only induce them to tomahawk him on the spot, in order to avoid the 
trouble of carrying him to their town. 

He lay close, therefore, until the evening of the second day, w^hen perceiving a 
racoon descending a tree, near him, he shot it, hoping to devise some means of 
reaching it, when he could kindle a fire and make a meal. Scarcely had his gun 
cracked, however, when he heard a human cry, apparently not more than fifty 
yards off. Supposing it to be an Indian, he hastily reloaded his gun, and re- 
mained silent, expecting the approach of an enemy. Presently the same voice 
was heard again, but much nearer. Still Benham made no reply, but cocked his 
gun, and sat ready to fire as soon as an object appeared. A third halloo was 
quickly heard, followed by an exclamation of impatience and distress, which con- 
vinced Benham that the unknown must be a Kentuckian. As soon, therefore, as 
he heard the expression, " whoever you are, for God's sake answer me," he 
replied with readiness, and the parties were soon together. 

Benham, as we have already observed, was shot through both legs. The man 
who now appeared, had escaped from the same battle, with both arms broken ! 
Thus each was enabled to supply what the other wanted. Benham, having the 
perfect use of his arms, could load his gun and kill game with great readiness, 
while his friend, having the use of his legs, could kick the game to the spot 
where Benham sat, who was thus enabled to cook it. When no wood was near 
them, his companion would rake up brush with his feet, and gradually roll it 
within reach of Benham's hands, who constantly fed his companion, and dressed 
his wounds as well as his own — tearing up both their shirts for that purpose. 
They found some difficulty in procuring water at first; but Benham at length 
took his own hat, and placing the rim between the teeth of his companion, direc- 
ted him to wade into the Licking up to his neck, and dip the hat into the water 
by sinking his own head. The man who could walk, was thus enabled to bring 
water by means of his teeth, which Benham could afterwards dispose of as was 
necessary. 

In a few days, they had killed all the squirrels and birds within reach, and the 
man with broken arms was sent out to drive game within gunshot of the spot to 
which Benharn was confined. Fortunately, wild turkies were abundant in those 
woods, and his companion would walk around, and drive them towards Benham, 
who seldom failed to kill two or three of each flock. In this manner they sup- 
ported themselves for several weeks, until their wounds had healed so as to ena- 
ble them to travel. They then shifted their quarters, and put up a small shed at 
the mouth of the Licking, where they encamped until late in November, anxiously 
expecting the arrival of some boat, which should convey them to the falls of the 
Ohio. 

On the 27th of November, they observed a flat boat moving leisurely down the 
river. Benham instantly hoisted his hat upon a stick, and hallooed loudly for 
help. The crew, however, supposing them to be Indians — at least suspecting 
them of an intention to decoy them ashore, paid no attention to their signals of 
distress, but instantly put over to the opposite side of the river, and manning ev- 
ery oar, endeavored to pass them as rapidly as possible. Benham beheld them 
pass him with a sensation bordering on despair, for the place was much frequen- 
ted by Indians, and the approach of winter threatened them with destruction, 
unless speedily relieved. At length, after the boat had passed him nearly half a 
mile, he saw a canoe put oflf from its stern, and cautiously approach the Ken- 
tucky shore, evidently reconnoitering them with great suspicion. 

He called loudly upon them for assistance, mentioned his name, and made 
known his condition. After a long parley, and many evidences of reluctance on 
the part of the crew, the canoe at length touched the shore, and Benham and his 
friend were taken on board. Their appearance excited much suspicion. They 
were almost entirely naked, and their foces were garnished with six weeks 



GENERAL JAMES TAYLOR. 227 

growth of beard. The one was barely able to hobble on crutches, and the other 
could manage to feed himself with one of his hands. They were taken to Lou- 
isville, where their clothes (which had been carried off in the boat which deserted 
them) were restored to them, and after a few weeks confinement, both were per- 
fectly recovered. 

Benham afterwards served in the north-west throughout the whole of the Indian 
war, accompanied the expeditions of Harmar and Wilkinson, shared in the dis- 
aster of St. Clair, and afterwards in the triumph of Wayne. Upon the return of 
peace, he bought the land upon which Rogers had been defeated, and ended his 
days in tranquility, amid the scenes which had witnessed his sufferings. 

The county of Campbell received its name in honor of Colonel John Camp- 
bell, a native of Ireland. He came to Kentucky at an early period. Having 
received a grant of four thousand acres of land from the commonwealth of Vir- 
ginia, which was located immediately below, and adjoining the grant on which 
Louisville stands, Col. Campbell became an extensive landed proprietor, and a 
very wealthy man. He was a member of the convention which formed the first 
constitution of Kentucky, from Jefferson county. During the same year, he was 
elected one of the electors of the senate from Jefferson, and in the electoral col- 
lege was chosen the senator from Jefferson county, in the new State legislature. 
He was a large man, of fine personal appearance, and strong mind, but rough in 
his manners. He never married, and having died intestate, his large estate passed 
into the hands of many heirs. 

General James Taylor, one of the pioneers of Kentucky, resides in Newport. 
He has attained his seventy-eighth year, and is remarkably active and sprightly 
for a man of his age. His venerable consort, to whom he has been united for 
upwards of half a century, and who came to Kentucky in the midst of Indian 
troubles, still retains much of the vigor of her youth, and attends strictly to her 
household affairs. The mansion of these venerable pioneers, ^^Belleview," one of 
the most beautiful and costly in Kentucky, has long been distinguished for ele- 
gant hospitality. 

Mrs. Taylor removed to Kentucky in 1784, in company with a large party of 
emigrants, among them the Rev. Augustine Eastin, of Bourbon county, who 
married an elder sister. In their progress through the wilderness, and after they 
had made their encampment for the night, the party of Mr. Eastin were overta- 
ken about night-fall by a large body of emigrants, who were seeking new homes 
in Kentucky. Mr. Eastin advised the party to encamp with him, as Indian 
signs had been discovered through the day, and there were strong reasons to ap- 
prehend an attack. The party, however, disregarded the warning, and having 
traveled about a mile further, made their encampment. From some unex- 
plained cause — probably incredulous of danger — they retired to rest without sta- 
tioning a single sentinel to guard their camp, or warn them of the approach of 
an enemy. In the midst of the night, when the fatigued and jaded travelers 
were wrapped in the most profound sleep, the savages attacked them, and killed and 
scalped more than half of the company, numbering altogether about forty per- 
sons. A man, his wife, and two children, of this company, became separated at 
the instant of alarm. The mother, with her youngest child, effected her escape 
to the woods, and made her way back to the camp of Mr. Eastin. The father 
also escaped, and in a short time afterwards reached the settlements; the eldest 
child was slain. Two weeks after the arrival of Mr. Eastin's party in Kentucky, 
the husband and wife were re-united, each supposing, up to the period of their 
meeting, the other to be dead. 

Gen. James Taylor is a native of Virginia, having been born at Midway, in 
Caroline county, on the 19th day of April, 1769. He was a quarter-master general 
of the north-western army in the late war, and was active in the discharge of the 
important duties which devolved upon him. When Gen. Hull surrendered De- 
troit to the British forces under General Brock, in August, 1812, General Tay- 
lor and Major (now General) Jesup, with other officers, were called upon to as- 
sist in drawing up the articles of capitulation ; but they all indignantly refused 
any participation in an act so disgraceful to the American arms. General Taylor 
had previously taken an active part in the plan concerted by the field officers to 
displace General Hull, and confer the command of the fortress on General McAr- 



228 CARROLL COUNTY. 

thur. Had the latter, with his command, reached Detroit in time, the plan would 
have been consummated. In the course of a long life, General Taylor has accu- 
mulated a very large estate, and is probably one of the most extensive landed 
proprietors of the west. 



CARROLL COUNTY. 

Carroll county was formed in the year 1838, and named in 
honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. It lies on the Ohio and 
Kentucky rivers — bounded north by the Ohio river, east by Gal- 
latin, south by Owen and Henry, and west by Trimble county. 
The hills bordering the rivers are lofty, and in some places pre- 
cipitous ; back of them the surface of the county is rolling, and 
the soil of good quality. The staple products are corn, small 
grain, and Irish potatoes. 

The taxable property of the county, according to the auditor's 
report of 1846, amounts to $1,310,213 ; number of acres of land 
in the county, 75,525 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 884 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 1,094. Population in 1840, 3,966. 

Carrollton, (formerly Port Wilham), the seat of justice, is 
about fifty miles from Frankfort. It is situated on the Ohio, im- 
mediately above the mouth of the Kentucky river — contains a 
fine brick court-house and jail, three churches, (Methodist, Presby- 
terian and Reformed), seven stores and groceries, four taverns, four 
lawyers, three physicians, one academy, one common school, two 
piano forte manufacturers, thirty mechanical trades, embracing 
every variety, two corn mills, one steam saw mill, one wool carding 
factory, and one rope walk with six spindles, working twenty 
tons of hemp per week. Population 800. It was incorporated 
as Port William in 1794 ; but received its present name from 
" Carrollton," the residence of Charles Carroll. 

Ghent is a neat village, also situated on the Ohio river, oppo- 
site the town of Vevay in Indiana. It contains one Baptist, one 
Methodist, and one Reformed church, one tavern, five stores and 
groceries, two physicians, one tobacco factory, and seven me- 
chanics' shops — population 300. Named after the city of Ghent 
in Europe, where the treaty of peace between Great Britain and 
the United States was signed. Preston is a small village situated 
below the mouth of the Kentucky, and opposite Carrollton — con- 
tains a store and tavern and about 100 inhabitants. Named 
after Col. Preston, of Virginia, who owned the land on Avhich it 
is erected. 

In March, 1785, a body of Indians surrounded the house of Mr. Elliott, situated 
at the mouth of Kentucky river, and made a furious assault upon it. The mem- 
bers of the family generally made their escape ; but Mr. Elliott was killed and 
his house burnt by the savages. In 1786 or '87, Captain Ellison built a block 
house on the point at the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio river, and was 
successively driven from his post in the two succeeding summers, by a superior 



CHARLES CARROLL. 229 

Indian force. In 1789-90, General Charles Scott built a block house on the 
second bank, in an elevated position, and fortified it by picketing. This post was 
occupied until 1792, when the town of Port William (now CarroUton) was first 
laid out. The Indians were then troublesome. 

Antiquities. — About one-fourth of a mile from the Kentucky river, on the sec- 
ond bank of the Ohio, and about one hundred yards from the latter river, there 
are the remains of a fortification, of a circular form, about one hundred and twenty 
feet in diameter, situated on level ground. About two miles from the mouth of 
the Kentucky, there are also the remains of what must have been a formidable 
fortification, situated on an eligible point, and of quadrangular form. The heavy 
embankment on which it was erected, is evidently of artificial construction, and 
must have been made at great labor and expense. It includes about an acre of 
ground, and is so graded as to throw the water from the centre in every direction. 
On the west and north of the fort, the paths, or roads leading to the water, and 
which were doubtless used for the general purpose of ingress and egress, are still 
distinctly marked and visible. 

There are a number of mounds in the county, but generally of small size. In 
1837, one was examined, in which was found the skull and thigh bones of a hu- 
man being of very large frame, together with a silver snuff box, made in the shape 
of an infant's shoe. On an elevated hill, a short distance from the Kentucky 
river, in opening a stone quarry, the jaw bone and a large number of human teeth 
\vere found ; and on the points of the ridges, generally, similar discoveries have 
been made. About four miles from CarroUton, on the Muddy fork of White run, 
in the bed of the creek, on a limestone rock, is the form of a human being, in a 
sitting posture ; and near by, is the form of one lying on his back, about six feet 
long, and distinctly marked. 

This county received its name in honor of Charles Carroll, of CarroUton, 
one of the signers of the declaration of Independence, and the last of that immortal 
band of patriots who descended to the tomb. Mr. Carroll was born at Annapolis, 
Maryland, on the 8th of September, 1737, O. S. He received his literary educa- 
tion in France, and studied law in England. In 1764, he returned to Maryland, 
a finished scholar and an accomplished gentleman. He married in 1768. He 
soon became a distinguished advocate of popular rights, and ultimately an ardent 
and devoted friend of the independence of the American colonies. At one time 
the delegates from Maryland in the continental congress were instructed to vote 
against the declaration of independence ; but through his influence the decision 
was reversed, and under new instructions on the 4th of July, 1776, the votes of 
the Maryland delegation were given for independence. Mr. Carroll having been 
appointed a delegate, on the 18th of July took his seat in Congress. On the same 
day a secret resolution was adopted, directing the declaration to be engrossed on 
parchment, and signed by all the members, which was accordingly done on the 
2nd of August. As Mr. Carroll had not given a vote on the adoption of that 
instrument, he was asked by the president if he would sign it ; " most willingly," 
he replied, and immediately affixed his name to that "record of glory," which has 
endeared him to his country, and rendered his name immortal. He subsequently 
aided in the formation of the constitution of Maryland, was a member of congress, 
a member of the state senate, and a member of the senate of the United States. 
He retired from public employments in 1801, and spent the remainder of his days 
in private life. On the 14th of November, 1832, at the advanced age of 95, he 
was gathered to his fathers. 

An anecdote is told of Carroll, illustrative of the fearlessness and firmness of 
the man, which may not be out of place here. Immediately after he placed his 
name to the declaration of independence, one of his friends jocularly remarked 
that if the British got hold of him, they would not know whether it were he, or 
the Charles Carroll of Massachusetts, who had signed the declaration; conse- 
quently, they would be at a loss which to hang as the rebel. " In order," says 
he, " that there may be no mistake about that, I will save them the trouble of 
hanging two of us," and instantly affixed his residence to his name, and by which 
he was ever afterwards known as " Charles Carroll of CarroUton." 



230 CARTER AND CASEY COUNTIES. 



CARTER COUNTY. 

Carter county was formed in 1838, and called in honor of 
Colonel AViLu.\.M G. Carter, the then senator in the state legisla- 
ture from the counties of Lewis, Greenup and La^^Tence. It is 
situated in the extreme eastern portion of the State, and is 
watered by Big and Little Sandy rivers and Tygart's creek: 
Bounded on the north by Greenup and Lewis ; east by Big Sandy 
river, which divides Kentucky from Virginia ; south by Lawrence, 
and west by Fleming. Graysox, the county seat, is about one 
hundred and ten miles from Frankfort — contains a fine brick 
court-house and other public buildings, t^vo stores, four la\^Ters, 
two doctors, and several mechanics. Named after Colonel Robert 
Grayson. 

The taxable property of Carter in 1846, wsls assessed at 
$433,856; number of acres of land, 246,977; average value per 
acre, Si, 13; number of white males over twent}--one years is 
given at 878; and number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 1,194. Population in 1840, was 2,905. 

The surface of this county, like most of the eastern counties, 
is very much broken ; and except in the bottoms of the rivers 
and the numerous small streams by which it is watered, the lands 
are not well adapted for agricultural purposes. The hills, how- 
ever, abound in stone coal and iron ore ; and the mineral resour- 
ces of the count}', when fully developed, will prove an inexhaus- 
tible source of wealth to its population. Salt, in considerable 
quantities, has been annually manufactured, at the Sandy Salines, 
for nearly half a century. 



CASEY COUJN TY. 

Casey count}- was organized in 1806, and named in memory 
of Colonel \Vnjj.\.M Casey. It is situated in the middle part of 
the State, and lies on the head waters of Green river and the 
Rolling Fork of Salt river: Bounded on the north by Boyle ; east 
by Lincoln ; south by Pulaski, and west by Adair. Liberty is the 
seat of justice, which stands on the bank of Green river, about 
sixt}--five miles from Frankfort. The surface is high and broken — 
corn, wheat, oats and potatoes, the principal productions. 

Assessed taxable property in 1846, $719,257; number of acres 
of land in the county 175,118; average value per acre, $2,16; 
number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 961 ; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,425. 
Population in 1830, 4,342— in 1840, 4,939. 

Liberty contains a court-house and public offices, three 



CHEISTIAN COUNTY. 231 

churches, one school, five stores and groceries, three taverns, two 
lawyers, three doctors, seven mechanics' shops — population 200. 
Incorporated 1830. 

Colonel William Casey, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Frederick county, Virginia. In company with two or three fami- 
lies, he removed to Kentucky in the early part of the winter of 1779-80; and 
during the intensely cold weather of that memorable winter, lived in a camp on 
the Hanging fork of Dick's river. He remained there until the year 1791 ; when 
under the influence of that spirit of adventure and change which marked the era 
in which he lived, he struck liis tent, and removed to Russell's creek, a tributary 
of Green river. Here, at a distance of fifty miles from any white settlement, in 
conjunction with several families who pushed their fortunes with him, he located 
and built a station. Though feeble in numbers, the hardy band of pioneers by 
whom he was surrounded, and who reposed in him unbounded confidence as a 
leader, maintained themselves, gallantly and victoriously, against several attacks 
of the Indians. His station was subsequently reinforced by several families, 
whose presence was instrumental in preventing any further assault on the part 
of the Indians, In one of the incursions, however, of a small band of savages, 
Mr. John Tucker, a Methodist preacher, together with his wife, were cruelly 
mardered. 



CHRISTIAN COUNTY. 

Christian county was formed in the year 1796, and named in 
honor of Colonel Willl\m Christiax. It Ues in the south-western 
part of the State, adjoining the Tennessee line : Bounded on 
the north by Hopkins and Muhlenburg ; east by Todd; south by 
the State of Tennessee, and west by Trigg. Hopkessville, the 
seat of justice, is about two hundred miles from Frankfort. 

The auditor reports the valuation of the taxable property of 
Christian for 1846, at .$4,855,552; number of acres of land in the 
county, 377,147 ; average value per acre, .S5,08 ; number of white 
males over twenty-one years of age, 2,149; number of children 
between five and sixteen years old, 2,548. Population in 1830, 
12,694— in 1840, 15,587. ' 

This county is twent}-two miles wide and thirty-two long, 
containing an area of seven hundred and four miles, and is the 
eleventh county in the State in point of wealth. The southern 
division of the county is generally composed of rich, fertile, level 
bottoms, and produces fine crops of tobacco, corn, wheat, rye, 
oats, and grass. The northern division is broken, and in some 
portions almost mountainous, with a soil less fertile, but sufii- 
ciently rich to sustain a large population — finely timbered, well 
watered, and abounding in inexhaustible beds of coal and iron 
ore. The general basis of the soil is a red clay, founded on cav- 
ernous limestone ; and like most of the southern counties, 
abounds in sinks, caves and caverns. The situation of the coun- 
ty is elevated, and the surface of the countn,- has a descending 
inclination in all directions from the centre, as it contains the 
head waters of Pond, Trade Water, Little, and the west fork of 



232 CHRISTIAN COUNTS. 

Red rivers : The first emptying into Green river, the second into 
the Ohio, and the two last into Cumberland river. Mineral and 
Sulphur springs abound, and many invalids visit them during the 
watering season. The staple products are corn, wheat, oats and 
tobacco — not less than 3,500 hogsheads of the latter article being 
exported annually ; while coal from the mines, in large quanti- 
ties, finds its way to market. 

There are five towns in Christian — Hopkinsville, Belleview, 
Garrettsburg, Lafayette and Oaktown. Hopkinsville is the county 
seat ; situated near the centre of the county, on Little river, in a 
gently undulating, fertile valley, and presents a neat and flour- 
ishing appearance : Contains a large and commodious court-house, 
market-house, branch of the Bank of Kentucky, six churches, 
(Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, Cumberland Presbyterian, 
Methodist and Episcopalian), a part beautiful and well finished 
edifices ; two male and two female academies ; one printing 
office, (the Hopkinsville Gazette), eighteen dry-goods stores, three 
drug stores, five groceries, three hotels, with nineteen lawyers, 
thirteen physicians, and the following mechanics' shops, viz : four 
blacksmiths, four saddlers, seven tailors, six carpenters, four cabi- 
net and chair makers, two tinners, two hatters, five shoe and 
boot makers, four wagon and carriage makers, two silversmiths, 
three house and sign painters, one gun smith, two tanneries, one 
barber, one carding factory, and three large tobacco factories. 
Population 2,000. Immediately in the vicinity of the town is a 
beautiful botanic garden and nursery, containing six acres, and 
supplied with choice fruit, shrubbery, plants, etc., together with a 
fine fish pond, well stocked with fish, the water of which is con- 
veyed five hundred yards through pipes, and flowing up in the 
centre, forms a beautiful fountain. This garden is a place of 
very general resort. Hopkinsville was laid out in 1799, on the 
lands of Mr. Bartholomew Wood, and called Elizabethtown, by 
which name it was known for several years. It was incorpo- 
rated in 1806, by its present name, in honor of General Samuel 
Hopkins. 

Belleview is a small village, ten miles from Hopkinsville, con- 
taining a Baptist church, post-oflice, store, grocery and tailor's 
shop. Garrettsburg is fourteen miles south from Hopkinsville, and 
contains a Baptist church, a lawyer, a doctor, two stores, one 
grocery and five mechanics' shops. Lafayette is situated in the 
south-west corner of the county, eighteen miles from Hopkins- 
ville, and one mile from the Tennessee state line — contains 
one Presbyterian, one Cumberland Presbyterian, one Methodist 
Episcopal, one Methodist Protestant, and one Reformed or Chris- 
tian church ; eight stores and groceries, three physicians, one 
tavern, post-oflice and eleven mechanics' shops. Oaktoum lies 
thirteen miles south-east of Hopkinsville, on the Clarksville road, 
and contains a post-office, two stores, a blacksmith and tailor. 

Christian county contains several exceedingly interesting natural curiosities. 
1st. Two of the forks of the Little river sink and disappear entirely in the earth 



WILLIAM CHRISTIAN. 233 

for many miles, when they emerge and flow on about their usual width. 2d. 
The Pilot Rock, a rare curiosity, is situated about twelve miles from Hopkinsville, 
rather north of an east direction. The rock rests upon elevated ground, and is 
about two hundred feet in height. Its summit is level, and covers about half 
an acre of ground, which affords some small growth and wild shrubbery. This 
rock attracts great attention, and is visited by large numbers of persons, particu- 
larly in the summer months. Its elevated summit, which is reached without much 
difficulty, affords a fine view of the surrounding country for many miles, present- 
ing a prospect at once picturesque, magnificent and beautiful. 3d. Situated in 
the northern extremity of this county, near " Harrison's tanyard," about twenty 
miles from Hopkinsville, is a Natural Bridge, somewhat similar, but on a reduced 
scale, to the celebrated rock bridge in Virginia, which was considered by Mr. 
Jefferson the greatest natural curiosity in the world. The bridge in question 
crosses a deep ravine, is thirty feet in height, with a span of sixty feet, and a 
magnificent arch. The surface is perfectly level, and the general width about 
five feet. The scenery in the vicinity of the bridge is remarkably romantic, and 
presents great attractions to the lovers of the picturesque in nature. 

'I'he first settlement in the county was made in 1785, by John Montgomery and 
James Davis, from Virginia, on the west fork of Red river, where they built a 
block house. At or near this block house, was a large cave, which served as a 
hiding place for themselves and families against the attacks of marauding parties 
of Indians. 

Col. William Christian, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Augusta county, Virginia. He was educated at Stanton, and 
when very young, commanded a company attached to Col. Bird's regiment, which 
was ordered to the frontier during Braddock's war. In this service, he obtained 
the reputation of a brave, active and efficient officer. Upon the termination of 
Indian hostilities, he married the sister of Patrick Henry, and settled in the county 
of Bottetourt. In 1774, having received the appointment of colonel of militia, he 
raised about three hundred volunteers, and by forced marches, made a distance 
of two hundred miles, with the view of joining the forces under General Lewis, 
at the mouth of the Great Kenhawa. He did not arrive, however, in time to par- 
ticipate in the battle of Point Pleasant, which occurred on the preceding day, the 
10th of October, 1774. In 1775, he was a member of the general state convention 
of Viroinia. In the succeeding year, when hostilities had commenced between 
Great Britain and the American colonies, he received the appointment of colonel 
in the Virginia line of the regular army, and took command of an expedition, 
composed of 1*200 men, against the Cherokee Indians. No event of moment 
occurred in this expedition, the Indians having sued for peace, which was con- 
cluded vi^ith them. After his return from this expedition, Colonel Christian 
resigned his command in the regular service, and accepted one in the militia, at 
the head of which he kept down the tory spirit in his quarter of Virginia through- 
out the revolutionary struggle. Upon the conclusion of the war, he represented 
his county in the Virginia legislature for several years, sustaining a high reputa- 
tion for his civil as well as his military talents. 

In 1785, Colonel Christian emigrated to Kentucky, and settled on Bear-grass. 
The death of Colonel Floyd, who was killed by an Indian in 1783, rendered his 
location peculiarly acceptable to that section of the state, where a man of his 
intelligence, energy and knowledge of the Indian character, was much needed. 
In April of the succeeding year, 1786, a body of Indians crossed the Ohio and 
stole a number of horses on Bear-grass, and with their usual celerity of move- 
ment, recrossed the river, and presuming they were in no further danger of pursuit, 
leisurely made their way to their towns. Colonel Christian immediately raised 
a party of men, and crossed the Ohio in pursuit of the marauders. Having found 
their trail, by a rapid movement he overtook them about twenty miles from the 
river, and gave them battle. A bloody conflict ensued, in which Colonel Chris- 
tian and one man of his party were killed, and the Indian force totally destroyed.* 
His death created a strong sensation in Kentucky. He was brave, intelligent 
and remarkably popular. 

*Vide Marshall's History, vol. 1, pa^e 288. This account varies in some of its particulars from 
that which appears in the biogriaphieal sketch of Lieutenant Governor Bullitt, who belonged to the 
party of Colonel Christian. See Bullitt county. 



234 CLARK COUNTY. 



CLARK COUNTY. 

Clark county was established in 1793, by an act of the legis- 
lature, and named in honor of General George Rogers Clark. 
It is situated in the middle section of the State, and lies on the 
waters of the Kentucky and Licking rivers. It is bounded on 
the north by Bourbon county, on the east by Montgomery, on the 
south by the Kentucky river, which separates it from Madison 
and Estill counties, and on the west by Fayette county. One 
half of the western half of Clark county is very productive^ the 
soil being as good as any in Kentucky ; a fourth of the county 
is very much broken, but fertile ; the remaining portion is very 
poor oak land. The exports consist principally of hemp, cattle, 
horses, mules, and hogs. 

The aggregate value of taxable property in Clark county in 
1846 was $5,904,832; number of acres of land in the county, 
167,055 ; average value per acre, $20,56 ; number of white males 
over twenty-one years of age, 1,666; number of children be- 
tween five and sixteen years old, 1,931. Population in 1830, 
13,052— in 1840, 10,302. 

The towns are Winchester, Kiddville, Colbysville, Schollville, 
and Webster. Winchester is the county seat, situated on the 
Lexington and Mount Sterling road, and forty five miles distant 
from Frankfort. It contains a Methodist, Presbyterian and Re- 
formed Baptist church, a public seminary, a female academy, 
twelve stores, six grocery stores, ten lawyers, six physicians, 
two hemp factories, and a large number of mechanical shops. It 
has a population of about 700 souls. The other villages, above 
named, are small, and contain but few inhabitants. 

Clark county was settled at a very early period in the history of Kentucky; it 
being separated from Boonsborough, the first point settled in the State, only by 
the Kentucky river, which forms the southern boundary of the county. Strodes 
Station, a point of considerable importance in the early Indian wars, was situated 
about two miles from Winchester, the present seat of justice. In the year 1780 
it was besieged by a large body of Indians, who attempted to cut off the supply 
of water from the garrison. But, foiled in this effort, the savages were repulsed 
and forced to retreat. In the pursuit which followed, a white man by the name 
of XanJSwearingen, a man of noted courage, was killed. This was the only loss 
sustained Kj^ttre garrison during the siege.' 

When this county was first settled, some ancient corn-fields were discovered 
about twelve miles east of Winchester. It was supposed that these fields had 
been cultivated by the Indians, many years prior to the period of the first entrance 
of the whites into this territory. 

At the present time Clark county is noted for its fine stock, its highly culti- 
vated farms and beautiful grass pastures. Captain Isaac Cunningham, a citi- 
zen of this county, who died in 1842, was the pioneer of the grazing business in 
Kentucky, from which he amassed a large fortune. He was a man of great in- 
tegrity of character, an ardent patriot, and held in high esteem by all who knew 
him. At the battle of the Thames he commanded a company of Kentucky volun- 
teers, which did good service during the engagement. 

The two Howard's creeks in Clark county derived their names from the venera- 
ble John Howard, a well known citizen of Kentucky, who died some years ago 



JAMES CLARKE. 235 

in Fayette county. He was the father of the late Governor Benjamin Howard, 
and of the first wife of Robert WicklifFe, Sen'r., Esq. He held a pre-emption 
of one thousand acres of land at the mouth of each of these creeks. 

In this county repose the remains of two governors of Kentucky — Charles 
Scott and the late James Clarke. Monuments have been erected over the graves 
of both by the legislature. 

Among the noted citizens of Clark, was the late venerable Hubbard Taylor. 
He emigrated to the county at a very early period, was a senator for a number of 
years in the Kentucky legislature, and on several occasions was chosen as one of 
the presidential electors. He was distinguished for his patriotism, his hospital- 
ity and public spirit. He died in the year 1842, beloved and mourned by all who 
knew him. 

General Richard Hickman, a lieutenant governor of the State, and acting go- 
vernor during the absence of Governor Shelby in the campaign of 1813, was also 
a citizen of this county. He was highly esteemed by his countrymen for his in- 
telligence and many virtues. 

Colonel William Sudduth, was one of the earliest settlers in Clark county, 
and the last surviving member of the convention which framed the present con- 
stitution of Kentucky. He was a gallant soldier under Wayne in the campaign 
of 1793. For thirty years he was the county surveyor of Clark. He was a man 
of intelligence, with the manners of an accomplished gentleman. He died at the 
residence of one of his sons in Bath county, in the year 1845, having nearly at- 
tained his eightieth year. 

The Hon. Chilton Allan, who for many years served as representative in 
congress from Kentucky, with a high reputation for ability and efficiency, is a 
citizen of this county. He is a profound lawyer, a statesman of enlarged and 
liberal views, a sound politician, a devoted patriot, and a man of remarkably 
pure and elevated moral character. 

Among the most distinguished citizens of Clark county was the Hon. James 
Clarke, late governor of the commonwealth. Our materials for a sketch of his 
life are exceedingly meagre, and we can attempt nothing more than a bare enu- 
meration of the most prominent incidents in his career. He was the son of 
Robert and Susan Clarke, and was born in 1779, in Bedford county, Virginia, 
near the celebrated Peaks of Otter. His father emigrated from Virginia to Ken- 
tucky at a very early period, and settled in Clark county, near the Kentucky 
river. The subject of this notice received the principal part of his education 
under Dr. Blythe, afterwards a professor in Transylvania university. He studied 
law with his brother, Christian Clarke, a very distinguished lawyer of Virginia. 
When he had qualified himself to discharge the duties of his profession, he re- 
turned to Kentucky, and commenced the practice of the law in Winchester, in 
1797. 

He remained here, however, but a short time, before he set out in search of a 
more eligible situation, and traveled through what was then the far west, taking 
Vincennes and St. Louis in his route; but failing to find a place to suit his views, 
he returned to Winchester, where, by his unremitting attention to business, and 
striking displays of professional ability, he soon obtained an extensive and lucra- 
tive practice. 

At this period of his life, he was several times elected a member of the State 
legislature, in which body he soon attained a high and influential position. In 
1810, he was appointed a judge of the court of appeals, and acted in that capacity 
for about two years. In 1812, he was elected to congress, and served from 
the 4th of March, 1813, until March, 1816. In 1817 he received an appointment 
as judge of the circuit court, for the judicial district in which he resided, which 
station he filled with great ability, and to the general satisfaction of the public, 
till the year 1824, when he resigned. During his term of service as judge, oc- 
curred that great and exciting struggle between the relief and anti-relief parties, 
which has left its traces on the political and social condition of Kentucky, in 
deep and indelible characters, to be seen even at the present day. In May, 1823, 
Mr. Clarke rendered an opinion in the Bourbon circuit court, in which he decided 



236 CLARK COUNTY. 

that the relief laws were unconstitutional. This decision produced great excite- 
ment, and was the cause of his being arraigned and impeached before the legis- 
lature. But, notwithstanding the temporary dissatisfaction it excited in the breasts 
of the relief party, there was probably no act of his life which inspired his fellow 
citizens with greater confidence in his integrity, firmness, independence, and pat- 
riotism, than this decision. It was given just before the election, and he must 
have foreseen the temporary injury it would inflict upon the party with which he 
acted, and which he regarded as the bulwark of the constitution. But his was a 
nature which knew not the possibility of making a compromise between his prin- 
ciples and policy. 

In 1825, he was elected to congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Clay's 
appointment as secretary of state, and continued to represent the Fayette district 
in that body until 1831. In 1832, he was elected to the senate of Kentucky, 
and was chosen speaker in the place of Mr. Morehead, who was then acting as 
governor, in the place of Governor Breathitt, deceased. He was elected gover- 
nor of Kentucky in August, 1836, and died on the 27th of August, 1839, in his 
sixtieth year. 

Governor Clarke was endowed by nature with great strength of mind, and a fine 
vein of original wit. His literary attainments were respectable, ranking in that 
respect with most of his cotemporaries of the legal profession at that day. A 
fine person, a cheerful and social disposition, an easy address, and fascinating 
manners, made him the life of every circle in which he mingled. He was full of 
fun, fond of anecdotes, and could tell a story with inimitable grace. To these 
qualities, so well calculated to display the amiable traits of his character in their 
most attractive light, he added all tliose stern and manly virtues which inspire 
confidence and command respect. His death made a vacancy in the political and 
social circles of Kentucky, which was very sensibly felt and universally de- 
plored. 

General George Rogers Clark, whose name is deservedly celebrated in the 
early history of Kentucky, and conspicuously prominent in the conquest and set- 
tlement of the whole west, was born in the county of Albemarle, in the State of 
Virginia, on the 19th of November, 17.52. Of his early years and education, 
but little is known. In his youth, he engaged in the business of land surveying, 
which appears to have presented to the enterprising young men of that day, a 
most congenial and attractive field for the exercise of their energies. It is worthy 
of remark, that many of the most opulent and influential families of Kentucky 
were founded by men engaged in this pursuit. How long Clark continued in this 
vocation, is unknown. He commanded a company in Dunmore's war, and was 
engaged in the only active operation of the right wing of the invading army, 
against the Indians. At the close of this war, he was offered a commission in 
the English service, but, upon consultation with his friends, he was induced by 
the troubled aspect of the relations between the colonies and Great Britain, to 
decline the appointment. 

In the spring of 1775, he came to Kentucky, drawn hither by that love of ad- 
venture which distinguished him through life. He remained in Kentucky during 
the spring and summer of this year, familiarizing himself with the character of 
the people and the resources of the country, until the fall, when he returned to 
Virginia. During this visit, he was temporarily placed in command of the irreg- 
ular militia of the settlements ; but whether he held a commission is not known. 
In the spring of the following year (1776), he again came to Kentucky, with the 
intention of making it his permanent home ; and from this time forth, his name is 
closely associated with the progress of the western settlements in power and civ- 
ilization. 

His mind had been very early impressed with the immense importance of this 
frontier country to the security of the parent State of Virginia, as well as to the 
whole confederacy ; and his reflections on this subject led him to perceive the 
importance of a more thorough, organized, and extensive system of public de- 
fence, and a more regular plan of military operations, than the slender resources 
of the colonies had yet been able to effect. With the view of accomplishing 
this design, he had been in Kentucky but a few months, when he suggested to 
the settlers the propriety of convening a general assembly of the people at Har- 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK. 237 

rodstown (now Harrodsburgh), to take steps towards forming a more definite and 
certain connection with the government and people of Virginia, than as yet existed. 
The immediate necessity for this movement grew out of the memorable and well 
known conflict between Henderson & Co., and the legislature of Virginia, rela- 
tive to the disputed claim of jurisdiction over a large portion of tlie new territory. 
The excitement which arose out of this dispute, and the prevailing uncertainty 
whether the south side of Kentucky river appertained to Virginia or North Caro- 
lina, (the latter claiming by virtue of Henderson's purchase of the Cherokees at 
the treaty of Wataga), added very greatly to the perplexity of the settlers, and 
rendered it necessary that the disposition of Virginia should be distinctly ascer- 
tained. The proposed meeting was accordingly held at Harrodstown on the 6th 
of June, 1776, at which Clark and Gabriel Jones were chosen members of the 
assembly of Virginia. This, however, was not precisely the thing contemplated 
by Clark. He wished that the people should appoint agents, with general 
powers to negotiate with the government of Virginia, and in the event that that 
commonwealth should refuse to recognize the colonists as within its jurisdiction 
and under its protection, he proposed to employ the lands of the country as a 
fund to obtain settlers and establish an independent State. The election had, 
however, gone too far to change its object when Clark arrived at Harrodstown, 
and the gentlemen elected, although aware that the choice could give them no 
seat in the legislature, proceeded to Williamsburg, at that time the seat of gov- 
ernment. After suffering the most severe privations in their journey throutrh the 
wilderness, the delegates found, on their arrival in Virginia, that the legislature 
had adjourned, whereupon Jones directed his steps to the settlements on Holston, 
and left Clark to attend to the Kentucky mission alone. 

He immediately waited on Governor Henry, then lying sick at his residence 
in Hanover county, to whom he slated the objects of his journey. These meeting 
the approbation of the governor, he gave Clark a letter to the executive council 
of the state. With this letter in his hand he appeared before the council, and 
after acquainting them fully with the condition and circumstances of the colony, 
he made application for five hundred weight of gun-powder for the defence of the 
various stations. But with every disposition to assist and promote the growth of 
these remote and infant settlements, the council felt itself restrained by the un- 
certain and indefinite state of the relations existing between the colonists and the 
state of Virginia, from complying fully with his demand. The Kentuckians had 
not yet been recognised by the legislature as citizens, and the proprietary claim- 
ants, Henderson & Co., were at this time exerting themselves to obtain from Vir- 
ginia, a relinquishment of her jurisdiction over the new territory. The council, 
therefore, could only offer to lend the gun-powder to the colonists as friends, not 
give it to them as fellow citizens. At the same time they required Clark to be 
personally responsible for its value, in the event the legislature should refuse to 
recognize the Kentuckians as citizens, and in the meantime to defray the expense 
of its conveyance to Kentucky. Upon these terms he did not feel at liberty to 
accept the proffered assistance. He represented to the council that the emissaries 
of the British were employing every means to engage the Indians in the war; 
that the people in the remote and exposed stations of Kentucky might be exter- 
minated for the want of a supply which he, a private individual, had at so much 
hazard and hardship sought for their relief, and that when this frontier bulwark 
was thus destroyed, the fury of the savages would burst like a tempest upon the 
heads of their own citizens. To these representations, however, the council 
remained deaf and inexorable; the sympathy for the frontier settlers was deep, 
but the assistance already offered was a stretch of power, and they could go no 
farther. The keeper of the public magazine was directed to deliver the powder 
to Clark; but having long reflected on the situation, prospects and resources of 
the new country, his resolution to reject the assistance on the proposed conditions, 
was made before he left the council chamber. He determined to repair to Ken- 
tucky, and as he had at first contemplated, exert the resources of the country for 
the formation of an independent state. He accordingly returned the order of the 
council in a letter, setting forth his reasons for declining to accept their powder 
on these terms, and intimating his design of applying for assistance elsewhere, 
adding, "/Aa/ a cnuniry which was not worth defending, was not worth claiming.''^ 
On the receipt of this letter the council recalled Clark to their presence, and an 



238 CLARK COUNTY. 

order was passed on the 23d of August, 1776, for the transmission of the gun- 
powder to Pittsburg, to be there delivered to Clark or his order, for the use of the 
people of Kentucky. This was the first act in that long and affectionate inter- 
change of good offices, which subsisted between Kentucky and her parent state 
for so many years ; and obvious as the reflection is, it may not be omitted, that on 
the successful termination of this negotiation, hung the connection between Vir- 
ginia and the splendid domain she afterwards acquired west of the Alleghany 
mountains. 

At the fall session of the legislature of Virginia, Messrs. Jones and Clark laid 
the Kentucky memorial before that body. They were of course not admitted to 
seats, though late in the session they obtained, in opposition to the exertions of 
Colonels Henderson and Campbell, the formation of the territory which now com- 
prises the present state of that name, into the county of Kentucky. Our first 
political organization was thus obtained through the sagacity, influence and exer- 
tions of George Rogers Clark, who must be ranked as the earliest founder of this 
commonwealth. This act of the Virginia legislature first gave it form and a 
political existence, and entitled it under the constitution of Virginia to a repre- 
sentation in the assembly, as well as to a judicial and military establishment. 

Having obtained these important advantages from their mission, they received 
the intelligence that the powder was still at Pittsburg, and they determined to 
take that point in their route home, and bring it with them. The country around 
Pittsburg swarmed with Indians, evidently hostile to the whites, who would no 
doubt seek to interrupt their voyage. These circumstances created a necessity 
for the utmost caution as well as expedition in their movements, and they accord- 
ingly hastily embarked on the Ohio with only seven boatmen. They were hotly 
pursued the whole way by Indians, but succeeded in keeping in advance until 
ihey arrived at the mouth of Limestone creek, at the spot where the city of Mays- 
ville now stands. They ascended this creek a short distance with their boat, and 
concealed their cargo at different places in the woods along its banks. They then 
turned their boat adrift, and directed their course to Harrodstown, intending to 
return with a sufficient escort to ensure the safe transportation of the powder to 
its destination. This in a short time was successfully effected, and the colonists 
were thus abundantly supplied with the means of defence against the fierce ene- 
mies who beset them on all sides. 

The space allotted to this brief sketch, will not admit of a detailed narrative 
of the adventures of Major Clark after his return to Kentucky. Let it suffice to 
say, that he was universally looked up to by the settlers as one of the master spirits 
of the time, and always foremost in the fierce conflicts and desperate deeds of 
those wild and thrilling days. 

Passing over that series of private and solitary adventures in which he em- 
barked after he returned from Virginia, and in which he appears to have taken a 
peculiar pleasure, but of which no particulars have been preserved, we shall pro- 
ceed at once to notice his successful expedition against the British posts of Kas- 
kaskia and Vincennes ; one of the most important events, if we estimate it by 
its consequences, immediate and remote, in the early history of the west. It was 
at the same time marked by incidents of romantic and thrilling interest, and a 
striking display of the qualities of courage, perseverance and fortitude, which 
bring to mind the heroic deeds of antiquity. 

The war in Kentucky previous to this time had been a true border war, and 
conducted in the irregular and desultory manner incident to that kind of hostili- 
ties. Nearly all the military operations of the period resembled more the preda- 
tory exploits of those sturdy cattle-drovers and stark moss-troopers of the Scottish 
Highlands, whose valorous achievements have been immortalized by the graphic 
pen of the author of Waverley, than the warfare of a civilized people. Every 
man fought, pretty much, " on Ms own hook" and waged the war in a fashion to 
suit himself. He selected his own ground, determined upon the time, place, and 
manner of attack, and brought the campaign to a close whenever his own incli- 
nations prompted. The war indeed was sustained, and its "sinews supplied," 
by the adventurous spirit of private individuals. The solitary backwoodsman 
would sharpen his hunting knife, shoulder his rifle, and provide himself with a 
small quantity of parched corn as a substitute for bread, and thus equipped for 
service, start on an expedition into the Indian country, without beat of drum or 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK. 239 

note of warning. Arrived on the hostile soil, he would proceed with the caution 
of a panther stealing on his prey, until he reached the neighborhood of a village, 
when concealing himself in the surrounding thickets, he would lie in wait until 
an opportunity presented of shooting an Indian and stealing a horse, when he 
would return to the cultivation of his farm and the ordinary pursuits of his busi- 
ness. Even those more ambitious enterprises which occasionally diversified this 
personal warfare, were the result rather of the spontaneous combination of pri- 
vate individuals, than of any movement by the state. The perseverance and gallan- 
try of the backwoodsman was left to sustain itself, with little assistance from the 
power of Virginia, at that time engaged in the tremendous struggle of the war 
of Independence, which demanded all her energies and taxed all her resources. 
The State had not disposable means to act on so remote a frontier, nor does she 
appear to have been distinctly aware of the important diversion of the Indian 
force, which might be made by supporting the exertions of Kentucky. As little 
did she perceive the rich temptations offered to her military ambition in the Bri- 
tish "posts in the west. Yet every Indian engaged on the frontier of Kentucky, 
was a foe taken from the nearer frontier of the parent state. And in those remote 
and neglected garrisons of Kaskaskia, Vincennes and Detroit, was to be found 
the source of those Indian hostilities, which staid the advancing tide of emigra- 
tion, and deluged the whole west in the blood of women and children. 

These combined views, however, began to acquire weight with the Virginia 
statesmen, with the progress of the revolution, and the rapid increase of emigra- 
tion to Kentucky ; and they were particularly aided and enforced by the impres- 
sive representations of Major Clark, To his mind they had been long familiar, 
and his plans were already matured. He was thoroughly acquainted with the 
condition, relations and resources of the country, and with that instinctive genius 
which stamps him as the most consummate of the western commanders, he saw 
at a glance the policy required to develop the nascent strength and advantages 
of the infant settlements. At a glance, he discovered what had so long escaped 
the perspicacity of the Virginia statesmen, that the sources of the Indian devasta- 
tions were Detroit, Vincennes and Kaskaskia. It was by the arms and clothing 
supplied at these military stations that the merciless ferocity of these blood 
thirsty warriors was stimulated to the commission of those fearful ravages 
which " drenched the land to a mire." If they could be taken, a counter influ- 
ence would be established over the Indians, and the streams of human blood, 
which deluged the fields of Kentucky, would be dried up. 

So strongly had the idea of reducing these posts taken possession of the mind 
and imagination of Major Clark, that in the summer of 1777, he dispatched two 
spies to reconnoitre and report their situation. On their return they brought intel- 
ligence of great activity on the part of the garrisons, who omitted no opportunity 
to promote and encourage the Indian depredations on the Kentucky frontier. They 
reported further, that although the British had essayed every art of misrepresen- 
tation, to prejudice the French inhabitants against the Virginians and Kentuck- 
ians, by representing these frontier people, as more shocking barbarians than the 
savages themselves, still there were to be seen strong traces of affection for the 
Americans among many of the inhabitants. 

In December, 1777, Major Clark submitted to the executive of Virginia a plan 
for the reduction of these posts. The result was a full approbation of the scheme, 
and the governor and council entered into the undertaking so warmly that every 
preliminary arrangement was soon made. Clark received two sets of instruc- 
tions; one public, directing him to proceed to Kentucky for its defence; the 
other secret, ordering an attack on the British post at Kaskaskia. Twelve hun- 
dred pounds were advanced to defray the expenses of the expedition, and orders 
issued to the Virginia commandant at fort Pitt, to supply Clark with ammunition, 
boats, and all other necessary equipments. The force destined for the expedition, 
consisting, after a rigid selection, of only four companies, rendezvoused at Corn 
Island, opposite the falls of the Ohio, and having fully completed their prepara- 
tions, they embarked in boats on the Ohio. Landing on an island at the mouth 
of the Tennessee river, they encountered a party of hunters who had recently 
came from Kaskaskia, and from them they obtained the most important intelli- 
gence relative to the state of things at that post. They reported that the garrison 
was commanded by one M. Rocheblave ; that the ndliiia were kept in a high 



240 CLARK COUNTY. 

state of discipline ; that spies were stationed on the Mississippi river, and all In- 
dian hunters directed, to keep a sharp look out for the Kentuckians. They stated 
further that the fort which commanded the town was kept in order as a place of 
retreat, but without a regular garrison, and the military defences were attended to 
as a matter of form, rather than from any belief in its necessity to guard against an 
attack. The hunters thought that by a sudden surprise the place might be easily 
captured, and they offered their services as guides, which were accepted. 'I'lie 
boats were dropped down to a point on the Illinois shore, a little above the place 
where fort Massac was afterwards built, and there concealed, and the little army 
took up its line of march through the wilderness. Their commander marched 
at their head, sharing in all respects the condition of his men. On the evening 
of the 4th of July, 1778, the expedition arrived in the neighborhood of the town, 
where it lay until dark, when the march was continued. That night the town 
and fort were surprised and captured without the effusion of a drop of blood. M. 
Rocheblave, the British governor, was taken in his chamber, but very few of his 
public papers were secured, as they were secreted or destroyed by his wife, whom 
the Kentuckians were too polite to molest. In the course of a few days, Clark 
had, by his wise and prudent policy, entirely dissipated the alarm, and gained 
the affections of the French inhabi^tants, and his conquest was thus confirmed, 
and the ascendency of the Virginia government firmly rooted in the feelings of 
the people. Having effected this most desirable revolution in the sentiments of 
the inhabitants, he next turned his attention to the small French village of Ca- 
hokia, situated about sixty miles higher up the Mississippi. He accordingly 
dispatched Major Bowman, with his own and part of another company, to effect 
the reduction of this small post, at that time a place of considerable trade, and a 
depot for the distribution of arms and ammunition to the Indians, a considerable 
body of whom were encamped in the neighborhood when the Americans ap- 
proached. The expedition was accompanied by several Kaskaskia gentlemen, 
who volunteered their services to assist in the reduction of the place. The expe- 
dition reached the town without being discovered. The surprise and alarm of the 
inhabitants was great, but when the Kaskaskia gentlemen narrated what had oc- 
curred at their own village, the general consternation was converted into hurras 
for freedom and the Americans. The people took the oath of allegiance, and in 
a few days the utmost harmony prevailed. 

The expedition thus far had met with full success, but Vincennes still remained 
in the possession of the British, and until it should share the fate of Kaskaskia, 
Clark felt that there was no safety for his new conquest. His uneasiness was 
great. His situation was critical. His force was too small to garrison Kaskas- 
kia and Cahokia, and leave him a sufficient power to attempt the reduction of 
Vincennes by open assault. At length he communicated his perplexity to a 
Catholic priest, M. Gibault, who agreed to attempt to bring the inhabitants over 
whom he had pastoral charge into the views of the American commander. This, 
through the agency and influence of the priest, was effected with little difficulty. 
The inhabitants threw off their allegiance to the British, the garrison was over- 
powered and expelled, and the American flag displayed from the ramparts of the 
fort. 

Having thus succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations, in his designs 
against the power of the British in the west, Clark next turned his attention to 
conciliate the various Indian tribes inhabiting this region. This great purpose, 
after a long and tedious series of negotiations, in which the character of the 
American commander unfolded itself under its most powerful aspect, was finally 
accomplished, the hostility of many of the tribes pacified, and their prejudices 
disarmed. The summary nature of this sketch will not admit of a particular ac- 
count of the incidents attending this great enterprise, though the narrative would 
be replete with interest, as it was in this wild and dangerous diplomacy that the 
genius of Colonel Clark displayed its most commanding attributes. Success in 
this politic intercourse with the untutored savage of the wilderness, depends far 
more on the personal qualities of the negotiator, than on the justice of the cause 
or the plausibility of his reasoning. The American Indian has an unbounded 
admiration for all those high and heroic virtues which enter into the character of 
the successful warrior, and the terror of Clark's name had spread far and wide. 
To these advantages he added that of a thorough knowledge of the Indian char- 



GEORGE ROGERS CLARK. 241 

acter, in all its peculiarities, its strength, and its weakness. He knew when to 
be mild and conciliating — when to be stern and uncompromising. The tact and 
promptitude with which he adapted his conduct to the exigency of the occasion 
has become proverbial. His address was wonderful — the fertility of his resources 
inexhaustible, and his influence among those wild and unsophisticated children 
of the woods grew so predominant, that they gave whate'er he asked. 

Colonel Clark now began to entertain great fears for the safety of Vincennes. 
No intelligence had been received from that post for a long time ; but on the 29th 
of January 1779, Colonel Vigo brought intelligence that Governor Hamilton of 
Detroit had marched an expedition against the place in December, and again 
reduced the inhabitants and the fort, and re-established the British power. The 
expedition had been fitted out on a large scale, with the view of recapturing 
Kaskaskia, and making an assault along the whole line of the Kentucky frontier. 
But owing to the advanced period of the season, Governor Hamilton had post- 
poned the further execution of this grand scheme of conquest until spring, when 
he contemplated reassembling his forces. 

Having received this timely intelligence of the British governor's designs. Col- 
onel Clark with characteristic promptitude and decision, determined to anticipate 
him, and strike the first blow. He accordingly made immediate preparation for 
an expedition against Vincennes. He commenced his march through the wilder- 
ness with a force of one hundred and seventy five men, on the 7th of February, 
having previously dispatched Captain Rogers with a company of forty-six men 
and two four-pounders, in a boat, with orders to force their way up the Wabash, 
station themselves a few miles below the mouth of White river, suffer nothing to 
pass, and wait for further orders. For seven days the land expedition pursued 
its toilsome course over the drowned lands of Illinois, exposed to every privation 
that could exhaust the spirits of men, when it arrived at the Little Wabash. But 
now the worst part of the expedition was still before them. At this point the 
forks of the stream are three miles apart, and the opposite heights of land five miles 
distant even in the ordinary state of the water. W hen the expedition arrived, the 
intervening valley was covered with water three feet in depth. Through this 
dreadful country the expedition was compelled to make its way until the 18th, 
when they arrived so near Vincennes that they could hear the morning and eve- 
ning guns at the fort. On the evening of the same day they encamped within 
nine miles of the town, below the mouth of the Embarrass river. Here they were 
detained until the 20th, having no means of crossing the river; but on the 20th the 
guard brought to and captured a boat, in which the men and arms were safely 
transported to the other shore. There was still, however, an extensive sheet of 
water to be passed, which on sounding proved to be up to the arm-pits. When 
this discovery was made, the whole detachment began to manifest signs of alarm 
and despair, which Colonel Clark observing, took a little powder in his hand, 
mixed some water with it, and having blackened his face, raised an Indian war 
whoop and marched into the water. The effect of the example was electrical, 
and the men followed without a murmur. In this manner, and singing in chorus, 
the troops made their way through the water, almost constantly waist deep, until 
they arrived within sight of the town. The immense exertion required to effect 
this march may not he described. The difficulty was greatly heightened by there 
being no timber to afford support to the wearied soldiers, who were compelled to 
force their way through the stagnant waters, with no aid but their own strength. 
When they reached the dry land the men were so exhausted, that many of them 
fell, leaving their bodies half immersed in the water. Having captured a man 
who was shooting ducks in the neighborhood of the town, by him Clark sent a 
letter to the inhabitants, informing them that he should take possession of the town 
that night. So much did this letter take the town by surprise, that the expedition 
was thought to be from Kentucky ; in the condition of the waters they did not 
dream that it could be from Illinois. The inhabitants could not have been more 
astonished if the invaders had arisen out of the earth. 

On the evening of the 23d the detachment set off to take possession of the town. 
After marching and countermarching around the elevations on the plain, and dis- 
playing several sets of colors, to convey to the garrison as exaggerated an idea as 
possible of their numbers, they took position on the heights back of the village. 
The fire upon the fort immediately commenced, and was kept up with spirit. Our 
16 



242 CLARK COUNTY. 

men would lie within thirty yards of the fort, untouched by its guns, from the 
awkward elevation of its platforms; while no sooner was a port-hole opened than 
a dozen rifles would be directed at it, cutting down every thing in the way. The 
garrison became discouraged, and could not stand to their guns, and in the eve- 
ning of the next day the British commandant finding his cannon useless, and 
apprehensive of the result of being taken at discretion, sent a flag asking a truce 
of three days. This was refused, and on the 24th of February, 1779, the fort was 
surrendered and the garrison became prisoners of war. On the 25th it was taken 
possession of by the Americans, the stars and stripes were again hoisted, and 
thirteen guns fired to celebrate the victory. 

In a few days Colonel Clark returned to Kaskaskia. Soon after this Louisville 
was founded, and he made it his head-quarters. In 1780 he built Fort Jefferson, 
on the Mississippi. Li the course of this year he led an expedition against the 
Indians of Ohio, the occasion of which was as follows : on the 1st of June, 1780, 
the British commander at Detroit, assembled six hundred Canadians and Indians, 
for a secret expedition under Colonel Byrd, against the settlements in Kentucky. 
This force, accompanied by two field pieces, presented itself on the 22d, before 
Ruddell's station, which was obliged to capitulate. Soon after Martin's station 
shared the same fate, and the inhabitants, loaded with the spoil of their own dwell- 
ings, were hurried oflT towards Canada. 

A prompt retaliation was required, and when Col. Clark called on the militia 
of Kentucky for volunteers to accompany his regiment against the Indians, they 
flocked to his standard without delay. The point of rendezvous was the mouth 
of Licking river, where the forces assembled. They were supplied with artiller}^ 
conveyed up the river from the Falls. When all assembled, the force amounted 
to near a thousand men. The secrecy and dispatch which had ever attended the 
movements of this efficient commander, continued to mark his progress on this 
occasion. The Indian town was reached before the enemy had received any 
intimation of their approach. A sharp conflict ensued, in which seventeen of the 
savages were slain, with an equal loss on the part of the whites. The Indians 
then fled, the town was reduced to ashes, and the gardens and fields laid waste. 
Col. Clark returned to the Ohio and discharged the militia, and the Indians, 
reduced to the necessity of hunting for the support of their families, gave the 
whites no farther trouble that season. 

For a long time the ever active mind of Clark had been revolving a scheme for 
the reduction of the British post at Detroit, and in December of the year 1780, he 
repaired to Richmond, to urge the government to furnish him with means to exe- 
cute this long cherished design. His views were approved ; but before the neces- 
sary arrangements could be completed, a British fdrce from New York, under 
Arnold, carried hostilities into the heart of the State. Clark took a temporary 
command under Baron Steuben, and participated in the active operations of that 
ofl[icer against the marauding traitor. 

After several months had been spent in indefatigable efforts to raise a force of 
two thousand men, for the enterprise against Detroit, the several corps destined 
for the service were designated, and ordered to rendezvous on the 15th of March, 

1781, at the falls of the Ohio, and Clark was raised to the rank of a brigadier 
general; but unexpected and insuperable difficulties arose, and the ardent genius 
of the commander was confined to defensive operations. This appears to have 
been the turning point in the fortunes of the hardy warrior. He had set his heart 
on destroying the British influence throughout the whole North-Western Terri- 
tory. Could he have had the means which he required, his advancement in rank 
would no doubt have been gratifying; but without a general's command, a gen- 
eral's commission was of no value. Dangers and hardships would have been 
disregarded ; but with his small force to be stationed on the frontier to repel the 
inroads of a few predatory bands of Indians, when he was eager to carry the war 
to the lakes, was more than he could bear, and it preyed upon his spirit. From 
this time forth his influence sensibly decreased, and the innate force and energy 
of his character languished and degenerated. 

He was a lion chained, but he was still a lion, and so the enemy found him in 

1782. When the news of the disastrous battle of the Blue Licks reached him, he 
took immediate measures to rouse the country from that benumbed torpor of an- 
guish and despondency in which this great calamity had plunged it, and to carry 



CLAY COUNTY. 243 

the war once more into the enemy's country. In September, a thousand moun- 
ted riflemen assembled on the banks of the Ohio, at the mouth of Licking, and 
moved against the Indian towns on the Miami and Scioto. The Indians fled 
before them, and not more than twelve were killed or taken. Five of their towns 
were reduced to ashes, and all of their provisions destroyed. The effect of this 
expedition was such that no formidable party of Indians ever after invaded Ken- 
tucky. 

In 1786, a new army was raised to march against the Indians on the Wabash, 
and Clark, at the head of a thousand men, again entered the Indian territory. 
This expedition proved unfortunate, and was abandoned. 

Several years elapsed before the name of General Clark again appeared in con- 
nection with public affairs. When Genet, the French minister, undertook to 
raise and organize a force in Kentucky for a secret expedition against the Spanish 
possessions on the Mississippi, George Rogers Clark accepted a commission as 
major general in the armies of France, to conduct the enterprise. But, before the 
project was put in execution, a counter revolution occurred in France, Genet was 
recalled, and Clark's commission annulled. Thus terminated his public career. 

General Clark was never married. He was long in infirm health, and severely 
afflicted with a rheumatic affection, which terminated in paralysis, and deprived 
him of the use of one limb. After suffering under this disease for several years, 
it finally caused his death in February, 1818. He died and was buried at Locust 
Grove, near Louisville. 



CLAY COUNTY. 

Clay county was formed in 1806, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral Green Clay. It lies on the south fork of the Kentucky river — 
and is bounded north by Owsley ; east by Breathitt and Perry ; 
south by Knox ; and west by Laiu*el. The face of the country is 
generally hilly and. mountainous — the principal products, corn, 
wheat and grass ; the latter growing spontaneously, in great 
abundance, on the mountains and in the valleys. Coal is abun- 
dg,nt, and is used generally by the inhabitants for fuel. Salt is 
manufactured at fifteen furnaces in the county, producing it is 
supposed, from 150,000 to 200,000 bushels per annum, and of 
the very best quality. About nine miles from Manchester, there 
is a spring which produces an abundant supply of gas. 

The taxable property in Clay county in 1846, was assessed at 
$513,303; number of acres in the county, 154,370; average 
value per acre, $1,55; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 738 ; children between five and sixteen years of 
age, 1,180. Population in 1830, 3,549— in 1840, 4,607. 

Manchester is the seat of justice, and only town in the county — 
about eighty miles from Frankfort. It is situated near Goose 
creek, and contains the usual public buildings, one seminary, one 
Methodist church, one Reformed church, two taverns, two stores, 
two groceries, two lawyers, two physicians, and seven or eight 
mechanics' shops. Population 100. Named for the great manu- 
facturing town of England. 

General Green Clay, in honor of whom this county was named, was born ia 
Powhattan county, Virginia, on the 14th August, 1757. He was the son of 
Charles Clay, and descended from John Clay, a British grenadier, who came to 



244 CLAY COUNTY. 

Virginia during Bacon's rebellion, and declined returning when the king's troops 
were sent back. Whether this ancestor was from England or Wales, is not cer- 
tainly known, but from the thin skin and ruddy complexion of his descendants, 
the presumption is that Wales was his birth place. Green Clay came to Ken- 
tucky when but a youth. His education was exceedingly limited. To read, write, 
and cypher, a slight knowledge of the principles of grammar, together with the 
rudiments of surveying, constituted his entire stock of scholastic learning. 
With some men, richly endowed by nature, these are advantages sufficient to in- 
sure distinction, or to command a fortune, both of which the subject of this notice 
effected. The first few years after his arrival in Kentucky, were spent in exam- 
ining the country, and aiding to expel the savages. He then entered the office of 
James Thompson, a commissioned surveyor, where he more thoroughly studied the 
principles and acquired the art of surveying. In executing the work assigned 
him by his principal, who soon made him a deputy, he became minutely acquainted 
with the lands in the upper portion of the (then) county of Kentucky. The 
power (at that time unrestrained), to enter and survey lands, wherever ignorance 
of a prior location, or a wish to lay a warrant might incline, rendered the titles 
to land exceedingly doubtful and insecure. Many entries were made on the same 
land by different individuals, producing expensive litigation, and often occasion- 
ing the ruin of one of the parties. Entering and surveying lands at an early day 
■was attended with great danger. The country one vast wilderness, with the ex- 
ception of a few forts which at rare intervals dotted its surface, was infested by 
innumerable hordes of savage warriors, wiley and full of stratagem, breathing 
vengeance against the invaders — rendered the location of lands a perilous employ- 
ment. Surveying parties consisted generally of not more than four — the sur- 
veyor, two chain carriers and a marker — hence more reliance was placed in cau- 
tion and vigilance than in defence by arms. 

Clay soon established a character for judgment, industry and enterprise, 
which drew to him a heavy business. His memory of localities was remarka- 
ble, and enabled him to revisit any spot he had ever seen, without difficulty. His 
position in the office — his access to books — his retentive memory — his topogra- 
phical knowledge — enabled him to know when lands were unappropriated. 
Hence his services were much sought, by all who wished to locate lands in the re- 
gion of country where he resided. Whilst the great body of land in Kentucky 
was being appropriated, it was the custom for the holders of warrants to give 
one half to some competent individual to enter and survey the quantity called 
for by the warrant. Much of this business was thrown into Clay's hands ; and 
he thus acquired large quantities of land. He also applied all his slender re- 
sources to increase this estate. An anecdote is related which evinces the high 
estimation in which he held this species of estate, and the sagacity and foresight 
of the young surveyor. Having gone to Virginia, soon after the surrender of 
Cornwallis, at a time when the continental paper money was so depreciated that 
five hundred dollars were asked for a bowl of rum-toddy, he sold his riding horse 
to a French officer for twenty-seven thousand dollars of the depreciated currency, 
and invested it in lands. The lands thus purchased, are at this day worth half a 
million of dollars. 

After the land in the middle and upper parts of the State had been generally 
entered and appropriated, Clay went below, and on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers 
entered and surveyed large tracts of land for some gentlemen of Virginia. These 
surveys were made at a time when the Indians were in the exclusive occupancy of 
those regions, and so perilous was the business that his chain carriers and marker 
deserted him, without notice, before his work was entirely completed. Some of 
his field notes had become defaced, and after being thus abandoned by his com- 
panions, he was detained some weeks, revisiting the corners and other objects to 
renew and finish his notes. His danger in this lone undertaking was great; but 
notwithstanding all difficulties, so accurately did he accomplish his work, that 
subsequent surveyors have readily traced the lines, and found the corner trees and 
other objects called for. During this period he traveled mostly in the night, and 
slept during the day in thick cane brakes, hollow logs, and the tops of trees. 
Notwithstanding his heavy engagements in the land business, he devoted several 
years of his life to politics. Before the erection of Kentucky into a State, he 
was elected a delegate to the general assembly of Virginia. He was a member 



CLINTON COUNTY. 245 

of the convention which formed the present constitution of Kentucky. After the 
admission of Kentucky into the union, he represented Madison county many 
years in each branch of the legislature. He took a prominent and leading part 
in all the important legislative measures of his day. The records of the country 
bear abundant evidence of his great industry, strict attention, capacious intellect, 
and uniform patriotism. He was particularly observant of the local and personal 
interests of his immediate constituents, without permitting them to interfere with 
his general duties as a law maker and statesman. When the last war between 
Great Britain and the United States was declared, he was a major general 
in the militia of Kentucky. Determined to lend his service to his country, in 
this, her second struggle for independence, he adjusted his private affairs pre- 
paratory to an absence from home. After the defeat of General Winchester, 
and the wanton butchery of our troops, who had surrendered under promise 
of safety and good treatment, the first call for volunteers was responded to 
from Kentucky, who had been a principal sufferer in that bloody catastrophe, by 
a general rush to the scene of hostilities. It was necessary to succor fort Meigs, 
and reinforce General Harrison, to enable him to retake Detroit and invade Can- 
ada. For this emergency Kentucky furnished three thousand troops, and placed 
them under the command of General Green Clay, with the rank of brigadier 
general. General Clay made all haste to the scene of action, and arrived at 
fort Meigs on the 4th of May, 1813, cutting his way through the enemy's lines 
into the i'oxt. It does not consist with the character of this work to narrate the 
incidents attending this celebrated siege. They belong to the public history of 
the country, where they may be found related at large. Suffice it to say, that 
General Clay inspired General Harrison with such confidence in his eminent mil- 
itary abilities, that when that great warrior left fort Meigs, he placed that post 
under the command of General Clay. In the autumn of 1813, the garrison was 
besieged by a force of fifteen hundred British and Canadians, and five thousand 
Indians under Tecumseh ; but fearing to attempt its capture by storm, and failing 
in all their stratagems to draw the garrison from their entrenchments, the enemy 
soon raised the siege. After this, nothing of special interest occurred until the 
troops of the garrison were called out to join the army prepared for the invasion 
of Canada. The term of service of the Kentuckians expiring about this time, 
they were discharged ; but General Clay accompanied the army as far as Detroit, 
when he returned to his residence in Madison county. He devoted the remaining 
years of his life to agricultural pursuits, and the regulation of his estate. 

General Clay was more robust than elegant in person — five feet eleven inches 
in height — strong and active — of remarkable constitution — rarely sick, and capa- 
ble of great toil — submitting to privations without a murmur. No country ever 
contained, according to its population, a greater number of distinguished men 
than Kentucky. At an early day, and among the most distinguished. General 
Clay was a man of mark. He was a devoted husband — a kind and affectionate 
father — a pleasant neighbor — and a good master. He died at his residence on the 
31st of October, 1826, in the seventy-second year of his age. 



CLINTON COUNTY. 

Clinton county was formed in 1835, from Wayne and Cumber- 
land, and called for Governor De Witt Clinton, of New York. It 
is situated in the southern part of the State, and bounded on the 
north by Russell, east by Wayne, south by the Tennessee line, 
and west by Cumberland. Albany is the seat of justice, about 
126 miles from Frankfort. 

The taxable property in Clinton, as given in the auditor's re- 
port for 1846, is $445,909 ; number of acres of land in the county 



246 CLINTON COUNTY. 

86,610; average value per acre, $2,68; number of white males 
in the county over twenty-one years of age, 739 ; number of 
children between five and sixteen years old, 1,235. Population 
in 1840, 3,863. 

Albany, the county seat, contains a court-house and other pub- 
lic buildings, a United Baptist church, one school, three stores,' 
two taverns, three lawyers, two doctors, fifteen mechanics' shops, 
and one hundred and thirty inhabitants. Seventy- Six is a small 
village, containing a lawyer, post office, tannery, saw and grist 
mill, and twenty-five inhabitants. 

A spur of the Cumberland mountain, called Poplar mountain, penetrates this 
county, and terminates about two miles west of its centre. In its windings, this 
mountain makes a beautiful curve, and the valley on the eastern side and within 
the curve, called Stockton's valley, is fertile limestone land. The elevation of 
Poplar mountain above the valley is from one thousand to fifteen hundred feet. 
Coal in abundance, and of the be^t quality, is found in the mountain, in strata 
of about four feet. On the top of this mountain, about four miles from Albany, 
there are three chalybeate springs, which have been visited more or less for eight 
or ten years. These waters, combined with the purity of the atmosphere, have 
proved of immense benefit to invalids who have resorted there for their health. 
From these mountain springs, a most extensive and magnificent view of the sur- 
rounding country is presented. On a clear morning the fog seems to rise on the 
water courses in the distance, and stand just above the trees, when the eye can 
trace the beautiful Cumberland river in its windings for at least one hundred 
miles, and may distinctly mark the junction of its tributaries, in a direct line, for 
thirty miles. The springs are about ten or twelve miles from the Cumberland, 
and it is believed that, in the hands of an enterprising proprietor, they would 
soon become a place of great resort. The elevation of the mountain, and the 
consequent purity of the atmosphere — the beauty and magnificence of the scenery 
and prospect daily presented to the eye of the visitor, combined with the medici- 
nal virtues of the water, a good host, and intelligent and refined association, 
would make these springs a most desirable point for a summer excursion. 

On Indian creek, about three miles from the mountain springs, there is a per- 
pendicular fall of ninety feet. Above the great falls, for the distance of about 
two hundred yards, the fall of the stream is gradual, and several fine mills have 
been erected on it. There are three large springs in the county : one on the 
south, and two at Albany, which send forth volumes of water sufficiently large to 
turn a grist mill or other machinery. Wolf river runs through a part of the 
county, and the Cumberland touches it on the north-west. The face of the coun- 
try is undulating in some portions of the county ; in others, hilly and broken. 
Besides coal, iron ore abounds, and plaster of Paris, it is reported, has been re- 
cently discovered in the hills. 

De Witt Clinton, whose name this county bears, was a native of New 
York, and one of the most distinguished men in the United States. He was 
born at Little Britain, in Orange county, on the 2d of March, 1769. He was 
educated at Columbia college, and studied law with the Hon. Samuel Jones. He 
early imbibed a predilection for political life, and the first office he held was that 
of private secretary to his uncle George Clinton, then governor of New York. 
In 1797, Mr. Clinton was elected a member of the New York legislature, where 
he espoused the political sentiments of the republican or democratic party. Two 
years after, he was elected to the State senate. In 1801, he received the appoint- 
ment of United States' senator, to fill a vacancy, where he served for two sessions. 
After that period, he was chosen mayor of New York, and remained in this po- 
sition, with an intermission of but two years, until 1815. In 1817, he was 
elected, almost unanimously, governor of his native State — the two great parties 
having combined for the purpose of raising him to that dignity. He was re- 
elected in 1820, but declined a candidacy in 1822. In 1824, he was again nomi- 
nated and elected to the office of governor, and in 1826 was re-elected by a large 



CRITTENDEN COUNTY. 247 

majority. He died suddenly, while sitting in his library, on the 11th of Febru- 
ary, 1828, before completing his last term of office. Mr. Clinton was the pro- 
jector and the active and untiring friend of the canal system of New York, 
which has been instrumental in adding so largely to the wealth and population 
of that great State. He was a man of very superior literary attainments — exten- 
sively versed in the physical sciences, and a fine classical and belles-lettres 
scholar. He was a member of most of the literary and scientific institutions of 
the United States, and an honorary member of many of the learned societies of 
Great Britain and the continent of Europe. His moral character was excellent, 
and his personal appearance commanding, being tall and finely proportioned. 



CRITTENDEN COUNTY. 

Crittenden county was formed in 1842, and named for the Hon. 
John J. Crittenden. It is situated in the western part of the 
State, on the Ohio river — bounded on the north by that river, east 
by Hopkins, south by Caldwell, and west by Livingston. Coal 
abounds in the count}^, and lead and iron ores are found in inex- 
haustible quantities. In the vicinit}^ of the mines the surface is 
hilly, but the greater portion of the county is level or gently un- 
dulating, and very productive. The principal articles of export 
are coal, tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, and pork. 

The taxable property in 1846 was valued at $666,014 ; num- 
ber of acres of land in the county, 162,960 ; average value, $2,09; 
number of white males over twentyrone years of age, 948 ; num- 
ber of children between the ages of five and sixteen years, 1,316. 

Marion, the seat of justice for Crittenden, contains a new 
brick court-house and other public buildings, six stores and gro- 
ceries, one tavern, two houses of entertainment, four lawyers, 
three doctors, and four mechanics' shops — population 120. Or- 
ganized in 1842, and named in honor of General Francis Marion. 
Clementsburg is a very small village, situated on the Ohio river. 

John Jordan Crittendkn, in honor of whom this county was named, was 
born in the county of Woodford, within a few miles of the town of Versailles, on 
the 10th of September, 1786. He is the son of John Crittenden, a revolutionary 
officer, who emigrated to Kentucky soon after the conclusion of the war. The 
character of the father may be judged of from the virtues of the children; and 
applying this rule to the present instance, no man could wish a prouder eulogiuni 
than is due to the elder Mr. Crittenden. His four sons, John, Thomas, Robert, 
and Henry, were all distinguished men — the three first were eminent at the bar, 
and in public life; and the last, who devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, was 
nevertheless so conspicuous for talent that his countrymen insisted on their right 
occasionally to withdraw him from the labors of the farm to those of the public 
councils. They were all remarkable for those personal qualities that constitute the 
perfect gentleman. Brave and gallant as the sire from whom they descended, 
accomplished in mind and manners, men without fear and without reproach, they 
have made their name a part and parcel of the glory of this commonwealth. 

Of the early boyhood of Mr. Crittenden, there is but little that needs to be re- 
corded in as hurried a sketch as this must necessarily be. He received as good 
an education as could be obtained in the Kentucky schools of that day, and com- 
pleted his scholastic studies at Washington academy, in Virginia, and at the 
college of William and Mary, in the same State. On his return to Kentucky, 



248 CRITTENDEN COUNTY. 

he became a student of law in the office of the honorable George M. Bibb, and 
under the care of that renowned jurist, he became thoroughly prepared for the 
practice of his profession. At that period the Green River country was the at- 
tractive field for the enterprize of the State, affording to the youth of Kentucky 
similar inducements to those that the west still continues to offer to the citizens 
of the older States. Mr. Crittenden commenced the practice of the law in Rus- 
sellville, in the midst of a host of brilliant competitors. He went there unknown 
to fame — he left it with a fame as extended as the limits of this great nation. 
All the honors of his profession were soon his, and while his accurate and thorough 
knowledge of the law gained for him hosts of clients, his brilliant oratory filled 
the land with his praise, and the pride of that section of the State demanded that 
he should serve in the legislative assembly. He was accordingly elected to the 
legislature from the county of Logan, in 1811 ; and that noble county conferred 
the same honor upon him, in six consecutive elections. In 1817, and while a re- 
presentative from Logan, he was elected speaker of the house of representatives, 
having thus attained the highest distinction in the popular branch of the legisla- 
ture of his native State. That same honest pride which had impelled the 
Green River people to press him into public life, had spread throughout the State, 
and the people of Kentucky resolved to place him where the eyes of the nation 
might be upon him — confident that he would win honor for himself and advance 
the fame of those he represented. He was accordingly, in 1817, elected a sena- 
tor in the congress of the United States, and although the youngest member of 
that body, no sooner had occasion presented, when it was meet for him to speak, 
than by the universal acclaim of the American people, he was hailed as among the 
foremost of our orators — as a fit colleague for Henry Clay himself — and as one 
who must take rank with our ablest statesmen. His private affairs requiring 
his unremitted attention, he withdrew from this theatre where he was winning 
golden opinions from all, to enter more vigorously upon the practice of his pro- 
fession. In order that he might be enabled to do this in the most favorable man- 
ner, he removed to Frankfort, in 1819, at which place the federal court and supreme 
court of the State are held. But here, again, the same popular love and enthu- 
siasm followed him, and he was compelled to yield a reluctant assent to the 
wishes of his friends, who desired him to serve them in the legislature. He was 
elected from Franklin, in 1825 — a period memorable in the history of Kentuck3\ 
In the Old and New ('ourt controversy, no man occupied a more conspicuous 
point than Mr. Crittenden, and as the advocate of the laws and constitution of 
Kentucky, and in the maintenance of a sound private and public faith, no man 
was more distinguished. He was three times elected to the legislature from 
Franklin, and during one of the periods, he was again chosen speaker of the 
house of representatives. 

The troubles of that period having subsided, and the public service not requiring 
the sacrifice of his time and business, he again returned to private life, but was 
permitted a very short respite from the political arena ; for, in 1835, he was once 
more sent to the senate of the United States, and held the office by re-election until 
the coming in of the administration of President Harrison. By that patriot presi- 
dent he was appointed attorney general of the United States, and the appoint- 
ment was hailed by men of all parties as the most appropriate that could have 
been made. The melancholy death of the president brought into power an admin- 
istration that forfeited the respect of honorable minds. Mr, Crittenden left it, 
and resigned his office in a note which he sent to the President, that has been 
considered an admirable specimen of the manner in which a lofty mind can retire 
from place, when its possession cannot be held with self respect. But only a 
few months had elapsed before we find him again in the Senate of the United 
States, by another election from Kentucky, where he now stands, unrivalled in 
debate — the acknowledged leader of the great whig party, in an assemblage 
where the talent of a nation is concentrated. He has been Jive times elected to 
the senate of the United States from Kentucky — an honor of which no other cit- 
izen can boast. The history of congress, while he has been a member, cannot 
be written without his name standing forth in conspicuous prominence, for he has 
been truly great upon every question that has been of sufficient importance to 
interest the public mind. It may be said of him, that he never shrank from public 
duty, but was always ready to defend his principles and opinions as became a man. 



CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 249 

He was an advocate for the last war, and was willing to show his faith by his 
works, and to volunteer in the service of his country. He served in two cam- 
paigns — was aid to Gen. Ramsey in the expedition commanded by Gen. Hopkins, 
and was aid to Governor Shelby, and served in that capacity with distinguished 
gallantry at the battle of the Thames. There are not a few of his countrymen 
who entertain the hope that the highest office in the gift of the American people 
will at no distant day be conferred upon him. Should it be so, the destinies of 
the republic will be confided to one whose head and heart qualify him for the 
great office. 



CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 

Cumberland county was formed in the year 1798, and called 
after Cujiibcrland river, which runs through the county from one 
extremity to the other. It is situated in the southern part of the 
state, adjoining the state of Tennessee — bounded on the north 
by Adair and Russell ; east by Clinton ; south by the Tennessee 
line, and west by Monroe county. The Cumberland river passes 
through the county from north-east to south-west, and the hills 
which bound it, with occasional exceptions, are quite lofty, afford- 
ing as beautiful scenery as any river in the west. The surface of 
the county and its staple products, are similar to those of the sur- 
rounding counties. 

The taxable property in Cumberland in 1846, was assessed at 
$998,886; number of acres of land in the county, 120,996; average 
value $3.58 ; number of white males in the county over twenty- 
one years of age, the same year, 949 ; number of children between 
five and sixteen years of age, 1,205. Population in 1840, 6,090. 

BuRKSviLLE, the seat of justice of Cumberland, (so called in 
honor of one of the original proprietors,) is about one hundred and 
twenty miles from Frankfort, and situated on the north bank of 
the Cumberland river. Besides the usual public buildings, it con- 
tains a flourishing academy, six stores and groceries, two taverns, 
four lawyers, five physicians, twelve mechanics' shops, and a Re- 
formed church. Population 350. 

The American Oil well is situated three miles above Burksville, on the bank of 
the Cumberland river. About the year 1830, while some men were engaged in 
boring for salt-water, and after penetrating about one hundred and seventy-five 
feet through a solid rock, they struck a vein of oil, which suddenly spouted up to 
the height of fifty feet above the surface. The stream was so abundant and of 
such force, as to continue to throw up the oil to the same height for several days. 
The oil thus thrown out, ran into the Cumberland river, covering the surface of 
the water for several miles. It was readily s\ipposed to be inflammable, and upon 
its being ignited, it presented the novel and magnificent spectacle of a '''■river on 
fire^'' the flames literally covering the whole surface for miles, reaching to the top 
of the tallest trees on the banks of the river, and continued burning until the sup- 
ply of oil was exhausted. The salt borers were greatly disappointed, and the 
well was neglected for several years, until it was discovered that the oil pos- 
sessed valuable medicinal qualities. It has since been bottled up in large quan- 
tities, and is extensively sold in nearly all the states of the Union. 

About fourteen miles from Burksville, on the Cumberland river, and not far 
from Creelsburg in Russell county, is situated what is termed the ^^ Rock House " 



250 DAVEISS UOTTNTY. 

a lofty arch of solid rock, forty foH in lipijrlit, fifty or sixty ffiet in breadth, ahont 
the siiine in Iniotli, and a tail rlitr ()vcrlianf>inir it. In liitrli stajjcs of tlio water, 
a portion of the river rushes thron^li the a|)(^rtiire with frreat viojcsnee down a 
chainuil worn into tiic ro(;k, and iimirs into the river a^ain ahont a mile and a half 
below. In ordinary stajr(!s of the water, the arcii, or as generally termed, the 
"Roelc House," is perfectly dry. 

Not far from the oil well, at the junction of Binr and Little Renick's creeks, there 
is a beautiful cntaract or fall in the lattc^r of about fifteen or twenty feet. At the 
point wluae tluise streams (Mn|)ty into the (!unil)erland, tlu^re was, in the first set- 
thnnent of the county, a sevens battle bi^twccn the whites and Indians, in which 
the fijrmer were the victors. 'F'he rock-bound {graves of the latter can yet be seen 
on the jrround, a lastinjif monument of the valor they exhibited in defence of 
their wijrwams, thtsir fires and their buntinfjr grounds. Other battles also took 
place in the county, but the particulars cannot be gathered. 



DAVEISS COUNTY. 

Davkiss county was formed in 1815, and was so called after the 
gallant Joskph 11. Davkiss, who fell at the battle of Tij)pecanoe. 
It lies upon the Ohio and Green rivers : Bounded nortli by the 
Ohio river; east by Hancock and Ohio; south by Miihlenburg 
and Hopkins, and west by ITcnderson. The lands are generally 
level, fertile and well adaj)te(l to the production of corn and to- 
bacco, its principal exports. Hemp has been cultivated for a few 
years past as an experiment, and the crops produced compare 
well in quantity and ([uality with those in the best hemp region. 
Grasses also succeed w(dl, and there is an increased attention to 
stock raising in the county. The lands are heavily timbered, con- 
sisting of sugar tree, locust, hackberry, walnut, dogwood, beech 
and jjoplar. 

Tlie taxable property of Daveiss in 1846, was valued at 
$2,558,55)2; munber of acres of land in the county, 300,(551 ; 
average value of lands per acre, $4,20 ; nurnb<M' of white males 
over twenty-one ytuirs of ag(^, 1,074; number of children be- 
tween five and sixte(>n years old, 1,028. Population in 1830, 
5,218 — in 1840, 8,331 — increase in ten years, 3,113. 

The towns of the county are Owenborough, Bon Harbor, 
Nottsvilh' and Yelvington. Owkniiououoii, the seat of justice, is 
situated on the Ohio river at the Y(dIow Banks, about one hun- 
dred and thirty miles from Frankfort. Contains a handsome 
court-house. Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian and Catholic 
churches, an academy and conmion school, ten dry good stores, 
three groceries, foiu- taverns, six lawyers and four physicians, 
with a population of about 1,000. A considera})le trade is car- 
ried on by this town with the interior ol' the country, especially 
during a suspension of navigation on (ireen river; and the to- 
bacco stemming business is extensively carried on here. Bon 
Harbor is a small village, three miles below Owenborough, on the 
Ohio river, where there is an eddy formed by a bar, which serves 
as an excellent harbor for steam boats and other craft. This 



JOSEPH HAMILTON DAVEISa 251 

place bids fair to brcomo (juite a inanufacturinf^ town. Not/svi/le 
i» a small village, thirtron miles iVoni Oweiiborongh, on the llar- 
dinsburg road. Ye/rhuj^ton is a small village, eleven miles from 
Owenborough, on the Ilawesville road. 

Daveisa county abounds in mineral resources, especially coal, 
which is found in vast quantities. The only mine which is in 
successful operation, is that known as the " IJon Harbor coal 
mine," lying about three miles below the county scat, and three- 
fourths of a mile from the Ohio river. The^re is a railroad from 
the mine to the river, at the termiims of which, the owners of 
the mine have erected one of tlu^ largest cotton and woollen manu- 
factories in the west. At this point there has been a town laid 
off, and several very handsome houses built. The population, 
composed principally of operatives, already numbers two or 
three hundred. 

There are several medicinal springs in the county, which are 
frequented by those in the innnediate vicinity. The tar and sul- 
phur springs in the neighborhood of the "Old V^ernon settle- 
ments " on Green river, are deservedly the most popular. 

Colonel JosKPii ITAMii/roN Davkiss, (for wlioni lliis county was named,) was 
tlie son of Joseph and Jnan DavtMss, and was Ixirn in Bedford county, Vir<rinia, 
on the Uli of March, 1771. The parents of Mr. Daveiss, were both natives of 
Viririnia; hut his fatlier was of IriHh, his inotiier of Scotch descent; and the 
marlied peculiariti»;s of each of those ract^s were stronoly devel(i|>ed in tho 
character of their son. The hardy self-reliance, ti»e indoniitahlt! energy, and ini- 

Eerturhable coolness, wliicli have from earliest time distiufruished the Scotcii, were 
is; while the warm heart, free and open hand, and ready sprin<>injj tear of sen- 
sibility, told in lanijuaire plainer than words, that the blood of Erin flowed fresh 
in his veins. When young Daveiss was five years old, his parents removed to 
Kentucky, then an almost unbroken wilderness, and settled in the then county of 
Lincoln, in the immediate vicinity of the presiMit town of Danville. An incident 
which attended their journey to Kentucky, altliouirh trilling in itself, nniy be re- 
lated, as exhibiting in a very striking light the charactt>r of the mother, to whose 
forming influence was committed the subject of this notice. In crossing the 
Cumberland river, Mrs. Daveiss was thrown from her horse, and had her arm 
broken. The party only halted long enough to have the limb bound up, with 
what rude skill the men of the company possessed; and pursued their route, she 
riding a spirited horse and carrying her child, and never ceasing her exertions to 
promote the comforts of her companions when tln^y stoppi'd for rt^st and refresh- 
ment. The parents of young Daveiss, in common with the very early settlers of 
Kentucky, had many dilliculties to encounter in raising their youthful family, es- 
pecially in the want of schools to which children could be sent to obtain the ru- 
diments of an Knglish education. It was several years after their settlement in 
Kentucky, before the subject of this sketch enjoyed even the advantages of a 
common country school. Previous to this time, however, his mother Irad bes- 
towed considerable attention in tho education of her sons, by communicating 
such information as she herself possessed. At the age of eleven or twelve, ho 
was sent to a grammar school taught by a Mr. VVorley, where he continued for 
about two years, learned the Latin language, and made considerable progress in 
his Knglish education, lie subseipiently attended a grammar scluxd taught by a 
Dr, IJrooks, at which he rtMnained a year, making considerable advances in a 
knowledge of the(>nMd< language. At school ho evinced unusual capacity, being 
always at the head of his class. He was particularly remarkable for his talent 
for declamation and public speaking, and bis parents felt a natural anxiety to 
give him as many advantages as their limited resources would permit. There 
being at that time no college in the country, he was placed under the charge of a 
Dr. Culbertson, where ho completed his knowledge of the Greek tongue. At 



252 DAVEISS COUNTY. 

this time, the sudden death of a brother and sister occasioned his beings recalled 
from school, and he returned home to assist his father in the labors of the farm. 
There is a tradition that young Daveiss was not particularly distinguished by his 
devotion to agricultural pursuits, frequently permitting the horses of his plough 
to graze at leisure, in a most unfarmerlike way, while he, stretched supinely on 
his back on some luxurious log, indulged in those delicious dreams and reveries 
so sweet to young and aspiring ambition. 

In the autumn of 1792, Major Adair, under government orders, raised some 
companies of mounted men, to guard the transportation of provisions to the forts 
north of the Ohio river, and Daveiss, then in his 18th year, volunteered in the 
service, which it was understood would be from three to six months duration. 
Nothing of particular interest occurred in the course of this service, except on 
one occasion, when Major Adair had encamped near fort St. Clair, Here he was 
surprised, early in the morning, by a large body of Indians, who, rushing into 
the camp just after the sentinels had been withdrawn from their posts, killed and 
wounded fourteen or fifteen of the men, and captured and carried away about two 
hundred head of horses. These were taken within the Indian lines and lied. 
After the whites had sought shelter in the neighborhood of the fort, young Da- 
veiss, discovering his own horse at some distance hitched to a tree, resolved to 
have him at all hazards. He accordingly ran and cut him loose, and led hira 
back to his companions amid a shower of balls. This exploit nearly cost him his 
life ; a ball passing through his coat, waistcoat, and cutting off a small piece of 
his shirt. He, however, saved his horse, which was the only one retaken out of 
the two hundred. 

When his term of service expired, he returned home, and spent some time in 
reviewing his classical studies. He ultimately concluded to study law, and ac- 
cordingly entered the ofRce of the celebrated George Nicholas, then the first law- 
yer in Kentucky. Daveiss entered a class of students consisting of Isham Talbott, 
Jesse Bledsoe, William Garrard, Felix Grundy, William Blackbourne, John 
Pope, William Stuart, and Thomas Dye Owings, all of whom were subsequently 
distinguished at the bar and in the public history of the country. Nicholas was 
very profoundly impressed with the striking indications of genius of a high order, 
manifested by Daveiss while under his roof; and so high an opinion did he form 
of the power of his character and the firmness of his principles, that at his death, 
which occurred but a few years after, he appointed him one of his executors. He 
was a most laborious and indefatigable student; he accustomed himself to take 
his repose upon a hard bed ; was fond of exercise in the open air, habituating 
himself to walking several hours in each day ; he was accustomed in the days 
when he was a student, to retire to the woods with his books, and pursue his 
studies in some remote secluded spot, secure from the annoyance and interruption 
of society. In connection with his legal studies, he read history and miscella- 
neous literature, so that when he came to the bar, his mind was richly stored 
with various and profound knowledge, imparting a fertility and affluence to his 
resources, from which his powerful and well trained intellect drew inexhaustible 
supplies. He commenced the practice of the law in June, 1795; in August he 
was qualified as an attorney in the court of appeals ; and in his first cause had 
for an antagonist his old preceptor, over whom he enjoyed the singular gratifica- 
tion of obtaining a signal triumph. 

At the session of 1795-6, the legislature passed a law establishing district 
courts. One of these courts was located at Danville, one at Lexington, and one 
at Bardstown. Daveiss settled at Danville, and soon commanded a splendid busi- 
ness, not only in that, but in all the courts in which he practiced. He continued 
to reside in Danville until the abolition of the district courts, and the substitution 
of circuit courts in their place. He then removed to Frankfort, to.be enabled 
more conveniently to attend the court of appeals and the federal court, having 
been appointed United States' attorney for the State of Kentucky. In the year 
1801 or '2, he went to Washington city, being the first western lawyer who ever 
appeared in the supreme court of the United States. He here argued the cele- 
brated cause of Wilson vs. Mason. His speech is said to have excited the high- 
est admiration of the bench and bar, and placed him at once in the foremost rank 
of the profession. During this trip he visited the principal cities of the north 
and east, and formed an acquaintance with many of the most distinguished men 



EDMONSON COUNTy. 253 

of America, with several of whom he contimied to correspond until the period of 
his death. In 1803, he was united in marriage to Anne Marshall, the sister of 
the chief justice of the United States. After he had resided in Frankfort a few 
years, he removed to Ovvensburg, Daveiss county, to be able to attend more closely 
to the interests of a large property he had acquired in that region. In 1809, he 
removed to Lexington, and resumed the practice of the law. During the short 
period of two years previous to his death, there was hardly a cause of importance 
litigated in the courts where he practiced, that he was not engaged on one side or 
the other. We should have noticed before, his prosecution of Aaron Burr for 
treason, whilst acting as attorney for the United States. He had noticed the 
movements of this person for some time before he commenced a prosecution, and 
became satisfied from his observations that he had somC unlawful design in view; 
and, considering it to be his duty to arrest his movements, he caused him to be 
apprehended and brought before the court; but, from a failure of evidence, the 
prosecution was ultimately abandoned. 

In the fall of 1811, Colonel Daveiss joined the army of General Harrison, in 
the campaign against the Indians on the Wabash. He received the command of 
major, the duties of which station he discharged promptly, and to the entire satis- 
faction of his superior officer. On the 7th of November, 1811, in the celebrated 
battle of Tippecanoe, he fell in a charge against the Indians, made at his own so- 
licitation. He survived from 5 o'clock in the morning until midnight, retaining 
to the last the full command of all his faculties. 

Colonel Daveiss was near six feet high, with an athletic and vigorous form, 
combining with his high intellectual endowments, a remarkably command- 
ing and impressive personal appearance. His bearing was grave and 
dignified. His manner bland and courteous to those he loved, but haughty and 
repulsive in the extreme to those he disliked. As an orator, he had few equals 
and no superiors. The late Judge Boyle, the Hon. John Pope, and the Hon. 
Samuel M'Kee, all competent judges, and associates of Daveiss at the bar, fre- 
quently declared that he was the most impressive speaker they ever heard. Asa 
colloquialist, he was unequalled, and the life of every circle in which he was 
thrown. His death occasioned a shock in the public mind throughout the State. 



EDMONSON COUNTY. 

Edmonson county was formed in 1825, and named for Captain 
John Edmonson. It is situated in the south-west middle section 
of the State, and lies on both sides of Green river — bounded on 
the north and north-west by Grayson, east by Hart and Barren, 
and south and south-west by Warren. The face of the county 
is generally undulating, and in some places quite hilly. There 
are several sulphur springs in the county, with ores of various 
kinds, and an inexhaustible supply of stone coal. The staple 
products are corn and oats. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846, was valued at 
$401,127 ; number of acres of land in the county, 124,038 ; average 
value of land per acre, $1 ,97 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years old, 604 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years of age, 955. Population in 1830, 2,642— in 1840, 2,914. 

Brownsville, the seat of justice and only town in Edmonson, is 
one hundred and thirty miles from Frankfort — contains a Baptist 
and a Methodist church, an academy, two stores, two taverns, 
two lawyers, two doctors, (and three in the vicinity), and eight 



254 EDMONSON COUNTY. 

mechanics' shops. Population 150. Established in 1828, and 
named in honor of General Jacob Brown. 

There are three natural curiosities in this county : the " Dismal Rock," the 
"Indian Hill," and the " Mammoth Cave." Dismal Rock is a perpendicular 
rock on Dismal creek, one hundred and sixty-three feet high. The Indian Hill 
lies one mile from Brownsville — is circular at its hase, and one mile in circum- 
ference — its altitude eighty-four feet, and, except on one side, which is easy of 
ascent on foot, perpendicular. The remains of a fortification are seen around the 
brow, and a number of mounds and burial places are scattered over the area. 
A spring of fine water issues from the rock near the surface. 

The Mammoth Cave. — In Edmonson county is situated, perhaps the greatest 
natural wonder of the world, the celebrated Mammoth Cave. In no other place has 
nature exhibited her varied powers on a more imposing scale of grandeur and mag- 
nificence. The materials of the following sketch of this cave, are derived, prin- 
cipally, from a small publication issued by Morton & Griswold, of Louisville, 
entitled "Rambles in the Mammoth Cave, during the year 1844, by a Visitor." 
This publication contains, we believe, the most complete and accurate description 
of this subterranean palace that has yet appeared, and gives the reader a very 
vivid conception of that amazing profusion of grand, solemn, picturesque and 
romantic scenery, which impresses every beholder w'ith astonishment and awe, 
and attracts to this cave crowds of visitors from every quarter of the world. 

The cave is situated equi-distant from the cities of Louisville and Nashville, 
(about ninety miles from each,) and immediately on the nearest road between 
those two places. Green river is distant from the cave only half a mile, and since 
the improvements effected in the navigation of that stream, by the construction of 
locks and dams, steam boats can at all seasons ascend to Bowling-green, twenty 
miles below the cave, and during a great part of the year to the cave itself. For 
a distance of two rniles from the cave, by the approach from the south-east, the 
country is level. It was, until recently, a prairie, on which however the oak, 
chestnut, and hickory are now growing ; and there being no underbrush, its 
smooth verdant openings present here and there, a close resemblance to the parks 
of the English nobility. Emerging from these beautiful woodlands, the visitor is 
presented with a view of the hotel and adjacent grounds. The hotel is a large 
edifice, two hundred feet long, by forty-five wide, with piazzas sixteen feet wide, 
extending the whole length of the building above and below. The accommo- 
dations at this hotel are kept up in superior style. 

The cave is about two hundred yards from the hotel, and is approached through 
a romantic and beautiful dell, shaded by a forest of trees and grape-vines. Pass- 
ing by the ruins of some old salt-petre furnaces, and large mounds of ashes, and 
turning abruptly to the right, the visitor is suddenly startled by a rush of cold air, 
and beholds before him the yawning mouth of the great cavern, dismal, dark and 
dreary. Descend some thirty feet, by rude steps of stone, and you are fairly un- 
der the arch of this " nether world." Before you, in looking towards the entrance, 
is seen a small stream of water, falling from the face of the rock, upon the ruins 
below, and disappearing in a deep pit; behind you, all is gloom and darkness. 
Proceeding onward about one hundred feet, the progress of the explorer is arrested 
by a door, set in a rough stone wall, which stretches across and completely blocks 
op the entrance to the cave. Passing through this door, you soon enter a narrow 
passage, faced on the left by a wall, built by the miners to confine the loose stones 
thrown up in the course of their labors, and descending gradually a short distance 
along this passage, you arrive at the great vestibule or ante-chamber of the cave. 
This is a hall of an oval shape, two hundred feet in length by one hundred and 
fifty wide, with a roof as flat and level as if finished by the trowel, and from 
fifty to sixty feet high. Two passages, each a hundred feet in width, open into 
it at its opposite extremities, but at right angles to each other ; and as they run in 
a straight course for five or six hundred feet, with the same flat roof common to 
each, the appearance presented to the eye is that of a vast hall in the shape of the 
letter L, expanded at the angle, both branches being five hundred feet long by one 
hundred wide. The passage to the right hand is "Audubon Avenue." That in 
the front, the beginning of the grand gallery or the main cavern itself. The entire 
extent of this prodigious space is covered by a single rock, in which the eye can 



THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 255 

detect no break or interruption, save at its borders, which are surrounded by a 
broad sweeping cornice, traced in horizontal panel work, exceedingly noble and 
regular. Not a single pier or pillar of any kind contributes to support it. It 
needs no support ; but is 

" By its own weight made steadfast and immoveable." 

At a very remote period, this chamber seems to have been used as a cemetery; 
and there have been disinterred many skeletons of gigantic dimensions, belonging 
to a race of people long since vanished from the earth. Such is the vestibule of 
the Mammoth cave. The walls of this chamber are so dark that they reflect not 
one single ray of light from the dim torches. Around you is an impenetrable wall 
of darkness, which the eye vainly seeks to pierce, and a canopy of darkness, black 
and rayless, spreads above you. By the aid, however, of a fire or two which the 
guides kindle from the remains of some old wooden ruins, you begin to acquire a 
better conception of the scene around you. Far up, a hundred feet above your 
head, you catch a fitful glimpse of a dark gray ceiling, rolling dimly away like a 
cloud, and heavy buttresses, apparently bending under the superincumbent weight, 
project their enormous masses from the shadowy wall. The scene is vast, and 
solemn and awful. A profound silence, gloomy, still and breathless, reigns 
unbroken by even a sigh of air, or the echo of a drop of water falling from the 
roof. You can hear the throbbings of your heart, and the mind is oppressed with 
a sense of vastness, and solitude, and grandeur indescribable. 

Leaving this ante-chamber by an opening on the right, the visitor enters Au- 
dubon avenue, which is a chamber more than a mile long, fifty or sixty feet wide, 
and as many high. The roof or ceiling of this apartment, exhibits the appearance 
of floating clouds. Near the termination of this avenue, a natural well twenty- 
five feet deep, and containing the purest water, has been within the last few years 
discovered. It is surrounded by stalagmite columns, extending from the floor to 
the roof, upon the incrustation of which, when lights are suspended, the reflection 
from the water below and the various objects above and around, gives to the 
whole scene an appearance most romantic and picturesque. This spot, however, 
being difficult of access, is but seldom visited. The Little Bat room cave — a 
branch of Audubon avenue, is on the left as you advance, and not more than three 
hundred yards from the great vestibule. It is a little over a quarter of a mile in 
length, and is chiefly remarkable for its pit of two hundred and eighty feet in 
depth; and as being the resort, in winter, of immense numbers of bats. During 
this season of the year, tens of thousands of these are seen hanging from the 
walls, in apparently a torpid state, but no sooner does spring open than they 
disappear. 

From the Little Bat Room, and Audubon Avenue, the visitor returns into the 
vestibule, from whence, by another passage, at riglit angles to that just mentioned, 
he enters the grand gallery or main cavern. This is a vast tunnel, extending for 
many miles, averaging throughout fifty feet in width by as many in height. This 
noble subterranean avenue, the largest of which we have any knowledge, is re- 
plete with interest from its varied characteristics and majestic grandeur. Pro- 
ceeding down this main cave a quarter of a mile, the visitor comes to the Ken- 
tucky cliffs, so called from a fancied resemblance to the cliffs on the Kentucky 
river, and descending gradually about twenty feet, enters the Church. The ceil- 
ing here is sixty-three feet high, and the church itself, including the recess, is 
about one hundred feet in diameter. Eight or ten feet above the pulpit, and 
immediately behind it, is the organ loft, which is sufficiently capacious for an or- 
gan and choir of the largest size. This church is large enough to contain thou- 
sands, a solid projection of the wall seems to have been designed as a pulpit, and 
a few feet back is a place well calculated for an organ and choir. In this great 
temple of nature, religious service has been frequently performed, and it requires 
but a slight effort on the part of the speaker to make himself heard by the largest 
congregation. 

Leaving the church, the visitor is brought to the ruins of the old nitre works, 
leaching vats, pump frames, &c., &c., and looking from thence some thirty feet 
above, will see a large cave, connected with which is a narrow gallery, sweeping 
across the main cave, and losing itself in a cave which is seen above, upon the 
right. This latter cave is the Gothic Avenue, which no doubt was at one time 



256 [EDMONSON COUNTY. 

connected with the cave opposite, and on the same level, forming a complete 
bridge over the main cave, but has been broken down and separated by some 
great convulsion. The cave on the left, which is filled with sand, has been pen- 
etrated but a short distance. The Gothic Avenue, to which the visitor ascends 
from the main cave by a flight of stairs, is about forty feet wide, fifteen feet 
high, and two miles long. The ceiling in many places is as smooth and white 
as if formed by the trowel of the most skillful plasterer. In a recess on the left 
hand, elevated a few feet above the floor, two mummies, long since taken away, 
were to be seen in 1813. They were in good preservation — one was a female, 
witb her extensive wardrobe placed before her. Two of the miners found a mum- 
my in Audubon avenue in 1814 ; but having concealed it, it was not found until 
1840, when it was so much injured and broken to pieces by the weights which 
had been placed upon it, as to be of no value. There is no doubt that by proper 
efforts discoveries might be made which would throw light on the history of the 
early inhabitants of this continent. A highly scientific gentleman of New York, 
one of the early visitors to the cave, says in his published narrative : 

" On my first visit to the Mammoth Cave in 1813, I saw a relic of ancient times which 
requires a minute description. This description is from a memorandum made in the cave 
at the time. 

" In the digging of saltpetre earth in the short cave, a fiat rock was met with by the work- 
men, a little below the surface of the earth, in the cave: this stone was raised, and was 
about four feet wide, and as many long ; beneath it was a square excavation about three feet 
deep, and as many in length and width. In this small nether subterranean chamber sat in 
solemn silence one of the human species, a female, with her wardrobe and ornaments 
placed at her side. The body was in a state of perfect preservation, and sitting erect. The 
arms were folded up, and the hands were laid across the bosom ; around the two wrists was 
wound a small cord, designed, probably, to keep them in the posture in which they were 
first placed ; around the body and next thereto were wrapped two deer .skins. These skins 
appeared to have been dressed in some mode dilTerent from what is now practiced by any 
people of whom I have any knowledge. The hair of the skins was cut ofl' very near 
the surface. The skins were ornamented with the imprints of vines and leaves, which were 
sketched with a substance perfectly white. Outside of these two skins was a large square 
sheet, which was either wove or knit. The fabric was the inner bark of a tree, which I 
judge from appearances to be that of the linn tree. In its texture and appearance, it re- 
sembled the south sea island cloth or matting ; this sheet enveloped the whole body or head. 
The hair on the head was cut off within an eighth of an inch of the skin, except near the 
neck, where it was an inch long. The color of the hair was a dark red ; the teeth were 
white and perfect. I discovered no blemish upon the body, except a wound between two 
ribs, near the back bone ; and one of the eyes had also been injured. The finger and toe 
nails were perfect and quite long. The features were regular. I measured the length of one 
of the bones of the arm with a string, from the elbow to the wrist joint, and they equalled - 
my own in length, viz : — ten and a half inches. From the examination of the whole 
frame I judged the figure to be that of a very tall female, say five feet ten inches in height. 
The hotly, at the time it was discovered, weighed but fourteen pounds, and was perfectly 
dry ; on exposure to the atmosphere, it gained in weight, by absorbing dampness, four 
pounds. Many persons have expressed surprise that a human body of great size should 
weigh so little, as many human skeletons, of nothing but bone, exceed this weight. 

" Recently some experiments have been made in Paris, which have demonstrated the fact 
of the human body being reduced to ten pounds, by being exposed to a heated atmosphere 
for a long period of time. 1'he color of the skin was dark, not black ; the flesh was hard 
and dry upon the bones. At the side of the body lay a pair of moccasins, a knapsack, and 
an indispensable, or reticule. I will describe these in the order in which I have named them. 
The moccasins were made of wove or knit bark, like the wrapper I have described. Around 
the top was a border to add strength, and perhaps as an ornament. These were of middling 
size, denoting feet of a small size. 'J"he shape of the moccasins differs but little from the deer 
skin moccasins worn by the northern Indians. The knapsack was of wove or knit bark, 
with a deep strong border around the top, and was about the size of knapsacks used by 
soldiers. The workmanship of it was neat, and such as would do credit as a fabric, to a man- 
ufacturer of the present day. The reticule was also made of knit or wove bark. The shape 
was much like a horseman's valise, opening its whole length on the top. On the side of the 
opening, and a few inches from it, were two rows of loops, one row on each side. Two 
cords were fastened to one end of the reticule at the top, which passed through the loop on 
one side, and then on the other side, the whole length, by which it was laced up and secured. 
The edges of the top of the reticule were strengthened with deep fancy borders. The arti- 



THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 257 

cles contained in the knapsack and reticule were quite numerous, and were as follows ; one 
head cap, made of wove or knit bark, without any border, and of the shape of the plainest 
night cap ; seven head dresses, made of the quills of large birds, and put together somewhat 
in the way that feather fans are made, except that the pipes of the quills are not drawn to a 
point, but are spread out in straight lines with the top. This was done by perforating the 
pipe of the quill in two places, and running two cords through the holes, and then winding 
round the quills and the cord fine thread, to fasten each quill in the place designed for it 
These cords extended some length beyond the quills on each side, so that on placing the 
feathers erect, the cords could be tied together at the back of the head. This would enable 
the wearer to present a beautiful display of feathers standing erect, and extending a distance 
above the head, and entirely surrounding it. These were most splendid head dresses, and 
would be a magnificent ornament to the head of a female at the present day. Several hun- 
dred strings of beads ; these consisted of very hard, brown seed, smaller than hemp seed, hi 
each of which a small hole had been made, and through the whole a small three corded 
thread, similar in appearance and texture to seine twine ; these were tied up in bunches, as a 
merchant ties up coral beads when he exposes them for sale. The red hoofs of fawns, on a 
string supposed to be worn around the neck as a necklace. These hoofs were about twenty 
in number, and may have been emblematic of innocence. The claw of an eagle, with a 
hole made in it through which a cord was passed, so that it could be worn pendant from the 
neck. The jaw of a bear, designed to be worn in the same manner as the eagle's claw, and 
supplied with a cord to suspend it around the neck. Two rattlesnake skins ; one of these 
had fourteen rattles ; these skins were neatly folded up. Some vegetable colors done up in 
leaves. A small bunch of deer sinews, resembling cat-gut in appearance. Several bunches of 
thread and twine, two and three threaded, some of which were nearly white. Seven needles, 
some of which were of horn and some of bone; they were smooth, and appeared to have 
been much used. These needles had each a knob or whorl on the top, and at the other end 
were brought to a point like a large sail needle. They had no eyelets to receive a thread. 
The top of one of these needles was handsomely scolloped. A hand piece made of deer-skin, 
with a hole through it for the thumb, and designed probably to protect the l^nd in the use 
of the needle, the same as thimbles are now used. Two whistles, about eight inches long, 
made of cane, with a joint about one third the length ; over the joint is an opening extend- 
ing to each side of the tube of the whistle ; these openings were about three quarters of an 
inch long, and an inch wide, and had each a flat reed placed in the opening. These whistles 
were tied together with a cord wound round them. 

" I have been thus minute in describing this mute witness from the days of other times, and 
the articles which were deposited within her earthen house. Of the race of people to whom she 
belonged when Uving we know nothing ; and as to conjecture, the reader who gathers from 
these pages this account, can judge of the matter as well as those who saw the remnant of 
mortality in the subterranean chambers in which she was entombed. The cause of the pres- 
ervation of her body, dress, and ornaments, is no mystery. The dry atmosphere of the cave, 
with the nitrate of lime, with which the earth that covers the bottom of these nether palaces 
is so highly impregnated, preserves animal flesh, and it will neither putrify nor decompose 
when confined to its unchanging action. Heat and moisture are both absent from the cave, 
and it is these two agents acting together wliich produce both animal and vegetable decom- 
position and putrefaction. 

" In the ornaments, &c., of this mute witness of ages gone, we have a record of olden- 
time, from which, in the absence of a written record, we may draw some conclusions. In 
the various articles which constituted her ornaments, there were no metallic substances.. 
In the make of her dress, there is no evidence of the use of any other machinery than 
the bone and horn needles. The beads are of a substance, of the use of which for such, 
purposes we have no account among people of whom we have any written record. She 
had no warlike arms. By what process the hair on her head was cut short, or by what 
process the deer skins were shorn, we have no means of conjecture. These articles afford us 
the same means of judging of the nation to which she belonged, and of their advances in 
the arts, that future generations will have in the exhumation of a tenant of one of our 
modern tombs, with the funeral shroud &c. in a state of like preservation ; with this differ- 
ence, that with the present inhabitants of this section of the globe, but few articles of orna- 
ment are deposited with the body. The features of this ancient member of the human 
family much resembled those of a tall, handsome, American woman. The forehead was 
high, and the head well formed." 

In this chamber (the Gothic Avenue), there are to be seen a number of stalag- 
mite pillars reaching from the floor to the ceiling, once white and translucent, but 
now black and begrimed with smoke. In this chamber, too, there are a num- 
ber of stalactites, one of which, called the Bell, on being struck, gave forth a 
sound like the deep bell of a cathedral ; but was broken several years ago by a 
17 



258 EDMONSON COUNTY. 

visitor, and now tolls no longer. In this chamber, also, are Louisa's Bower and 
Vulcan's Furnace. In the latter, there is a heap not unlike cinders in appearance, 
and some dark colored water. Here, too, are the Register Rooms, where on a 
ceiling as smooth and white as if finished by art, thousands of names have been 
traced by the smoke of a candle. In this neighborhood the visitor reaches the 
Stalagmite Hall or Gothic Chapel, an elliptical chamber, eighty feet long by fifty 
feet wide. Stalagmite columns, of enormous size, nearly block up the two ends ; 
and two rows of pillars of smaller dimensions, reaching from the floor to the ceiling, 
and equi-distant from the wall on either side, extend the entire length of the hall. 
This apartment is one of surprising grandeur and magnificence, and when brilli- 
antly lighted up by the lamps, presents a scene inspiring the beholder with feel- 
ings of solenmity and awe. The Devil's Arm Chair is a large stalagmite column, 
in the centre of which is formed a capacious and comfortable seat. Near the foot 
of the Chair is a small basin of sulphur water. In this Avenue are situated 
Napoleon's Breast Work, the Elephant's Head, and the Lover's Leap. The latter 
is a large pointed rock, projecting over a dark and gloomy hollow, thirty feet 
deep. Descending into the hollow, immediately below the Lover's Leap, the 
visitor enters, to the left, a passage or chasm in the rock, three feet wide and fifty 
feet high, which leads to the lowet branch of the Gothic Avenue. At the en- 
trance of this lower branch, is a large flat rock called Gatewood's Dining Table, 
to the right of which is a cave, in which is situated the Cooling Tub, — a beauti- 
ful basin of six feet wide and three deep — into which a small stream of the pur- 
est water pours from the ceiling and afterwards flows into the Flint Pit, Cir- 
cling round Gatewood's Dining Table, which almost blocks up the way, the 
visitor passes Napoleon's Dome, the Cinder Banks, the Crystal Pool, the Salts 
Cave, etc., and descending a few feet, and leaving the direct course of the cave, 
enters on the right Annett's Dome, — a place of great seclusion and grandeur. 
Through a crevice in the wall of this Dome is a beautiful waterfall — issuing in a 
stream of a foot in diameter from a high cave in the side of the dome, and pass- 
ing oflf by a small channel into the Cistern, a large pit directly in the pathway 
of the cave, which is usually full of water. Near the end of this lower branch 
of the Gothic Avenue, there is a crevice in the ceiling over the last spring, 
through which the sound of water maybe heard falling in a cave or open space 
above. 

Returning from the Gothic Avenue, again into the main cave, which continues 
to increase in interest as he advances, the visitor is met at every step by some- 
thing to elicit his admiration and wonder. At a small distance from the stairs 
which descend from the Gothic Avenue into the main cave, is situated the Ball 
Room, so called from its singular adaptation to such assemblages. Here is an 
orchestra fifteen feet high, large enough to accommodate a hundred musicians, 
with a gallery extending back to the level of the high embankment near the 
Gothic Avenue ; and the cave is here wide, straight, and perfectly level for several 
hundred feet. By the addition of a plank floor, seats and lamps, a ball room 
might be furnished, more grand and magnificent than any other on earth. Next 
in order is Willie's Spring, a beautiful fluted niche in the left hand wall, caused 
by the continual attrition of water trickling down into the basin below. Pro- 
ceeding onwards the visitor passes the Well Cave, Rocky Cave, etc, etc, and ar- 
rives at the Giant's Cofl^n, a huge rock on the right, thus named from its singu- 
lar resemblance to a coflin. At this point commence those incrustations which, 
assuming every imaginable shape on the ceiling, aiford full scope to the fancy, 
to picture what it will, whether of " birds, or beasts or creeping things." About a 
hundred yards beyond the Coffin, the cave makes a majestic curve, and sweeping 
round the Great Bend, resumes its general course. Here, by means of a Bengal 
light, this vast amphitheatre may be illuminated and a scene of enchantment ex- 
posed to the view. No language can describe the splendor and subligaity of the 
scene. Opposite to this point is the entrance to the Sick Room Cave, so called 
from the sudden sickness of a visitor, brought on by smoking cigars in one of its 
remote nooks. Immediately beyond this there is situated a row of cabins for 
consumptive patients. These are well furnished, and would, with good and com- 
fortable accommodations, pure air and uniform temperature, cure the pulmonary 
consumption. The atmosphere of the cave is always temperate and pure. 

Next in the order of succession, is the Star Chamber. This is a very remark- 



THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 259 

able avenue, and presents the most perfect optical illusion; in looking up to the 
ceiling-, which is very hi^h, the spectator seems to see the very firmament itself, 
studded with stars, — and afar off, a comet, with its long, bright tail. Not far 
from this Star Chamber, may be seen in a cavity in the wall on the right, and 
about twenty feet above the floor, an oak pole, about ten feet long and six inches 
in diameter, with two round sticks of half the thickness, and three feet long, tied 
on to it transversely, at about four feet apart. One end of this pole rests on the 
bottom of the cavity, and the other reaching across and forced firmly into a cre- 
vice about three feet above. It has been supposed that on this pole was once 
placed a dead body, — similar contrivances being used by some Indian tribes, on 
which to place their dead. This pole was first discovered in 1841. Ages have 
rolled away since it was placed here, and yet it is perfectly sound. In this neigh- 
borhood there are Side Cuts, as they are called ; caves opening on the sides of 
the avenues, and after proceeding some distance, entering them again. Some of 
these side cuts exceed half a mile in length, but they are generally short. 

The visitor next enters the Salts room, the walls and ceiling of which are cov- 
ered with salts hanging in crystals. In this room are the Indian houses under 
the rocks, — small spaces or rooms completely covered — some of which contain 
ashes and cane partly burnt. The Cross rooms is a grand section of this avenue ; 
the ceiling presenting an unbroken span of one hundred and seventy feet, with- 
out a column to support it. In this neighborhood are the Black Chambers, in 
which are to be seen many curious and remarkable objects. The Humble Chute 
is the entrance to the Solitary chambers, in going into which you must crawl on 
your hands and knees some fifteen or twenty feet under a low arch. In the Sol- 
itary cave is situated the Fairy Grotto ; here an immense number of stalactites 
are seen at irregular distances, extending from the roof to the floor, of various 
sizes and of the most fantastic shapes — some straight, some crooked, some large 
and hollow, forming irregularly fluted columns; and some solid near the ceiling, 
and divided lower down, into a great number of small branches like the roots of 
trees, exhibiting the appearance of a coral grove. Lighted up by lamps, this 
grove of stalactites exhibits a scene of extraordinary beauty. Returning from 
the Fairy Grotto, you re-enter the main cave at the Cataract, and come next to 
the chief city or Temple, which is thus described by Lee in his notes on the Mam- 
moth Cave : 

"The Temple is an immense vault, covering an area of two acres, and covered by a single 
dome of solid rock, one hundred and twenty feet high. It excels in size the cave of StaiTa ; 
and rivals the celebrated vault in the Grotto of Antiparos, which is said to be the largest in 
the world. In passing through from one end to the other, the dome appears to follow like 
the sky in passing from place to place on the earth. In the middle of the dome there is a 
large mound of rocks rising on one side nearly to the top, verj' steep, and forming what is 
called the mountain. When first I ascended this mound from the cave below, I was struck 
with a feeling of awe, more deep and intense than any thing I had ever before experienced. 
I could only observe the narrow circle which was illuminated immediately around me, above 
and beyond was apparently an unlimited space, in which the ear could catch not the slightest 
sound, nor the eye find an object to rest upon. It was filled with silence and darkness; and 
yet I knew that I was beneath the earth, and that this space, however large it might be, was 
actually bounded by solid walls. My curiosity was rather excited than gratified. In order 
that I might see the whole in one connected view, I built fires in many places with the 
pieces of cane which I found scattered among the rocks. Then taking my stand on the 
mountain, a scene was presented of surprising magnificence. On the opposite side, the strata 
of gray limestone breaking up by steps from the bottom, could scarcely be discerned in the 
distance by the glimmering. Above was the lofty dome, closed at the top by a smooth oval 
slab beautifully defined in the outline, from which the walls sloped away on the right and 
left, into thick darkness. Every one has heard of the dome of the mosque of St. Sophia, of 
St. Peter's and St. Paul's ; they are never spoken of but in terms of admiration, as the chief 
works of architecture, and among the noblest and most stupendous examples of what man 
can do when aided by science ; and yet, when compared with the dome of this temple, they 
sink into comparative insignificance. Such is the surpassing grandeur of nature's works." 

A narrow passage behind the Giant's cofiin leads to a circular room one hundred feet in 
diameter, with a low roof called the Wooden Bowl, in allusion to its figure, or as some say, 
from a wooden bowl having been found here by some old miner. This Bowl is the vestibule 
of the Deserted Chambers. On the right are the Steeps of Time, down which descending 
about twenty feet, and almost perpendicularly for the first ten, the visitor enters the Deserted 



260 EDMONSON COUNTY. 

Chambers, which present features extremely wild and terrific. For two hundred yards the 
ceiling is rough and broken, but further on it is white, smooth and waving, as if worn by 
water. At Richardson's Spring the imprint of moccasins and of children's ieet of some by- 
gone age, are to be seen. There are more pits in the Deserted Chambers than in any other 
part of the cave ; among the most remarkable of these, are the Covered Pit, the Side-saddle' 
Pit and the Bottomless Pit. One of the chief glories of the cave is Gorin's Dome. This 
dome is of solid rock, with sides apparently fluted and polished, and two hundred feet high. 
The range of the Deserted Chambers is terminated by the Bottomless Pit. This pit is some- 
what in the .shape of a horse-shoe, having a tongue of land twenty-seven feet long, running 
out into the middle of it. Beyond the Bottomless Pit is the Winding Way, and Persico 
Avenue. 

Persico Arenue averages about fifty feet in width, with a height of about thirty feet; and 
is said to be two miles long. It unites in an eminent degree the beautiful and the sublime, 
and is highly interesting throughout its entire extent. For a quarter of a mile from the 
entrance the roof is beautifully arched, about twelve feet high and sixty wide. The walk- 
ing here is excellent, a dozen persons might run abreast for a quarter of a mile to Bunyan's 
Way, a branch of the avenue leading to the river. At tliis point the avenue changes its 
features of beauty and regularity for those of wild grandeur and sublimity, which it preserves 
to the end. The roof becomes lofty and imposingly magnificent, its long pointed or lancet 
arches, reminding the spectator of the rich and gorgeous ceilings of the old Gothic cathe- 
drals. Not far from this point the visitor descending gradually a few feet, enters a tunnel of 
fifteen wide, the ceiling twelve or fourteen feet high, perfectly arched and beautifully covered 
with white incrustations, and soon reaches the Great Crossings. The name is not unapt, 
because two great caves cross here. Not far from here is the Pine-apple Bush, a large 
column composed of a white soft crumbling material, with bifurcations extending from the 
ceiling. The Winding Way is one hundred and five feet long, eighteen inches wide, and 
from three to seven feet deep, widening out above sufficiently to admit the free use of one's 
arms. It is throughout tortuous, forming a perfect zig-zag. 

Relief Hall, at the termination of the Winding Way, is very wide and lofty, but not 
long; it terminates at River Hall, a distance of one hundred yards from its entrance. Here 
two routes present themselves. The one to the left conducts to the Dead Sea and the Rivers, 
and that to the right to the Bacon Chamber, the Bandit's Hall, the Mammoth Dome, &c., 
&c., &c. The Bacon Chamber is a pretty fair representation of a low ceiling, thickly hung 
with canvassed hams and shoulders. The Bandit's Hall is a vast and lofty chamber, the 
floor covered with a mountainous heap of rocks, rising amphitheatrically almost to the ceil- 
ing. From the Bandit's Hall diverge two caves, one of which, the left, leads you to a mul- 
titude of domes; and the right to one which, par excellence, is called the Mavimoth Dome. 
This dome is near four hundred feet high, and is justly considered one of the most sublime 
and wonderful spectacles of this most wonderful of caverns. From the summit of this 
dome there is a waterfall. Foreigners have been known to declare, on witnessing an illu- 
mination of the great dome and hall, that it alone would compensate for a voyage across the 
Atlantic. 

The River Hall is a chamber situated at the termination of Relief Hall, which has been 
already mentioned, and through which the visitor must pass in approaching the greatest won- 
ders of the cave, the Dead Sea and the Rivers. We despair of giving any adequate descrip- 
tion of this subterranean lake and rivers. " The River Hall descends like the slope of a 
mountain ; the ceiling stretches away — away before you, vast and grand as the firmament 
at midnight." Proceeding a short distance, there is on the left " a steep precipice, over 
which you can look down, by the aid of blazing missiles, upon a broad black sheet of water, 
eighty feet below, called the Dead Sea. This is an awfully impressive place, the sights and 
sounds of which do not easily pass from memory. He who has seen it, will have it vividly 
brought before him by Aifieri's description of Filippo. ' Only a transient word or act gives 
us a short and dubious glimmer that reveals to us the abysses of his being — daring, lurid, and 
terrific as the throat of the infernal pool.' Descending from the eminence by a ladder of 
about twenty feet, we find ourselves among piles of gigantic rocks, and one of the most pic- 
turesque sights in the world is to see a file of men and women passing along those wild and 
scraggy paths, moving slowly — slowly that their lamps may have time to illuminate their 
sky-like ceiling and gigantic walls, — disappearing behind high cliffs — sinking into ravines — 
their lights shining upwards through fissures in the rocks — then suddenly emerging from 
some abrupt angle, standing in the bright gleam of their lights, reh'eved by the towering 
black masses around them. As you pass along, you hear the roar of invisible water falls ; 
and at the foot of the slope the river Styx lies before you, deep and black, overarched with 
rocks. Across (or rather down) these unearthly waters, the guide can convey but four pas- 
sengers at once. The lamps are fastened to the prow, the images of which are reflected in 
the dismal pool. If you are impatient of delay, or eager for new adventure, you can leave 
your companions lingering about the shore and cross the Styx by a dangerous bridge of 



ESTILL COUNTY. 261 

precipices over head. In order to do this you must ascend a steep cliff, and enter a cave 
above, three hundred yards long, from an egress of which you find yourself on the bank of 
the river, eighty feet above its surface, commanding a view of those in the boat, and those 
waiting on the shore. Seen from this height, the lamps in the canoe glare like fiery eye- 
balls ; and the passengers sitting there so hushed and motionless look like shadows. The 
scene is so strangely funereal and spectral, that it seems as if the Greeks must have witnessed 
it, before they imagined Charon conveying ghosts to the dim regions of Pluto. If you turn 
your eye from the parties of men and women whom you left waiting on the shore, you will 
see them by the gleam of their lamps, scattered in picturesque groups, looming out in bold 
relief from the dense darkness around them." 

Having passed the Styx, the explorer reaches the banks of the river Lethe. 
Descending this about a quarter of a mile, he lands, and enters a level and lofty 
hall called the Great Walk, which stretches to the banks of the Echo, a distance 
of three or four hundred yards. The Echo is wide and deep enough, at all times, 
to float a steamer of the largest class. At the point of embarkation the arch is 
very low ; but in two boats' lengths, the vault of the cave becomes lofty and 
wide. The novelty, the grandeur, the magnificence of the surrounding scenery 
here, elicits unbounded admiration and wonder. The Echo is three quarters of a 
mile long. It is in these rivers that the extraordinary white eyeless fish are 
caught. There is not the slightest indication of an organ similar to an eye to be 
discovered. 

Beyond the Echo there is a walk of four miles to Cleveland's Avenue, in reach- 
ing which the visitor passes through El Ghor, Silliman's Avenue, and Welling- 
ton's Gallery, to the foot of the ladder which leads up to Mary's Vineyard, the 
commencement of Cleveland's Avenue. Proceeding about a hundred feet from 
this spot, you reach the base of the hill on which stands the Holy Sepulchre. 
Cleveland's avenue is about three miles long, seventy feet wide, and twelve or 
fifteen feet high — more rich and gorgeous than any ever revealed to man, abound- 
ing in formations which are no where else to be seen, and which the most stupid 
cannot behold without feelings of admiration. But a detailed description of these 
wonders would not consist with the plan of this work. In this Avenue are situ- 
ated Cleveland's Cabinet, the Rocky Mountains, Croghan's Hall, Serena's Arbor, 
&c. &c. There is in this vast cave another avenue, more than three miles long, 
lofty and wide, and at its termination there is a hall which the guide thinks 
larger than any other in the cave. It is as yet without a name. 

Captain John Edmonson, from whom this county derived its name, was a na- 
tive of Washington county, Virginia. He settled in Fayette county, Kentucky, 
in the year 1790. He raised a company of volunteer riflemen, and joined Col. 
John Allen's regiment in the year 1812, and fell in the disastrous battle of the 
river Raisin, the 22d of January, 1813. 



ESTILL COUNTY. 

Estill county was formed in 1808, and named in honor of Cap- 
tain James Estill. It is situated in the eastern middle part of 
the State, and lies on both sides of the Kentucky river. Bounded 
on the north by Montgomery, east by Breathitt, south by Clay, 
and west by Madison. The face of the country is generally bro- 
ken and mountainous — the settlements being mostly confined 
to the valleys on the water courses. The growth of the bottom 
land is oak, walnut, hickory, cherry, and sugar tree ; that of the 
upland, oak and poplar, and along the river banks, some pine 
and cedar. Iron ore and coal are found in great abundance in 
the mountains. 



262 ESTILL COUNTY. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846 was valued at $633,- 
834; number of acres of land in the county, 189,765; average 
value of lands per acre, $2.15; number of white males over 
twenty-one years old, 903 ; number of children between five and 
sixteen years of age, 1,361. Population in 1830,4,618 — in 1840, 
5,535. 

The Red River Iron Works is located in this county. It is an 
extensive establishment, wielding a heavy capital, and employing 
a large number of hands. A large quantity of bar iron and nails 
are manufactured at the works. The proprietors and all the op- 
eratives in this establishment are temperance men, ardent spirits 
having been altogether banished from its precincts. The Estill 
steam furnace is situated ten miles east, and Miller's creek salt 
works eight miles above Irvine. Three or four miles from the 
county seat, hydraulic lime has been found in great quantities. 

Irvine, the seat of justice, is seventy miles south-east of Frank- 
fort. It is located on a beautiful site on the northern bank of the 
Kentucky river — contains a brick court-house and jail, and sem- 
inary ; (the court-house and seminary being used for religious 
worship,) four lawyers, four physicians, four stores and seven 
mechanics' shops. Population two hundred. Established in 1812, 
and named in honor of Colonel "William Irvine, who is noticed 
under the head of Madison county. 

Capt. James Estill, in honor of whom this county received its name, was a 
native of Augusta county, Virginia. He removed to Kentucky at an early period, 
and settled on Muddy creek, in the present county of Madison, where he built a 
station which received the name of Estill's station. In 1781 in a skirmish with 
the Indians, he received a rifle-shot in one of his arms, by which it was broken. 
In March, 1782, with a small body of men, believed to be about twenty-five, he 
pursued a similar number of Wyandotts across the Kentucky river, and into Mont- 
gomery county, where he fought one of the severest and most bloody battles on 
record, when the number of men on both sides is taken into the account.* Cap- 
tain Estill and his gallant Lieutenant, South, were both killed in the retreat which 
succeeded. Thus fell (says Mr. Morehead in his Boonsborough address), in the 
ripeness of his manhood. Captain James Estill, one of Kentucky's bravest and 
most beloved defenders. It may be said of him with truth, that if he did not 
achieve the victory, he did more — he deserved it. Disappointed of success — van- 
quished — slain, in a desperate conflict with an enemy of superior strength and 
equal valor, he has nevertheless left behind him a name of which his descendants 
may well be proud — a name which will live in the annals of Kentucky, so long 
as there shall be found men to appreciate the patriotism and self-devotion of a 
martyr to the cause of humanity and civilization. 

The Rev. Joseph Proctor, of this county, was one of the intrepid band of Cap- 
tain Estill, in the bloody battle noticed under the Montgomery head. His cool- 
ness and bravery throughout the battle, were unsurpassed. A savage warrior 
having buried his knife in Captain Estill's breast, Proctor instantly sent a ball 
from his rifle through the Wyandott's heart. His conduct after the battle, elicited 
the warmest approbation. He brought off the field of battle his wounded friend, 
the late Colonel William Irvine, of Madison, who is noticed under the head of 
that county. 

In an engagement with the Indians at Pickaway towns, on the Great Miami, 
Proctor killed an Indian chief. He was a brave soldier, a stranger to fear, and 
an ardent friend to the institutions of his country. He made three campaigns into 
Ohio, with the view of suppressing Indian hostilities ; and fought side by side 

*See a full account of this battle under the head of Montgomery county. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 263 

with Boone, Calloway and Logan. He joined the Methodist Episcopal church 
in a fort in Madison county, under the preaching of the Rev. James Hawkes ; 
and was ordained in 1809, by Bishop Asbury. He was an exemplary member of 
the church for sixty-five years, and a local preacher upwards of half a century. 
He died at his residence on the 2d of December, 1844, and was buried with mil- 
itary honors. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Fayette county was formed in 1780 by the State of Virginia, 
and is one of the three original counties that at one time com- 
prised the whole district of Kentucky — and included all that ter- 
ritory beginning at the mouth of the Kentucky river, and extend- 
ing up its middle fork to the head, and embracing the northern 
and eastern portion of the present State. It received its name as 
a testimonial of gratitude to Gen. Gilbert Mortier de La Fayette 
— the gallant and generous Frenchman who volunteered as the 
CHAMPION of liberty ou this side of the Atlantic, and proved to the 
world, that although a nobleman by descent, he was a republican 
in principle, and was more ennobled by nature than by all the 
titles of hereditary rank. 

Fayette county is situated in the middle portion of the State, 
and lies on the waters of the Kentucky and Elkhorn. It is boun- 
ded on the north by Scott, east by Bourbon and Clark, south by 
Madison and Jessamine, and west by Woodford ; being twenty- 
five miles from north to south, mean breadth eleven miles, and 
containing 275 square miles. It is fair table land — all the streams 
rise and flow from the centre of the county, and empty into their 
common receptacle, the Kentucky river. The centre of the gar- 
den of Kentucky, the surface of this county is very gently undu- 
lating, and the soil is probably as rich and productive as any upon 
which the sun ever shone. It is properly a stock raising county 
— horses, mules, cattle, and hogs, in large numbers, being annu- 
ally exported ; but corn and hemp are produced in great abun- 
dance — the latter being generally manufactured in the county. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846, was valued at 
$16,007,020 (second in amount only to Jefferson, including the 
city of Louisville); number of acres of land in the county, 193,- 
061 ; average value of land per acre, $33.95; number of white 
males over twenty-one years of age, 2,883 ; children between five 
and sixteen years old, 2,233. Population in 1830, 25,174 ; in 
1840, 22,194. 

Lexington, the county seat of Fayette, is a remarkably neat and 
beautiful city, situated on the Town fork of Elkhorn river, 25 miles 
south-east from Frankfort, 64 miles south-west from Maysville, 
77 miles south-east from Louisville, 85 miles from Cincinnati, and 
517 from Washington city. Latitude 38° 02' north ; longitude 
84° 26' west. It was founded in the year 1776. About the first 
of April, 1779, a block house was built on the site now occupied 
by Mr. Leavy's store, and the settlement commenced under the 



2G4 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 



influence of Col. Robert Patterson, joined by Messrs. McConnels, 
Lindsays, and James Masterson. Major John Morrison removed 
his family soon after from Harrodsburg, and the lady of that gen- 
tleman was the first white female that graced the infant settlement. 
Being settled during the revolution,* it received its name in com- 
memoration of the battle of Lexington, where the first blood was 
shed in the great cause of human liberty. Lexington was incor- 
porated by Virginia in 1782, and was for several years the seat 
of government of the State. The first improvements consisted 
of three rows of cabins, the two outer serving as a part of the 
walls of the fortification, which extended from the corner now 
known as Leavy's corner, to James Masterson's house on Main 
street. The block house commanded the public spring, and a 
common field included the site of the present court house. 

The streets of Lexington are laid out at right angles, and are 
well paved. Main street is' one mile and a quarter long. Few 
towns are more delightfully situated. Its vicinity has a softness 
and beauty about it, and the city itself presents an appearance 
of neatness, that rarely fails to strike a stranger's eye with ad- 
miration. Many of the private residences, and several of the 
public edifices, are fine specimens of architectural taste ; while 
the surrounding country, rich and highly cultivated, is dotted over 
with elegant mansions. (See note on p. 265.) 





TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY, LEXINGTON, KY. 



CITY OF LEXINGTON. 265 

The public buildings are — a court house; a masonic hall erected by the grand 
lodge of Kentucky; Morrison College, and Medical Hall, both imposing and 
costly edifices belonging to Transylvania University; eleven churches, embracing 
one Episcopal, two Presbyterian, one Methodist, one Catholic, one Reformed or 
Christian, one Baptist, one Independent Methodist, one Seceder, and two African ; 
a city free school, established in 1834, and amply endowed, containing from three 
to five hundred scholars ; the city hospital and work house is a plain brick build- 
ing, erected in 1836 ; the Lunatic Asylum, first erected by the city, but afterwards 
taken under the care of the State, and greatly enlarged, containing upwards of 
two hundred rooms, and capable of accommodating from three to four hundred 
patients ; the Northern Bank of Kentucky, a beautiful and finely finished edifice ; 
and the Orphan Asylum, erected in the year 1833, for the benefit of the destitute 
orphans who were deprived of their parents by cholera, which raged so fearfully 
in that year. 

There are two newspapers published in the city, which are ably edited and 
widely circulated, viz: — The ^'' KentucJey Gazelle " established in 1787, by the 
brothers, John and Fielding Bradford, the first number having been issued on the 
18th of August, with the title of "Kentucke Gazette. f This is the oldest news- 
paper west of the Alleghany mountains, with the exception of the Pittsburgh Ga- 
zette. The " Lexington Observer and Reporter,''^ originally called the " Lexington 
Reporter," was established by William W. Worsley, nearly forty years since, 
and is now published semi-weekly and weekly. 

There are in Lexington between thirty-five and forty of each of the two pro- 
fessions — law and medicine, sixty or seventy stores and groceries — many of 
them wholesale, four book stores, six drug stores, ten taverns, and about seventy 
mechanical and manufacturing establishments, embracing blacksmiths, saddle 
and harness makers, painters, tailors, carriage makers, silver smiths, gun smiths, 
platers, copper and tin manufacturers, boot and shoe makers, iron and brass foun- 
ders, carpenters, cabinet makers, hatters, and morocco, looking glass and brush 
manufacturers. Capital invested in dry goods, $1,500,000 — groceries, $700,000 
— manufactures and banks, $12,000,000. Taxable property in the city, $3,039,- 
608, in 1845. Annual importations same year, $897,445 ; stock in trade, $470,- 
568. The manufacture of hemp is carried on very extensively in Lexington and 
the county of Fayette. In the city there are fifteen hemp establishments, work- 
ing six hundred hands, running ninety looms, and making annually 2,500,000 
yards of bagging, and 2,000,000 pounds of rope. In the suburbs of the city there 
are four factories, manufacturing 680,000 yards of bagging and 400,000 pounds of 
rope. In the remainder of the county there are fourteen factories, working three 
hundred hands, running fifty looms, and turning out 1,250,000 yards bagging 
and 1,000,000 pounds of rope. Thus, in the city and county, there are thirty-three 
bagging and rope establishments, working one thousand and fifty hands, running 
one hundred and sixty-five looms, and making 4,430,000 yards of bagging and 
3,400,000 pounds of rope. Population of Lexington in 1845 — whites, 4,999 ; 
blacks, 3,179; total, 8,178. The population in 1847 is supposed to be about 
9,000, 

Transylvania University was established by the legislature of Kentucky in 
1798, by the amalgamation of the two institutions known by the name of the 
Transylvania Seminary and Kentucky Academy. Until within a few years, it 
was properly a State institution. In the year 1842 it passed under the supervi- 
sion of the Kentucky conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is now, 
like all the other colleges of the State, a denominational institution. It has 
passed through many vicissitudes, but is at present in a flourishing condition, 
and bids fair, under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal church south, to 
rival its palmiest days. 

Morrison College (the literary department of Transylvania University) has 
six professors and teachers, with about three hundred students, including the pre- 

*In the year 1775, intelligence was received by a parly of hunters, who were accidentally en- 
camped on one of the branches of Elkhorn. that the first battle of the revolution had been fought in 
the vicinity of Boston, between the British and provincial forces, and in commemoration of the 
event, they called the spot of their encampment Lexington. No settlement was then made. The spot 
is now covered by one of the most beautiful cities on the continent. — Governor MoreheatVs Address. 

t The first and about half of the second volume of the Gazette was printed with the name of th« 
" Kentucke Gazette." Afterwards the y was substituted for the e in Kentucky. 




MASONIC HALL, LEXINGTON, KY. 







MEDICAL HALL, LEXINGTON, KY. 



TRANSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY. 267 

paratory department. The Rev. Henry B. Bascom, D. D., is president. The 
alumni numbers about 650. The number of volumes in the library 4,500. 

The Medical School is under the supervision of eight trustees, and was founded 
in 1818. It has eight professors, and an average, for several years, of about one 
hundred and seventy-five students. The number of graduates, up to January, 
1847, exceeded fifteen hundred. Connected with the institution is a fine museum, 
a very valuable library, and an extensive chemical apparatus for experimenting. 
The professors are able and generally distinguished men, and the institution, 
until recently, has had no rival in the west. 

The Law School, like the Medical college, is connected with the Transylvania 
University. This department has three professors, (Judges Robertson, VVoolley 
and Marshall), who are distinguished for their learning and legal acquirements. 

The Lunatic Asylum is one of the noblest institutions of Kentucky, and re- 
flects immortal honor upon the city which founded and the commonwealth which 
sustains it. The buildings are very extensive and commodious, the rooms large 
and well ventilated, warmed by flues which conduct the heated air through the 
house. The grounds connected with the asylum embrace an area of thirty acres, 
and are handsomely improved and ornamented with a variety of beautiful shrub- 
bery. The garden is cultivated entirely by the patients themselves, and aff'ords 
sufficient vegetables for the supply of the institution. Dr. Allen, who has been 
for many years the superintendent, is eminently qualified for the important and 
very responsible position he occupies ; and the cures eflfected under his supervi- 
sion and treatment, bear as large a proportion to the number admitted as appear 
in the reports of any other insane institution in the United States. The admirable 
adaptation of the architectural arrangements — the complete classification of the 
patients — the moral and well-educated attendants, and the judicious system of 
treatment pursued by the superintendent, happily adapted to every form of the dis- 
ease, ensure the attainment of as complete success as is possible in this branch 
of the medical art, and must be felt and acknowledged by all who have had an 
opportunity to observe the excellent plan upon which the institution is conducted. 

Athens is a small but handsome village, situated ten miles from 
Lexington, on the Boonsborough road, and in sight of Boone's 
station — surrounded by a rich and fertile country, with an intel- 
ligent, industrious and moral community. It has two churches, 
two physicians, one lawyer, three stores, one school and twenty 
mechanics' shops — population 350. 

Bryant's station, about five miles north-east of Lexington, was settled by the 
Bryants in 1779. In 1781, Bryant's station was much harassed by small par- 
ties of Indians. This was a frontier post, and greatly exposed to the hostilities 
of the savages.* It had been settled in 1779 by four brothers from North Caro- 
lina, one of whom, William, had married a sister of Colonel Daniel Boone. The 
Indians were constantly lurking in the neighborhood, waylaying the paths, steal- 
ing their horses, and butchering their cattle. It at length became necessary to 
hunt in parties of twenty or thirty men, so as to be able to meet and repel those 
attacks, which were every day becoming more bold and frequent. 

One afternoon, about the 20th of May, William Bryant, accompanied by 
twenty men, left the fort on a hunting expedition down the Elkhorn creek. They 
moved with caution, until they had passed all the points where ambuscades had 
generally been formed, when, seeing no enemy, they became more bold, and de- 
termined, in order to sweep a large extent of country, to divide their company 
into two parties. One of them, conducted by Bryant in person, was to descend 
the Elkhorn on its southern bank, flanking out largely, and occupy as much 
ground as possible. The other, under the orders of James Hogan, a young 
farmer in good circumstances, was to move down in a parallel line upon the north 
bank. The two parties were to meet at night, and encamp together at the mouth 
of Cane run. 

Each punctually performed the first part of their plans. Hogan, however, had 
traveled but a few hundred yards, when he heard a loud voice behind him ex- 

» McClung's Sketches. 



268 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

claim in very good English, " stop, boys !" Hastily looking back, they saw 
several Indians, on foot, pursuing them as rapidly as possible. Without halting 
to count numbers, the party put spurs to their horses, and dashed through the 
woods at full speed, the Indians keeping close behind them, and at times gaining 
upon them. There was a led horse in company, which had been brought with 
them for the purpose of packing game. This was instantly abandoned, and fell 
into the hands of the Indians. Several of them lost their hats in the eagerness 
of flight; but quickly getting into the open woods, they left their pursuers so far 
behind, that they had leisure to breathe and inquire of each other, whether it was 
worth while to kill their horses before they had ascertained the number of the 
enemy. 

They quickly determined to cross the creek, and await the approach of the In- 
dians. If they found them superior to their own and Bryant's party united, they 
would immediately return to the fort; as, by continuing their march to the mouth 
of Cane run, they would bring a superior enemy upon their friends, and endan- 
ger the lives of the whole party. They accordingly crossed the creek, dis- 
mounted, and awaited the approach of the enemy. By this time it had become 
dark. The Indians were distinctly heard approaching the creek upon the opposite 
side, and after a short halt, a solitary warrior descended the bank and began to 
wade through the stream. 

Hogan waited until he had emerged from the gloom of the trees which 
grew upon the bank, and as soon as he had reached the middle of the stream, 
where the light was more distinct, he took deliberate aim and fired. A great 
splashing in the water was heard, but presently all became quiet. The pursuit 
was discontinued, and the party remounting their horses, returned home. Anx- 
ious, however, to apprize Bryant's party of their danger, they left the fort before 
daylight on the ensuing morning, and rode rapidly down the creek, in the direc- 
tion of the mouth of Cane. When within a few hundred yards of the spot 
where they supposed the encampment to be, they heard the report of many guns 
in quick succession. Supposing that Bryant had fallen in with a herd of buffalo, 
they quickened their march in order to take part in the sport. 

The morning was foggy, and the smoke of the guns lay so heavily upon the 
ground that they could see nothing until they had approached within twenty 
yards of the creek, when they suddenly found themselves within pistol shot of a 
party of Indians, very composedly seated upon their packs, and preparing their 
pipes. Both parties were much startled, but quickly recovering, they sheltered 
themselves, as usual, and the action opened with great vivacity. The Indians 
maintained their ground for half an hour with some firmness, but being hard 
pressed in front, and turned in flank, they at length gave way, and being closely 
pursued, were ultimately routed, with considerable loss, which, however, could 
not be distinctly ascertained. Of Hogan's party, one man was killed on the 
spot, and three others wounded, none mortally. 

It happened that Bryant's company had encamped at the mouth of Cane, as 
had been agreed upon, and were unable to account for Hogan's absence. That, 
about daylight, they had heard a bell at a distance, which they immediately recog- 
nized as the one belonging to the led horse which had accompanied Hogan's 
- party, and which, as we have seen, had been abandoned to the enemy the even- 
ing before. Supposing their friends to be bewildered in the fog, and unable to 
find their camp, Bryant, accompanied by Grant, one of his men, mounted a horse, 
and rode to the spot where the bell was still ringing. They quickly fell into an 
ambuscade, and were fired upon. Bryant was mortally, and Grant severely 
wounded, the first being shot through the hip and both knees, the latter through 
the back. 

Being both able to keep the saddle, however, they set spurs to their horses, 
and arrived at the station shortly after breakfast. The Indians, in the mean 
time, had fallen upon the encampment, and instantly dispersed it, and while pre- 
paring to regale themselves after their victory, were suddenly attacked, as we 
have seen, by Hogan. The timidity of Hogan's party, at the first appearance of 
the Indians, was the cause of the death of Bryant. The same men who fled so 
hastily in the evening, were able the next morning, by a little firmness, to van- 
quish the same party of Indians. Had they stood at first, an equal success would 



ATTACK ON BRYANT'S STATION. 269 

probably have attended them, and the life of their leader would have been pre- 
served. 

On the night of the 14th of August, 1782, this station was surrounded by a 
body of Indians from various tribes, composed of about six hundred warriors, 
headed by the notorious renegade, Simon Girty. The fort was situated on the 
right of the present road from Maysville to Lexington, immediately on the south- 
ern bank of Ellvhorn, and contained about forty cabins, placed in parallel lines, 
connected by strong palisades, and garrisoned by about forty or fifty men. On 
the succeeding morning the enemy showed themselves, but so secret and stealthy 
had been their approach, that not the slightest suspicion existed that the savages 
were in the neighborhood. Had the Indians showed themselves only a few 
hours later, they would have found the fort occupied only by old men, women 
and children, as the effective force of the garrison had determined to march on 
that morning to the assistance of Hoy's station, from which a messenger had ar- 
rived the evening before, with the intelligence of Holder's defeat. As it was, 
most of the garrison was under arms, and those out of the fort, generally, suc- 
ceeded in regaining the station. 

The garrison was supplied with water from a spring at some distance from the 
fort, on its north-west side — an error common to most of the stations, — and in a 
long continued siege, necessarily resulting in dreadful suffering for want of wa- 
ter. Near this spring a considerable body of the Indians were placed in ambush — 
Girty and the Indian chiefs making their arrangements for the assault under the 
erroneous opinion, superinduced from the military preparations within, that their 
approach had been discovered by the garrison. 

Another party was ordered to take position in full view of the garrison — to 
display itself at a given time and open a fire upon them, with the hope of enticing 
them to an engagement outside of the walls. If this stratagem proved success- 
ful, the remainder of the forces were so disposed as to sieze the opportunity 
which the withdrawal of the garrison afforded, to storm one of the gates and take 
forcible possession of the fort. Unapprised of the danger without, the garrison 
having completed their preparations for the intended excursion, threw open the 
gates, when a sudden firing announced the presence of an enemy, and the gates 
were instantly closed. The yells and screams of the Indians which accompanied 
the discharge of rifles, struck terror to the hearts of the women and children, and 
startled even the men ; but with the latter it was momentary only. Among the 
inhabitants of the station there were men of experience, of tried bravery, and 
intimately acquainted with the wiles of their Indian foemen. Such men might 
be startled, but never intimidated — and their resources and courage rose with the 
occasion which called them into requisition. Every effort was made to protect 
the station.* The gates, the bastions, the loopholes were manned — the breaches 
in the palisadps were repaired, and messengers were forthwith dispatched to the 
adjoining stations to communicate intelligence of the siege, and to procure assist- 
ance. 

* Mr. McClung has preserved a singular anecdote of female intrepidity connected with 
this siege, which we append : 

" The more experienced of the garrison felt satisfied that a powerful party was in ambus- 
cade near the spring, but at the same time they supposed that the Indians would not unmask 
themselves, until the firing on the opposite side of the fort was returned with such warmth, 
as to induce the belief that the feint had succeeded. 

"Acting upon this impression, and yielding to the urgent necessity of the case, they sum- 
moned all the women, without exception, and explaining to them the circumstances in which 
they were placed, and the improbability that any injury would be ofiered them, until the 
firing had been returned from the opposite side of the fort, they urged them to go in a body 
to the spring, and each of them bring up a bucket full of water. Some of the ladies, as was 
natural, had no relish for the undertaking, and asked why the men could not bring water as 
well as themselves ? observing that they were not bullet proof, and that the Indians made no 
distinction between male and female scalps ! 

" To this it was answered, that women were in the habit of bringing water every morning 
to the fort, and that if the Indians saw them engaged as usual, it would induce them to think 
that their ambuscade was undiscovered, and that they would not unmask themselves for the 
sake of firing at a few women, when they hoped, by remaining concealed a few moments 
longer, to obtain complete possession of the fort. That if men should go down to the spring, 



270 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

The arrangements to meet the enemy being complete, thirteen young men 
were sent out of the fort to attack the decoy party, with orders to fire with great 
rapidity, and malce as much noise as possible, but not to pursue the enemy too 
far, while the rest of the garrison took post on the opposite side of the fort, 
cocked their guns, and stood in readiness to receive the ambuscade as soon as it 
was unmasked. The firing of the light parties on the Lexington road was soon 
heard, and quickly became sharp and serious, gradually becoming more distant 
from the fort. Instantly Girty sprang up at the head of his five hundred warriors, 
and rushed rapidly upon the western gate, ready to force his way over the unde- 
fended palisades. Into this mass of dusky bodies, the garrison poured several 
rapid volleys of rifle balls with destructive effect. Their consternation may be 
imagined. With wild cries they dispersed on the right and left, and in two min- 
utes not an Indian was to be seen. At the same time, the party who had sallied 
out on the Lexington road, came running into the fort at the opposite gate, in 
high spirits, and laughing heartily at the success of their manoeuvre. 

A regular attack, in the usual manner, then commenced, without much effect on 
either side, until two o'clock in the afternoon, when a new scene presented itself. 
Two men of the garrison, Tomlinson and Bell, who had been mounted upon fleet 
horses, and sent at full speed to Lexington, announcing the arrival of the Indians 
and demanding reinforcements, found the town occupied only by women and 
children, and a few old men, the rest having marched at the intelligence of Hol- 
der's defeat, to the general rendezvous at Hoy's station. The couriers instantly 
followed at a gallop, and overtaking them on the road, informed them of the dan- 
ger to which Lexington was exposed during their absence. The whole party, 
amounting to sixteen horsemen, and more than double that number on foot, with 
some additional volunteers from Boone's station, instantly countermarched, and 
repaired with all possible expedition to Bryant's station. They were entirely 
ignorant of the overwhelming numbers opposed to them, or they would have pro- 
ceeded with more caution. By great exertions, horse and foot appeared before 
Bryant's at two in the afternoon, and pressed forward with precipitate gallantry 
to throw themselves into the fort. The Indians, however, had been aware of the 
departure of the two couriers, who had, in fact, broken through their line in order 
to give the alarm, and expecting the arrival of reinforcements, had taken meas- 
ures to meet them. 

To the left of the long and narrow lane, where the Maysville and Lexington 
road now runs, there were more than one hundred acres of green standing corn. 
The usual road from Lexington to Bryant's, ran parallel to the fence of this field, 
and only a few feet distant from it. On the opposite side of the road was a thick 
wood. Here more than three hundred Indians lay in ambush, within pistol shot 
of the road, awaiting the approach of the party. The horsemen came in view at 
a time when the firing had ceased, and every thing was quiet. Seeing no enemy 
and hearing no noise, they entered the lane at a gallop, and were instantly salu- 
ted with a shower of rifle balls from each side, at the distance of ten paces. 

At the first shot, the whole party set spurs to their horses, and rode at full speed 
through a rolling fire from either side, which continued for several hundred yards, 
but owing partly to the furious rate at which they rode, partly to the clouds of 
dust raised by the horses' feet, they all entered the fort unhurt. The men on foot 
were less fortunate. They were advancing through the corn-field, and might 

the Indians would immediately suspect that something was wrong, would despair of suc- 
ceeding by ambuscade, and would instantly rush upon them, follow them into the fort, or 
shoot them down at the spring. The decision was soon over. 

" A few of the boldest declared their readiness to brave the danger, and the younger and 
more timid rallying in the rear of these veterans, they all marched dowm in a body to the 
spring, within point blank shot of more than five hundred Indian warriors ! Some of the 
girls could not help betraying symptoms of terror, but the married women, in general, moved 
with a steadiness and composure that completely deceived the Indians. Not a shot was fired. 
The parly were permitted to fill their buckets, one after another, without interruption, and 
although their steps became quicker and quicker, on their return, and when near the gate of 
the fort, degenerated into a rather unmilitary celerity, attended with some little crowding in 
passing the gate, yet not more than one-fifth of the water was spilled, and the eyes of the 
youngest had not dilated to more than double their ordinary size." — See M'Clung's Sketches, 
page 62. 



ATTACK ON BRYANT'S STATION. 271 

have reached the fort in safety, but for their eagerness to succor their friends. 
Without reflecting, that from the weight and extent of the fire, the enemy must 
have been ten times their number, they ran up vvith inconsiderate courage, to the 
spot where the firing was heard, and there found themselves cut off from the fort, 
and within pistol shot of more than three hundred savages. 

Fortunately the Indian guns had just been discharged, and they had not yet 
leisure to re-load. At the sight of this brave body of footmen, however, they 
raised a hideous yell, and rushed upon them, tomahawk in hand. Nothing but 
the high corn and their loaded rifles, could have saved them from destruction. 
The Indians were cautious in rushing upon a loaded rifle, with only a tomahawk, 
and when they halted to load their pieces, the Kentuckians ran with great rapidity, 
turning and dodging through the corn in every direction. Some entered the wood 
and escaped through the thickets of cane, some were shot down in the corn-field, 
others maintained a running fight, halting occasionally behind trees and keeping 
the enemy at bay with their rifles; for, of all men, the Indians are generally the 
most cautious in exposing themselves to danger. A stout, active young fellow, 
was so hard pressed by Girty and several savages, that he was compelled to dis- 
charge his rifle, (however unwilling, having no time to re-load it,) and Girty fell. 
It happened, however, that a piece of thick sole-leather was in his shot-pouch at 
the time, which received the ball, and preserved his life, although the force of the 
blow felled him to the ground. The savages halted upon his fall, and the young 
man escaped. 

Although the skirmish and the race lasted for more than an hour, during which 
the corn-field presented a scene of turmoil and bustle which can scarcely be con- 
ceived, yet very few lives were lost. Only six of the white men were killed and 
wounded, and probably still fewer of the enemy, as the whites never fired until 
absolutely necessary, but reserved their loads as a check upon the enemy. Had 
the Indians pursued them to Lexington, they might have possessed themselves of 
it without resistance, as there was no force there to oppose them ; but after fol- 
lowing the fugitives for a few hundred yards, they returned to the hopeless siege 
of the fort. 

It was now near sunset, and the fire on both sides had slackened. The Indians 
had become discouraged. Their loss in the morning had been heavy, and the 
country was evidently arming, and would soon be upon them. They had made 
no impression upon the fort, and without artillery could hope to make none. The 
chiefs spoke of raising the siege and decamping ; but Girty determined, since his 
arms had been unavailing, to try the efiicacy of negotiation. Near one of the 
bastions there was a large stump, to which he crept on his hands and knees, and 
from which he hailed the garrison. 

He highly commended their courage, but assured them, that further resistance 
would be madness, as he had six hundred warriors with him, and was in hourly 
expectation of reinforcements, with artillery, which would instantly blow their 
cabins into the air ; that if the fort was taken by storm, as it certainly would be, 
when their cannon arrived, it would be impossible for him to save their lives ; but 
if they surrendered at once, he gave them his honor, that not a hair of their heads 
should be injured. He told them his name, inquired whether they knew him, and 
assured them that they might safely trust to his honor. 

The garrison listened in silence to his speech, and many of them looked very 
blank at the mention of the artillery, as the Indians had, on one occasion, brought 
cannon with them, and destroyed two stations. But a young man by the name 
of Reynolds, highly distinguished for courage, energy, and a frolicsome gaiety of 
temper, perceiving the effect of Girty's speech, took upon himself to reply to it. 

To Girty's inquiry, "whether the garrison knew him?" Reynolds replied, 
"That he was very well known ; that he himself had a worthless dog, to which 
he had given the name of 'Simon Girty,' in consequence of his striking resem- 
blance to the man of that name ; that if he had either artillery or reinforcements, 
he might bring them up and be d — d; that if either himself, or any of the naked 
rascals with him, found their way into the fort, they would disdain to use their 
guns against them, but would drive them out again with switches, of which they 
had collected a great number for that purpose alone ; and finally, he declared that 
they also expected reinforcements ; that the whole country was marching to their 
assistance; and that if Girty and his gang of murderers remained twenty-four 



272 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

hours longer before the fort, their scalps would be found drying in the sun upon 
the roofs of their cabins." 

Girty took great offence at the tone and language of the young Kentuckian, and 
retired with an expression of sorrow for the inevitable destruction which awaited 
them on the following morning. He quickly rejoined the chiefs ; and instant 
preparations were made for raising the siege. The night passed away in unin- 
terrupted tranquility, and at daylight in the morning, the Indian camp was found 
deserted. Fires were still burning brightly, and several pieces of meat were left 
upon their roasting sticks, from which it was inferred that they had retreated a 
short time before daylight. 

In 1780, Transylvania Seminary, the first literary institution of the west, was 
established by the legislature of Virginia. One-sixth of the surveyor's fees, for- 
merly conferred on the college of William and Mary, with eight thousand acres 
of the first land in the then county of Kentucky, which should be confiscated, were 
granted for the endowment and support of the seminary. This institution was 
the nucleus of literature and sound learning in Kentucky, which can now boast 
of a greater number of colleges than any other State in the American union. 

Early in the spring of 1780, Mr. Alexander McConnell, of Lexington, Ky., 
went into the woods on foot, to hunt deer. He soon killed a large buck, and re- 
turned home for a horse, in order to bring it in. During his absence, a party of 
five Indians, on one of their usual skulking expeditions, accidentally stumbled 
on the body of the deer, and perceiving that it had been recently killed, they 
naturally supposed that the hunter would speedily return to secure the flesh. 
Three of them, therefore, took their station within close rifle shot of the deer, while 
the other two followed the trail of the hunter, and waylaid the path by which he was 
expected to return. McConnell, expecting no danger, rode carelessly along the 
path, which the two scouts were watching, until he had come within view of the 
deer, when he was fired upon by the whole party, and his horse killed. While 
laboring to extricate himself from the dying animal, he was seized by his ene- 
mies, instantly overpowered, and borne off as a prisoner. 

His captors, however, seemed to be a merry, good natured set of fellows, and 
permitted him to accompany them unbound ; and, what was rather extraordinary, 
allowed him to retain his gun and hunting accoutrements. He accompanied 
them with great apparent cheerfulness through the day, and displayed his dex- 
terity in shooting deer for the use of the company, until they began to regard 
him with great partiality. Having traveled with them in this manner for several 
days, they at length reached the banks of the Ohio river. Heretofore, the Indi- 
ans had taken the precaution to bind him at night, although not very securely ; 
but on that evening he remonstrated with them on the subject, and complained so 
strongly of the pain which the cords gave him, that they merely wrapped the 
buffalo tug loosely around his wrists, and having tied it in an easy knot, and at- 
tached the extremities of the rope to their own bodies, in order to prevent his 
moving without awakening them, they very composedly went to sleep, leaving 
the prisoner to follow their example or not, as he pleased. 

McConnell determined to effect his escape that night, if possible, as on the 
following night they would cross the river, which would render it much more 
difficult. He, therefore, lay quiet until near midnight, anxiously ruminating 
upon the best means of effecting his object. Accidentally casting his eyes in the 
direction of his feet, they fell upon the glittering blade of a knife, which had es- 
caped its sheath, and was now lying near the feet of one of the Indians. To 
reach it with his hands, without disturbing the two Indians, to whom he was 
fastened, would be impossible, and it was very hazardous to attempt to draw it 
up with his feet. This, however, he attempted. With much difficulty he 
grasped the blade between his toes, and after repeated and long continued efforts, 
succeeded at length in bringing it within reach of his hands. 

To cut his cords, was then but the work of a moment, and gradually and si- 
lently extricating his person from the arms of the Indians, he walked to the fire 
and sat down. He saw that his work was but half done. That if he should at- 
tempt to return home, without destroying his enemies, he would assuredly be 

*M'Clung's Sketches. 



ESCAPE FROM THE INDIANS. 273 

pursued and probably overtaken, when his fate would be certain. On the other 
hand, it seemed almost impossible for a single man to succeed in conflict with 
five Indians, even although unarmed and asleep. He could not hope to deal a 
blow with his knife so silently and fatally, as to destroy each one of his enemies 
in turn, without awakening the rest. Their slumbers were proverbially light and 
restless ; and if he failed with a single one, he must instantly be overpowered 
by the survivors. The knife, therefore, was out of the question. 

After anxious reflections for a few minutes, he formed his plan. The guns of 
the Indians were stacked near the fire ; their knives and tomahawks were in 
sheathes by their sides. The latter he dared not touch for fear of awakening 
their owners ; but the former he carefully removed, with the exception of two, 
and hid them in the woods, where he knew the Indians would not readily find 
them. He then returned to the spot where the Indians were still sleeping, per- 
fectly ignorant of the fate preparing for them, and taking a gun in each hand, he 
rested the muzzles upon a log within six feet of his victims, and having taken 
deliberate aim at the head of one, and the heart of another, he pulled both trig- 
gers at the same moment. 

Both shots were fatal. At the report of the guns, the others sprang to their 
feet, and stared wildly around them. McConnell, who had run instantly to the 
spot where the other rifles were hid, hastily seized one of them and fired at two 
of his enemies, who happened to be in a line with each other. The nearest fell 
dead, being shot through the centre of the body; the second fell also, bellowing 
loudly, but quickly recovering, limped off into the, woods as fast as possible. 
The fifth, and only one who remained unhurt, darted off like a deer, with a yell 
that announced equal terror and astonishment. McConnell, not w'ishing to fight 
any more such battles, selected his own rifle from the stack, and made the best 
of his way to Lexington, where he arrived safely within two days. 

Shortly afterwards, Mrs. Dunlap, of Fayette, who had been several months a 
prisoner amongst the Indians on Mad river, made her escape, and returned to 
Lexington. She reported that the survivor returned to his tribe with a lamenta- 
ble tale. He related that they had taken a fine young hunter near Lexington, and 
had brought him safely as far as the Ohio ; that while encamped upon the bank 
of the river, a large party of white men had fallen upon them in the night, and 
killed all his companions, together with the poor defenceless prisoner, who lay 
bound hand and feet, unable either to escape or resist ! !* 

Higbee's grist mill, near Lexington, was erected in the fall of 1785, and is be- 
lieved to have been the first of that kind which went into operation in the bounds 
of Kentucky. 

The second dry goods store in Kentucky, was opened in Lexington by General 
James Wilkinson, in the spring of the year 1784. 

The first Kentucky Almanac was published by the Messrs. Bradford, in 1788. 
In the same year, the first grammar school was opened at Lexington, where the 
Greek and Latin languages, with other branches, were taught — price of tuition, 
four pounds in cash or produce. The first dancing school was opened in Lexing- 
ton in April, 1788. Mr. West was the first watch maker, who settled in Lexing- 
ton in August, 1788. He constructed a steam boat on a small scale, which, in 
the 5'ear 1794, in the presence of hundreds of citizens, he tried on the Town fork 
of Elkhorn, previously dammed up for the purpose, and it is said that it moved 
through the water with great velocity.]- This is believed by many to have been 
the first successful application of steam to navigation. Mr. West also invented 
the machine now used for cutting nails. 

Levi Todd, who first located at Harrodsburg, settled a station in this county, 
about ten miles south-west from Lexington, in the year 1779. This gentleman 

* M'Clung's Sketches. 

t A leUer from Lexington says Mr. AVest was a gunsmith, and that he was the father of the cel- 
ebrated artist, William Av est, now of Lonilon. His miniature steamboat had no fly wheels ; but to 
overcome the dead point, the piston rod was made to strike metallic springs at every return motion 
given by the steam. The experiment on Elkhorn was made in 1 798. A large steam boat, constructed 
after the plan of Mr. West, was advertised in the Kentucky Gazette of April 23, 1S16, to start from 
the "mouth of Hickman creek," m Jessamine count)-, for New Orleans, and no doubt was enter- 
tained but that it would be able to stem the current of the Mississippi. What became of the "large 
steam boat,"' the writer does not know. The identical miniature engine, or rather, the cylinder, piston 
rod, frame work, supply, and escape pipe, can now be 60«i in the museum of the Adelphi society of 
Transylvsuiia vmiversity, 

18 



274 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 



afterwards removed to Lexington, as a place of greater safety, and became dis- 
tinguished among tlie early settlers. 

From the files of the Kentucky Gazette, which we have been permitted to ex- 
amine, the following extracts are made ; 

" Lexington, April 26, 1790. 

Friday the 10th instant was appointed for the examination of the students of 
the Transylvania seminary, by the trustees. In the presence of a very respectable 
audience, several elegant speeches were delivered by the boys, and in the evening 
a tragedy acted, and the whole concluded with a farce. The several masterly 
strokes of eloquence, throughout the performance, obtained general applause, 
and were acknowledged by a universal clap from all present. The good order 
and decorum observed throughout the whole, together with the rapid progress of 
the school in literature, reflects very great honor on the president." 

Lexington, February 26, 1791. 

" The following posts on the frontiers are to be immediately occupied by the 
guards, for the defence of the district, viz. : 

Posts. No. of men. Posts. No. of men. 

Three Islands 20 Mouth of Salt river 19 

Locust creek 13 Hardin's settlement 12 

Ironworks 17 Russel's creek 15 

Forks of Licking 12 Sovereign's valley 10 

Big bone Lick 13 Widow VViljohn's 5 

Tanner's 5 Estill's station 10 

Drennon's lick . 10 Stevenson's 10 

Mouth Kentucky 19 Lackey's 8 

Patten's creek 10 Noke's lick 9 

December 1, 1787. 

" Whereas, the subscribers to the proposals for establishing a society, to be 
called the " Kentucky society for promoting useful knowledge," were prevented 
from meeting on the fourth Monday in September last, according to appointment, 
and it is probable that a meeting of the subscribers cannot, in any short time be 
had, and absolutely necessary that something should be done for the benefit of 
the society, without further loss of time, it is proposed by sundry subscribers that 
a select committee, curator, and treasurer, shall be forthwith chosen by the sub- 
scribers, in the (only) manner which their dispersed situation will at present 
admit of. The committee, curator, and treasurer to act in their severjil capacities, 
till a meeting of the subscribers can be had. 

" Each subscriber is therefore requested to forward to Mr. Thomas Speed, at 
Danville, before the fifth day of February next, a list of such gentlemen as he 
chooses to constitute a select committee ; and also the names of such gentlemen 
as he wishes to be appointed curator and treasurer. 

" It is proposed that such gentlemen as are found on the said first day of Feb- 
ruary next, to have a majority of such votes in their favor, as have //ten came to 
hand, shall be a select committee, and act as curator and treasurer, till a meeting 
as above mentioned can be had. 

" A list of all the subscribers is hereunto subjoined ; and it is necessary to ob- 
serve that the select committee is to consist of seven members, including the 
chairman, who is to be chosen by the committee." 



'George Muter, 
iSamue] McDowell, 
Harry Innes, 
James Speed, 
William McDowell, 
Willis Green, 
Thomas Todd, 
Thomas Speed, 
Gabriel J. Johnson, 
Joshua Barbee, 
Stephen Ormsby, 
J. Overton, jun., 
J. Brown, 



John Jouett, 
Thomas Allen, 
Robert Todd, 
Joseph Crockett, 
Ebenezer Brooks, 
T. Hall, 
Caleb Wallace, 
William Irvine, 
Charles Scott, 
Levi Todd, 
James Parker, 
Alexander Parker, 
John Fowler, 



John Coburn, 
George Gordon, 
Alexander D. Orr, 
Robert Barr, 
Horace Turpin, 
Robert Johnson, 
John Craig, 
James Garrard, 
Isaac Shelby, 
David Leitch, 
H. Marshall, 
Christopher Greenup. 



JOHN PATTERSON. 275 

Education. — Notice is hereby given, that on Monday the 28th of January next, 
a school will be opened by Messrs. Jones & Worley, at the royal spring in Leb- 
anon town, Fayette county, where a commodious house, sufficient to contain fifty 
or sixty scholars, will be prepared. They will teach the Latin and Greek lan- 
guages, together with such branches of the sciences as are usually taught in public 
seminaries, at twenty-five shillings a quarter for each scholar, one half to be paid 
in cash, the other in produce at cash price. There will be a vacation of a month 
in the spring and another in the fall, at the close of each of which, it is expected 
that such payments as are due in cash, will be made. For diet, washing and 
house-room, for a year, each scholar pays three pounds in cash, or five hundred 
weight of pork on entrance, and three pounds cash on the beginning of the third 
quarter. It is desired that as many as can would furnish themselves with beds ; 
such as cannot may be provided for here to the number of eight or ten boys, at 
thirty-five shillings a year for each bed. ELIJAH CRAIG. 

N. B. It would be proper for each boy to have his sheets, shirts, stockings, &c. 
marked, to prevent mistakes. 

Lebanon, December 27, 1787. 

Lexington, June 4, 179L 
On Wednesday the 25th ult. seven Indians killed a family about twelve miles 
from Danville, consisting of a man, his wife and five children. They were pur- 
sued by a party of men, overtaken, one killed and another wounded. 

About the same time they took a prisoner with a number of horses from the 
neighborhood of Fort Washington, on the north-west side of Ohio. 

Lexington, March 10, 1792. 
On Monday evening last the Indians stole ten or twelve horses from near Grant's 
mill, on North Elkhorn ; and on Tuesday night burnt a dwelling house, together 
with all the household furniture belonging to the proprietors, they having left their 
houses late in the evening. 

July 28, 1792. 
Notice is hereby given, that the commissioners for fixing the permanent seat of 
government, will attend at Brent & Love's tavern in Lexington, on the first Mon- 
day in August next, and the succeeding day, to receive proposals from any per- 
sons authorized to make offers concerning the business of their commission, and 
will proceed from thence to view any place or places which will be thought most 
eligible. 

Lexington, January 5, 1789. 
A large company will meet at the Crab Orchard, on the 29th inst. in perfect 
readiness to make an early start through the wilderness the next morning. 

Richmond, Va, October 24, 1788. 
I propose attending the General Court in the District of Kentucky, as an Attor- 
ney, and shall be at the next March term, if not prevented by some unforeseen 
event. GEORGE NICHOLAS. 

Col. John Patterson was among the early settlers of Lexington. He came 
to Kentucky shortly after the old pioneer Boone made his location here. He 
bought all the property on the hill, in the western limits of the city, a large por- 
tion of which is now very tastefully and beautifully improved. Colonel Patter- 
son commanded a company in the disastrous battle of the Blue Licks. In the 
retreat from the battle field an incident occurred, as rare as it was magnanimous 
and noble. Young Reynolds, whom the reader will remember for his rough and 
humorous reply to Girty at the siege of Bryant's station, after bearing his share 
in the action with distinguished gallantry, was galloping, with several other 
horsemen, in order to reach the ford. The greater portion of the fugitives having 
preceded them, their situation was extremely critical and dangerous. About half 
way from the battle-ground to the river, the party overtook Colonel (then Cap- 
tain) Patterson, on foot, infirm in consequence of former wounds received from 
the Indians, and so exhausted by recent exertions, as to be unable to keep up 



276 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

with his companions in flight. The Indians were close after him, and every mo- 
ment shortened the distance between them. Reynolds, upon coming up with this 
brave officer, instantly sprung from his horse, aided Patterson to mount into the 
saddle, and continued his own flight on foot. From his remarkable vigor and 
activity, he was enabled to outstrip his pursuers, and reach the opposite side of 
the river in safety. Here, finding that the water absorbed by his buckskin 
breeches, had rendered them so tight and heavy as to impede his flight, he sat 
down for the purpose of pulling them off, and was overtaken by a party of In- 
dians, and made prisoner. The pursuit was continued, and Reynolds, strictly 
guarded, was compelled to follow on. A small body of the flying Kentuckians, 
however, soon attracted their attention, and he was left in charge of three Indians, 
who, eager in pursuit, in turn committed him to one of their number. Reynolds 
and his guard moved on at a slow pace, the former unarmed, the latter armed with 
a rifle and tomahawk. At length the Indian stopped to tie his moccasin, when 
Reynolds instantly sprung upon him, knocked him down with his fist, and quickly 
disappeared in the thicket which surrounded them. For this act of noble gen- 
erosity. Colonel Patterson afterwards made him a present of two hundred acres 
of first rate land. There is a moral beauty in this incident which cannot fail to 
elicit the admiration of every reader. 

Bknjamin Howard was an early adventurer to this county. He made a settle- 
ment at Boonsborough in 1775. He was a firm and decided whig in the revo- 
lution ; and was a volunteer at the battle of Guilford. While in the act of taking 
a wounded man from the field, he was attacked by Tarleton's light horse, and 
received five wounds, three of which were pronoiinced mortal by the surgeon who 
dressed them. He was a native of Virginia, and completed his education with 
the celebrated Dr. Samuel Daviess, afterwards president of Princeton college. 
He was a devoted christian, having lived an exemplary member of the Presby- 
terian church for upwards of eighty years. His only son, Governor Benjamin 
Howard, of Missouri, died at St. Louis in 1814. Mr. Howard out-lived all his 
family, except his second daughter, and died at the advanced age of 103, at the 
residence of Maj. Woolley (who married a grand-daughter) in Lexington. 

Nathan Burrows was also among the first settlers of Lexington. About the 
year 1796, he introduced into Kentucky the manufacture of hemp — being the 
pioneer in that branch of manufactures ; but through the unworthiness of agents, 
he never reaped any advantage from it. He afterwards established a manufactory 
of mustard in Lexington, and produced the unrivalled article which still bears 
his name. He died in 1841. 

Andrew McCalla, the father of Rev. William L. and General John M. Mc- 
Calla, was another of the pioneers of Lexington. He spent most of his life in 
acts of charity and kindness. He was the projector, and main stay in its infancy, 
of the lunatic asylum. He died at a good old age. 

John Bradford was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, in the year 1749. He 
married Eliza James, daughter of Captain Benjamin James, of said county, in 
the year 1761, and had five sons and four daughters. He served for a short time 
in the revolutionary army, and came to Kentucky for the first time in the fall of 
the year 1779. He was in the battle with the Indians at Chillicothe. In the 
year 1785, he removed his family to Kentucky, and settled about four miles north 
of Lexington, on Cane run. In the year 1787, he, in conjunction with his brother. 
Fielding Bradford, (a venerable man, who now lives about two miles nearly north 
from Georgetown), established the " Kentucke Gazette," the first number of which 
was published in Lexington on the 11th of August in that year; under which 
title it was continued until the 14th of March, 1789, when it was changed to 
the " Kentucky Gazette," in consequence of the legislature of Virginia requiring 
certain advertisements to be inserted in the Kentucky Gazette. Fielding Brad- 
ford remained a partner until the 31st of May, 1788, when he withdrew from 
the concern; after which it was continued by John Bradford until the 1st of April, 
1802, when he conveyed the establishment to his son, Daniel Bradford, who 
continued the publication of the Gazette for many years, and is still residing in 
Lexington, an acting magistrate of Fayette county. 

The first number of the Gazette was published on a sheet of demi paper — the 



WILLIAM TAYLOR BARRY. 277 

second on a half sheet of the same size ; but owing to the difficulty of procuring 
paper, it was soon after reduced to a half sheet fools-cap, and thus published for 
several months. It has been reported that the type on which the paper was 
issued, were cut out of dog-wood by Mr. Bradford. This is not true, except as 
to particular sorts, which fell short, and also as to a few large letters, although he 
was a man of uncommon mechanical ingenuity. 

Robert Wickliffe, sen., one of the pioneer lawyers of Fayette, is still living 
near the city of Lexington, in a green old age. He has represented the county for 
many years, in both branches of the legislature of Kentucky, and has discharged 
creditably and honorably, several other important public trusts. He has borne 
an active and conspicuous part in all the leading questions which have agitated the 
State for nearly or quite half a century. When the State was rocked as with an 
earthquake, by the discussions on the relief and new court questions, Mr. Wick- 
liffe was among the most active and efficient champions of the constitutional judi- 
ciary. He is universally acknowledged to be one of the ablest land lawyers in 
the State ; and has, by his industry and devotion to his profession, amassed im- 
mense wealth. 

One of the most noted citizens of Fayette, is Gen. Leslie Combs. He is a 
lawyer of high repute in his profession; and, during the late war with Great 
Britain, was a brave and gallant soldier under Harrison. While out on the north- 
western frontier, he was highly distinguished as a brave, vigilant, and efficient 
officer. He was attached to the force under General Green Clay, which went to 
the relief of Fort Meigs in May, 1813. He volunteered at the head of five men, 
in an open canoe, to carry to Harrison the intelligence of Clay's approach, through 
swarms of hostile savages, who occupied every known avenue to the beleaguered 
fort. In this daring attempt he narrowly escaped death, and lost nearly all his 
men. He took part with distinguished courage, in the disastrous attack made 
upon the British batteries by Colonel Dudley, and was severely wounded, and 
taken prisoner, in that affair. He has repeatedly represented the county of Fay- 
ette in the legislature of Kentucky, and always with ability. At the session of 
1846-7, he was chosen speaker of the house of representatives, and presided 
over that body, during its sittings, with dignity and tact. 

Colonel James Morrison, one of the most wealth}' and influential citizens of 
Lexington in his day, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 
1755. The son of an Irish emigrant, his native strength of mind gradually ele- 
vated him far above his humble origin. He served for six years in the army of 
the revolution, and distinguished himself as one of Morgan's select corps of rifle- 
men. After the war, he went into business at Pittsburgh, and rose to be sheriff 
of the county. In 1792, he removed to Lexington, then presenting an inviting 
field to the adventurous and enterprising. Here he filled, in succession, the high 
and important trusts of land commissioner, representative in the legislature, su- 
pervisor of the revenue, navy agent, contractor for the north-western army during 
the war of 1812, quarter-master general, president of the Lexington branch of 
the United States bank, and chairman of the board of trustees of Transylvania 
university. Col. Morrison was a man of commanding appearance ; stern but 
courteous ; of great decision of character, native talent, wide experience, and con- 
siderable reading.* He acquired immense wealth, which he disbursed in elegant 
hospitality, judicious patronage of deserving young men, and the promotion of 
letters. He died in the 68th year of his age, at Washington city, April 23, 1823, 
whither he had gone to obtain the settlement of a large claim against the govern- 
ment. 

William Tavlor Barry. — Among the many distinguished men who have re- 
flected honor upon the west, the subject of this sketch ranks high for great abili- 
ties and lofty virtues. No man who has figured so largely in the well-contested 
arena of western politics, ever left it with fewer enemies, or a larger number of 
admiring and devoted friends. He was born in the State of Virginia, on the 
day of 178 , of reputable parentage, and early in life removed to 

Lexington, Kentucky, which continued to be his residence until he removed to 

* Dr. Davidson's History of the Presbyterian church. 



278 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Washington in 1829, to form a part of President Jackson's cabinet. In 1835, he 
was appointed minister to Spain. He sailed for his destination by the way of 
Liverpool, but on his arrival at that city, he was arrested by disease, which, in a 
short time, consigned him to a premature grave, where his remains still rest. 

Major Barry was eminent as a lawyer, and pre-eminently eloquent as an advo- 
cate. During his professional career, he came in contact with men of the high- 
est order of talents and merit; and among those who formed the pride and' 
strength of the bar in Kentucky between the years 1800 and 1825, he held an 
equal rank with the foremost. Those who were witnesses of the struggles at 
the bar in interesting and important causes, between Major Barry and such men 
as Mr. Clay, Judge Bledsoe, and many others of similar grade, all unite in ex- 
pression of admiration for the man and the orator. 

In Kentucky, the legal profession has always furnished a large proportion of 
its legislators. The ardent patriotism, the high order of talents which distin- 
guished him, as well as his benevolence of disposition, early pointed him out as 
a popular favorite. The fiery eloquence with which he stirred the minds of the 
multitude, gave him a controlling influence with the people, which was increased 
and secured by his many private virtues. He was accordingly early called to 
occupy places in the legislature of the State, by large majorities ; and at length, 
in 1820, he was elected lieutenant governor. During his legislative career, he 
was the zealous advocate of every public measure calculated to benefit the peo- 
ple. His report upon the subject of public education, is still referred to by the 
statesmen of Kentucky, as their guide on that all important subject. While 
holding the latter office, the division of parties, called old and new court, took 
place in Kentucky, which was accompanied by more violence than any which 
ever agitated the State. It divided the bar and the bench, as well as the people ; 
and those who, from this era, look back upon its struggles, may well doubt the 
correctness of a triumph over constitutional principles which were sustained by 
a Barry, a Rowan, a Bledsoe, and a Haggin. 

When the series of outrages which England offered to this country, previous to 
1812, were rousing the public indignation. Major Barry warmly advocated the 
cause of his country, and by his ready eloquence, greatly aided in bringing the 
public mind to the issue which national honor and national safety alike deman- 
ded. After the declaration of war, he advocated its vigorous prosecution. When 
Governor Shelby led his countrymen in 1813, to take vengeance on England and 
her savage allies for the massacre of the river Raisin and fort Meigs, Major Barry 
held the responsible station of one of his aids. In that post he served during 
the severe and glorious campaign which terminated in the capture of the British 
army, the death of Tecumseh, and the conquest of a large portion of Upper 
Canada. His courage and conduct in that campaign, secured to him the appro- 
bation of his veteran commander, and the affection of his comrades. 

In the change of parties which Mr. Clay's adherence to Mr. Adams in 1825, 
produced in Kentucky, Major Barry adhered to the democratic party, in whose 
ranks he remained without deviation until his death. He became, in fact, its 
head and leader in Kentucky, and contended, with his characteristic zeal and 
ability, for its principles and measures. Being a candidate for the office of go- 
vernor in 1828, he canvassed the State, and in pursuance of the custom of Ken- 
tucky, he addressed numerous public meetings of the citizens. Although he 
failed in his election, being defeated by a majority of less than seven hundred 
votes, he acquired additional reputation by the contest, and aided greatly in pro- 
ducing the triumph of the democratic party in the presidential election which fol- 
lowed, when the vote of Kentucky was given to General Jackson, against Mr. 
Adams, by nearly eight thousand majority. The bitter feelings which were crea- 
ted by the old and new court contest, which prevented many democrats from 
supporting him, alone prevented his election to the office of governor. 

Upon General Jackson's accession to the executive office, he called Major Barry 
to the office of postmaster general, which he continued to hold until unable, from 
physical debility, to discharge its onerous duties. In the hope to retrieve his 
health, and to place him in a situation where his high qualities might be made 
eminently honorable to himself, as well as useful to his country, the president 
appointed him to the office (tf ambassador to Spain. But the decrees of a higher 
power had gone forth, and the amiable, the generous and the exalted Barry was 



JOSEPH C. BRECKINRIDGE. 279 

destined to close in a foreign land, a life which had been honorably devoted to 
the service of his country. 

Major Barry was twice married. His first wife was Miss Overton, daughter 
of the late John Overton, of Fayette county. Of their children, only one, Mrs. 
Taylor, wife of James Taylor, Esq. of Newport, Kentucky, survives. His second 
wife was Miss Mason, of Virginia, sister of General John T. Mason. Of that 
marriage, one son only survives. 

A portion of his fellow citizens of Lexington have erected a plain, unpretending 
monbment to his memory, which, by unanimous consent of the county court, was 
placed in the public square. But a more interesting monument of his virtues 
will be found in the heart of every one who knew him as he was, and could judge 
him without the bias of party prejudice. 

Joseph Cabell Breckinridge was the second child and eldest son of the late 
Hon. John Breckinridge, and was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, the 24th 
day of July, 1788. Some account has been given of his paternal ancestors in the 
notice of his father. His mother, Mary Hopkins Cabell, was the daughter of 
Colonel Joseph Cabell, of Buckingham county, Virginia, whose name he bore; 
and of Mary Hopkins, the daughter of Arthur Hopkins, an Irish gentleman, who 
emigrated to Virginia early in the eighteenth century, and was the ancestor of a 
very numerous family of his own and other names, scattered over the middle and 
southern states. William Cabell, the great grand father of the subject of this 
notice, was an Englishman by birth, but emigrated to Virginia at an early period, 
and at the commencement of the American revolution, his four sons, who were all 
born in America, embarked with great ardor in that struggle, and were all colonels 
in the Virginia militia. William Cabell and several of his sons, amongst them 
Joseph, were by profession physicians. The family was originally Italian, and 
the name Capellari, changed in France to Capel, and became in English, Cabell. 
This modification of names in the various languages of Europe, is extremely com- 
mon in families of ancient origin. There is a tradition in this family that they 
are remotely descended from a Catawba Indian chief, whose name was Davis, 
from whom various other families (Floyd, Burke, Venable, Williams, Morgan, 
&c.) are also descended ; and in this branch of the Breckinridge family, the evi- 
dences of its truth have been carefully collected. 

In 1793, when Joseph was in his fifth year, his parents removed to Lexington, 
Kentucky. The country was newly settled, and the facilities even for elementary 
instruction, by no means ample. At the age of fourteen, he was sent to a gram- 
mar school in his native state, and after the usual preparatory studies, entered one 
of the lower classes in the college of Princeton, New Jersey, where he graduated 
with distinguished honor in 1810. While a student there, he formed an attach- 
ment for, and soon afterwards married Miss Mary Clay Smith, daughter of Dr- 
Samuel Stanhope Smith, president of the college, and grand daughter of Dr. John 
Witherspoon, a former president, and a whig statesman of the revolution. 

The premature and lamented death of his father in 1806, had, for a time, inter- 
rupted his studies, and called him to Kentucky, to become, in his boyhood, the 
head of a large family, and to prepare for the chief labor in managing an extensive 
and complicated estate. The responsibilities of this new position, gave him even 
at this early period, a certain prudence and grave maturity of character which 
accompanied him through life ; and the duties it involved, were faithfully and 
ably performed. 

Upon his return to Kentucky, Mr. Breckinridge devoted himself to the various 
duties thrown upon him by the death of his father, and to the study of the law. 
But before he completed his profession, the troubles on the north-western frontier 
called forth the gallantry and patriotism of Kentucky, and among many other 
brave men, he volunteered his services to his country, and served one campaign 
as aid-de-camp to General Samuel Hopkins. Soon afterwards he was admitted 
to the bar, and commenced the practice of law in Lexington. 

He had been but a short time before the public, when he began to attract, in a 
remarkable degree, its notice and regard. His engaging manners and exalted 
character, irresistibly drew to him the respect and affection of his fellow men. 
He was a stranger to deceit in every form ; no one ever suspected him of dupli- 
city ; he was open, frank, and true ; generous and confiding, perhaps to a fault ; 



280 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

and possessed the unbounded confidence of all who knew him. Such qualities 
naturally fitted him for public life ; and, accordingly, at a very early age, he was 
elected to the legislature from Fayette county, by the largest majority ever given 
there. His legislative career was highly honorable to himself and useful to the 
State. The urbanity of his manners, united to his vigorous talents, and high, 
steady character, gave him uncommon power and influence. He filled the chair 
of speaker of the house, with an impartiality and dignity that commanded the 
approbation of all parties. 

Though as far as possible removed from the brawling partisan, and without one 
quality of the demagogue in his character, Mr. Breckinridge always took a deep 
interest in public affairs, and his hereditary principles were those of the republican 
party of '98, which brought Mr. Jefferson into power. The national theatre, in his 
day, presented comparatively a quiet scene ; for the greater part of his public life 
was passed in what was called the " era of good feeling"— during the adminis- 
tration of Mr. Monroe — that interval of peace between the violent party contests 
of our earlier and later history. In the politics of his own State, it was the rare 
good fortune of Mr. Breckinridge to command the confidence of both parties; 
and when Gen. Adair was elected governor of Kentucky, the voice of the public, 
and of the governor himself, designated Jiira for the office of secretary of state. 
He accepted the appointment, and removed to Frankfort with his family in the 
spring of 1821, where he continued to reside, attending to his lucrative practice 
and the duties of his office, until the fall of 1823, when he was seized with a 
malignant fever then raging in the town, which baffled the skill of his physicians, 
and of which he died on the 1st of September. 

Thus was lost to his family, his friends, and his country, at the early age of 
thirty-five years, Joseph Cabell Breckinridge — a man who, from his first appear- 
ance on the theatre of affairs, had been steadily growing in the affection and 
gratitude of his countrymen — whose life had given a sure guarantee of true 
greatness — and whose noble character and genuine talents promised, in any 
sphere, to reflect honor on his state. At the bar, his eloquence, which was of a 
high and persuasive order, united to his extensive professional attainments, placed 
him in the front rank. The few compositions and published speeches which the 
pressure of his other avocations allowed him to throw off, show remarkable pu- 
rity and force of style. Perhaps, in his day, he had no superior as a writer in 
'^ the west. His mind was of that long maturing kind, which is late in attaining 
the utmost force and cultivation to which it is susceptible ; and at his death, his 
powers were expanding into greater strength, and he seemed but upon the thresh- 
hold of his fame. In social intercourse, his influence on those around him was 
remarkable. There was a certain individuality about him, not to be forgotten, 
even by a casual observer — which arose, in part, from his extraordinary personal 
advantages, but chiefly from a lofty tone of character, which impressed itself on 
all his conduct. At his death, his position was fixed ; no dispute arose concern- 
ing it ; the public sentiment was settled and unanimous. And when his coun- 
trymen were called to mourn his loss, all joined their according testimony to the 
perfect nobility of his nature, and the steadfast uprightness of his life. 

In person, Mr. Breckinridge was somewhat above the middle height, with a 
form of remarkable symmetry. His complexion was fair, his eyes and hair dark. 
His whole appearance was strikingly graceful and manly, and he was esteemed 
one of the most accomplished gentlemen of his day. 

For a number of years before his death, he was a professor of religion, and was 
one of the founders and ruling elders of the second Presbyterian church in Lex- 
ington. He carried his religious character wherever he went, and died as he had 
lived, a christian gentleman. His life is worthy of study, and his example of 
imitation. He left a numerous family, of whom his widow, an only son, and 
several daughters, still survive. 

Henry Clay, the son of a Baptist clergyman of respectable standing, was 
born in Hanover county, Virginia, on the 12th of April, 1777. His father died 
when young Henry had attained his fifth year, and the care of superintending his 
education devolved on his widowed mother. She appears to have been a lady of 
sterling worth, singular intelligence, and masculine vigor of intellect. Though 
left in very reduced circumstances, she was enabled, by prudence, economy, and 



HENRY CLAY. 281 

energy, to raise her large family in comfort, and to place her sons in the way to 
assume stations of respectability and honor in society. Mr. Clay has never 
ceased to cherish a tender and profound affection and reverence for the memory 
of this fond mother, and has frequently expressed his sense of the inestimable 
advantage derived from this early maternal training. 

The boyhood of Henry Clay was furnished with few of those facilities for ob- 
taining a literary education, which are now accessible to almost all. His mind 
was left to develop its powers and attain its growth through the force of its own 
innate energies, with but little aid from books or competent instructors. Those 
rich treasures of intellectual wealth, which are to be found in well selected libra- 
ries and properly organized schools, were to him a sealed fountain. The extent 
of his boyish attainments in literature, consisted of the common elements taught 
in a country school of the most humble pretensions. Even these slender advan- 
tages were but sparingly enjoyed, and the future orator and statesman was com- 
pelled, by the straitened circumstances of his family, to devote a considerable 
portion of his time to manual labor in the field. The subsequent brilliant 
achievements of that master mind, derive increased lustre from the contemplation 
of the obstacles thus early interposed to its progress, and no more honorable tes- 
timony can be offered to the ardour, energy, and invincibility of that towering in- 
tellect and imperial spirit, than the severe trials which at this period it encoun- 
tered, and over which it triumphed. It is probable that this early familiarity 
with the sternest realities of life, contributed to give to his mind that strong 
practical bias, which has subsequently distinguished his career as a statesman : 
while there can be no doubt that the demands thus continually made upon his 
energies, tended to a quick development of that unyielding strength of character 
which bears down all opposition, and stamps him as one of the most powerful 
spirits of the age. 

At the age of fourteen, he was placed in a small drug store in the city of 
Richmond, Virginia. He continued in this situation but a few months, and in 
1792 entered the ofBce of the clerk of the high court of chancery. While in this 
office he attracted the attention of chancellor Wythe, who, being very favorably 
impressed by his amiable deportment, uniform habits of industry, and striking 
displays of intelligence, honored him with his friendship, and employed him as 
an amanuensis. It was probably through the advice of chancellor Wythe that he 
first conceived the design of studying law, and he has himself borne testimony 
to the fact, that his intercourse with that great and good man exercised a decided 
and very salutary influence in the development of his mental powers, and the for- 
mation of his character. 

In the year 1796, he went to reside with Robert Brooke, Esq., attorney gen- 
eral of Virginia. While in the family of this gentleman, his opportunities for 
acquiring a knowledge of the profession to which he had determined to devote 
his life, were greatly improved, and he appears to have cultivated them with ex- 
emplary assiduity. The year 1797 seems to haye been devoted by Mr. Clay 
exclusively to the study of his profession. It is worthy of remark, that this was 
the first year in which his necessities permitted him to pursue an uninterrupted 
system of study, and so eagerly did he avail himself of the privilege, and such 
was the ardor and vivacity of his mind, that near the close of the year he ob- 
tained from the Virginia court of appeals a license to practice. Of course the 
acquisitions made in the science of law, in the course of these irregular and 
broken efforts to master that intricate and complex system, were somewhat desul- 
tory and crude, and it is not the least striking evidence of the wonderful resour- 
ces of Mr. Clay's genius, that he was enabled, notwithstanding these disadvan- 
tages, to assume so early in life a high rank in his profession, at a bar distin- 
guished for the number, ability and profound erudition of its members. 

Upon obtaining his license, Mr. Clay, then in the twenty-first year of his age, 
came to Lexington, Kentucky. He did not, however, immediately enter upon the 
duties of his profession, but spent several months in reviewing his legal studies, 
and forming an acquaintance with the people. His appearance at this period is 
represented to have been that of a man in feeble health. Delicate in his person, 
slow and languid in all his movements, his whole air and bearing was pervaded 
by a lassitude, which gave no promise of that untiring energy, which has since 
60 singularly marked his extraordinary history. 



282 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

When Mr. Clay entered upon the duties of his profession, the Lexington 
bar was noted for talent, numbering among its members some of the 
first lawyers that have ever adorned the legal profession in America. He com- 
menced the practice under circumstances somewhat discouraging, and as ap- 
pears from his own statement, with very moderate expectations. His earliest 
efforts, however, were attended with complete success; his reputation spread ra- 
pidly, and, to use his own language, he " immediately rushed into a lucrative 
practice." This unusual spectacle, so rare in the legal profession, is to be as- 
cribed mainly to Mr. Clay's skill as an advocate. Gifted by nature with orato- 
rial genius of a high order, his very youth increased the spell of that potent 
fascination which his splendid elocution and passionate eloquence threw over the 
public mind, and led the imagination a willing captive to its power. It was in 
the conduct of criminal causes, especially, that he achieved his greatest triumphs. 
The latitude customary and allowable to an advocate in the defence of his client, 
the surpassing interest of the questions at issue, presented an occasion and a field 
which never failed to elicit a blaze of genius, before which the public stood daz- 
zled and astonished. 

A large portion of the litigation at that day, in Kentucky, grew out of the un- 
settled tenure by which most of the lands in the country were held. The contests 
arising out of those conflicting claims, had built up a system of land law remark- 
able for its intricacy and complexity, and having no parallel in the whole range 
of the law of real property. Adapted to the exigencies of the country, and hav- 
ing its origin in the necessities of the times, it was still remarkable for its logical 
consistency and sound principle. Kentucky, at that day, could boast some of 
the most profound, acute and subtle lawyers in the world. And it is no slight 
tribute to the talents and acquirements of Mr. Clay, to say that, among those 
strong and deeply learned men, he stood among the foremost. 

When Mr. Clay first arrived in Kentucky, the contest between the old federal 
and democratic parties was violent and bitter. Any one acquainted with the ar- 
dent, frank, open and somewhat boisterous and extravagant character of the Ken- 
tuckians at that period, will not require to be told that neutrality in politics, even 
had Mr. Clay been disposed to pursue that equivocal line of conduct, was for 
him utterly out of the question, and would not have been tolerated for a moment. 
He, accordingly united himself with the JefTersonian or democratic party, with 
whose principles his own sentiments entirely harmonized. He was prominent 
at a very early day among those who denounced the most obnoxious measures of 
the Adams administration, and was especially conspicuous for the energy, .elo- 
quence and efficiency with which he opposed the alien and sedition laws. 

In 1803 he was elected to represent the county of Fayette in the most numer- 
ous branch of the state legislature. He was re-elected to that body at every ses- 
sion, until 1806. The impression made upon his associates must have been of 
the most favorable character, since, in the latter year, he was elected to the senate 
of the United States, to serve cyit the unexpired term of General Adair. He was 
elected for one session only. 

During this session, Mr. Clay, as a member of the senate, had occasion to inves- 
tigate the extent of the power of congress to promote internal improvements, and 
the result of his examination was a full conviction that the subject was clearly 
within the competency of the general government. These views he has never 
changed ; and profoundly impressed with the policy of promoting such works, he 
at the same session gave his cordial support to several measures of that character. 
When it is remembered how long and earnestly Mr. Clay has labored to engraft 
this upon the settled policy of the government, and that it was almost the first 
subject upon which he was called to act when he entered the senate, it will be 
difficult to produce a similar example of consistency and firm persistence in the 
pursuit of a cherished object, and presents a refreshing contrast to the zigzag track 
of some other American statesmen of great eminence. It is difficult to resist the 
conclusion that to the man who could thus steadily persevere, against an over- 
whelming tide of opposition, through all changes of party, and all vicissitudes of 
personal fortune, in the advocacy of a principle, frequently obnoxious, there must 
have been something in the aspect of truth herself, independent of all extraneous 
considerations, irresistibly lovely and attractive. 

At the close of the session, Mr. Clay returned to Kentucky and resumed the 



HENRY CLAY. 283 

practice of his profession. At the ensuing election in August, he was returned 
^s the representative from Fayette to the legislature. When the legislature 
assembled, he was elected speaker of the house. In this station he was distin- 
guished for the zeal, energy and decision with which he discharged its duties. 
He continued a member of the legislature until 1809, when he tendered his resig- 
nation, and was elected to the senate of the United States for two years, to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Thruston. During his contin- 
uance in the legislature he had produced the deepest impression of his abilities, 
and won the warm regard and full confidence of his associates. How completely 
he had established himself in the favorable opinion of that body, may be inferred 
from the fact that he was elected to the ofiice before named, by a vote of two-thirds. 
He retired, accompanied by expressions of ardent admiration for his talents, high 
esteem for his services, and sincere regret for his loss. 

The principal matters which came before the senate during Mr. Clay's second 
term of service, related to the policy of encouraging domestic manufactures ; the 
law to reduce into possession, and establish the authority of the United States 
over the territory between the Mississippi and Perdido rivers, comprehending the 
present states of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida ; and the question of a re- 
charter of the bank of the United States. In the discussions which arose on each 
of these questions, Mr. Clay bore a conspicuous part, fully sustaining the high 
reputation for ability with which he entered the senate. 

His speech in favor of giving the preference to articles of American growth and 
manufacture, in providing supplies for the army and navy, was remarkable, as 
being the first occasion in which he developed to the national legislature, those 
peculiar views in reference to the policy of building up a system of home industry, 
which he had at an earlier day sought to impress on the legislation of Kentucky. 
Up to this period, this subject, which has since, and mainly through the instru- 
mentality of Mr. Clay, become so prominent and exciting a question in American 
politics, had attracted little or no attention, and when the principle of protection 
and encouragement was at this session brought forward for the first time, and 
attempted to be embodied in legislative enactments, the resistance it encountered 
was violent, bitter, and determined. Mr. Clay's speech in favor of the proposition, 
was the first he delivered upon re-entering the senate, and is remarkable as having 
distinctly shadowed forth the outlines of that magnificent system of "protection," 
of which he has been styled the " father," and which has since become a cher- 
ished object of American policy with our soundest statesmen. To the admirers 
of Henry Clay it is a source of gratification that the majority of those great prin- 
ciples of internal polity, which his subsequent life has been devoted to build up 
and defend, are clearly announced and distinctly to be traced in the first acts of 
his public career ; thus presenting in his history as a politician, a consistency and 
singleness of purpose, as rare as it is honorable to his character as a man, and his 
foresight as a statesman. 

His speech delivered at the same session, on the " line of the Rio Perdido,''^ in 
which he undertook to investigate and trace the title of the United States to the 
territory which comprises the present states of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, 
is a masterpiece of legislative logic, distinguished for the clearness of its state- 
ments, and the cogent closeness of its reasoning. 

At the session of 1810-11, the question of a re-charter of the bank of the United 
States was brought before the senate, and became the subject of a debate, noted 
in our congressional history, for its intemperate violence and splendid displays of 
eloquence. On this occasion Mr. Clay was found opposed to the re-charter of the 
bank, and maintained his views in a speech of great ingenuity and power. He 
afterwards, in 1816, saw reason to change his opinions, and since then has been 
firm in the support he has given to that institution. The explanation of this in- 
consistency is to be sought in the peculiar views held by American statesmen at 
that day, in reference to the construction of the constitution. The grand subject 
of difference in principle between the old federal and democratic parties, related to 
the interpretation of that instrument. The federalists were the advocates of a 
free construction, granting to the general government the utmost latitude in the 
exercise of its powers. It is probable that in the heat of party controversy they 
carried their principles to an extreme, perhaps a dangerous length. The de- 
mocrats, on the other hand, were strict constructionists ; opposed to deriving 



284 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

powers to congress by implication, and confining the government to the exer- 
cise of such as were expressly and in terms granted in the constitution. In 
looking back now with the calm eye of the historian to those troubled times, it 
is probable that both of the great parties of the day pushed their principles to an 
impolitic length, and that greater moderation would have approximated each nearer 
to the truth. The question of a re-charter of the bank of the United States, was 
the one of all others calculated to develop the peculiar views, and array the 
ancient prejudices of those powerful parties in deadly opposition. The power to 
incorporate a bank was one which could be obtained by implication only, and the 
arguments adduced in its favor assailed the constitutional system of the democrats 
in its most sacred principles. Mr. Clay was a Jeffersonian democrat, and had 
been educated in all the peculiar views of that school. He had entered public 
life at a period when the contest between the parties was most furious and deter- 
mined ; and he had, with the ardour and energy of his nature, espoused most of 
the doctrines of the party with which he acted ; consequently, when the question 
of re-chartering the bank came up, he was found among the ablest and most deter- 
mined opponents of that measure. His speech, delivered on the occasion, is 
remarkable for the force with which it arrays the objections to the bank, and may 
be consulted by any one desirous of obtaining a clear knowledge of the principles 
of his party at that day in reference to the powers vested in congress by the con- 
stitution. In 1816, time, and the intervening experience of the war, had, with 
its usual meliorating effect, modified the opinions of men on this as on other sub- 
jects. Mr. Clay became convinced of the necessity of a bank to regulate the 
financial aflfairs of the government and country, and with the manly frankness 
characteristic of his nature, yielded to that institution his friendship and support. 

When, at the expiration of the term of service for which he had been elected, 
Mr. Clay retired from the senate, he left behind him a character for general 
ability and sound statesmanship, which few men of the same age have ever at- 
tained. 

In 1811, the same year in which he retired from the senate, he was elected by 
the people of the Fayette district to represent them in the house of representa- 
tives of the United States. In 1813 he was re-elected, and continued a member 
of the house until he was sent to Europe as one of the commissioners to nego- 
tiate a treaty of peace with Great Britain. Daring the whole of this period, he 
filled the speaker's chair in the house, having received the high and unusual com- 
pliment of being chosen to that responsible station the first day on which he ap- 
peared in his seat in congress. 

Mr. Clay, consequently, presided over the twelfth and thirteenth congresses, 
and participated largely in those measures adapted to vindicate the honor and 
assert the rights of the country, against the usurpations and aggressions of Great 
Britain. He gave a warm and hearty co-operation in all those efforts that were 
made to put the country in a state of defence, and contributed as much, if not 
more, by his sleepless energy and unrivalled eloquence, to infuse a proper spirit 
into the deliberations of congress, than any other man. His speeches on the 
subject of our difficulties with Great Britain, exhibit some of the most brilliant 
specimens of parliamentary eloquence extant, and their effect at the time, in 
arousing the country to a sense of its wrongs, and a determination to redress them, 
is said to have been unequalled. As strange as it may sound in the ears of the 
present generation, there was a large and respectable party, at that period, both 
in and out of congress, which was averse to war with Great Britain, and dis- 
posed to submit to almost any outrage rather than distract her efforts to put down 
the power of Napoleon, then in the midst of his extraordinary career. It was in 
opposition to what he considered the parricidal efforts of these men, that the 
transcendent genius of the Kentucky statesman displayed its most brilliant, pow- 
erful, and commanding attributes. He was the life and soul of the war party in 
congress — the master spirit around whom all the boldness and chivalry of the 
nation rallied in that dark hour, when the gloom of despondency hung heavy on 
every brow, and the generous pride of a free people drooped under the withering 
sense of the unavenged insult that had been offered to the national honor. In 
1814, he resigned his place in congress, to accept an appointment as commissioner 
and minister plenipotentiary to Ghent. At this period, the control which he had 



HENRY CLAY. 285 

acquired in congress was unlimited. In the house, it was probably equal to that 
he had obtained a few years before in the Kentucky legislature. 

In 1814, having been appointed in conjunction with Messrs. John Q. Adams, 
James A. Bayard, Albert Gallatin, and Jonathan Russell, a commissioner to meet 
commissioners appointed on the part of Great Britain, he proceeded to Europe. 
On the sixth of August, the plenipotentiaries of both nations met in the ancient 
city of Ghent, prepared to proceed to business. The plan of this sketch does not 
require, nor would it admit of a detailed account of the negotiations, extending 
through several months, which finally resulted in a treaty of peace between the 
two nations. These are to be found related at large, in the public histories of the 
time, and to them we refer the reader for a full knowledge of those transactions. 
Let it suffice to say, that, on this, as on all other occasions, Mr. Clay mingled 
controllingly in the deliberations of his distinguished colleagues, and exercised a 
very commanding influence over the course of the negotiation. There is, indeed, 
reason to believe, that, but for his firmness and tact, the right to the exclusive nav- 
igation of the Mississippi river would have been surrendered for a very inconsid- 
erable equivalent. His colleagues in the negotiation have always borne the most 
honorable testimony to the ability and comprehensive knowledge displayed by 
Mr. Clay in those memorable transactions, and he returned to the United States 
with a reputation materially enhanced. 

When the commissioners had closed their diplomatic labors, Mr. Clay visited 
Paris, and subsequently London, forming an acquaintance with many of the most 
distinguished characters on the continent and in England. In 1815, he left the 
shores of Europe, and returned to America, which continent he has not since left, 
except on one occasion, when he made a brief visit to the island of Cuba for the 
benefit of his health. 

He found upon his arrival in Kentucky, that, during his absence, he had been 
nominated by his friends and elected to congress; but, as there arose doubts 
respecting the legality of his election, he resigned, and the canvass was opened 
anew. This resulted as the previous vote, in his being returned by an overwhelm- 
ing majority. He was re-elected in succession to every congress that assem- 
bled, until the session of 1820-21, when he retired to repair the inroads made 
in his private fortune by his long devotion to public affairs. During this period, 
he was thrice elected speaker of the house, and presided over the deliberations of 
that body during the whole period which intervened between 1815 and 1821, 

On his re-entrance into congress, Mr. Clay was called to defend the treaty, in 
the formation of which he had participated so largely, against the animadversions 
of his old enemies, the Federalists. That treaty was made the subject of un- 
bridled criticism, by those who had opposed the war, and with the magical 
astuteness of hatred, they discovered objectionable features in every clause. In 
the course of the discussions which thus arose, he had frequent occasion to review 
the origin, progress, and termination of the war, which task he performed with 
masterly ability, exposing the inconsistency and malignity of his adversaries to 
deserved odium. He met them at every point, and never failed to make their ran- 
corous virulence recoil on their own heads with tremendous effect. 

During the time of this, Mr. Clay's second incumbency in the house of repre- 
sentatives, many questions were presented for its deliberation of surpassing inter- 
est, and closely touching the permanent welfare of the republic. The finances of 
the country were found to be in a condition of ruinous embarrassment ; the nation 
was deeply involved in debt, and the little money left in the country was being con- 
tinually drained away to pay for foreign importations. It was in this gloomy con- 
juncture of affairs that the session of 1815-16 opened, and congress was called to 
the arduous task of repairing the breaches whioh thus yawned in the public pros- 
perity. In all those measures recommended by Mr. Madison's administration, with 
a view to the accomplishment of this end, Mr. Clay heartily co-operated. Among 
other things, he gave his support to a proposition to reduce the direct tax of 
the United States. He advocated, as has been already stated, the incorporation 
of a United States' bank. This he justified on the ground that such an institution 
was necessary to the financial department of the government, and to maintain a 
healthy condition of the circulating medium. At the same session a law was 
passed, establishing a tariflT for revenue and protection. The principle of pro- 
tection was distinctly avowed and clearly developed. To this measure, of course, 



286 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Mr. Clay gave all the support of his great talents and commanding influence. 
On this occasion John C. Calhoun was found arrayed on the side of protection, 
and Daniel Webster in the opposition. But 

" Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur cum ilUs." 

The position and sentiments of these gentlemen are now entirely reversed. Mr. 
Calhoun has become the great nullifier, and Mr. Webster is universally recog- 
nized as one of the most powerful champions of protection. 

In 1820 the subject of a protective tariff again came before Congress, and Mr. 
Clay gave an ardent support to a bill introduced for the purpose of increasing the 
measure of protection. Nor did he relax his efforts until he finally had the satis- 
faction of seeing the system for which he had been so long struggling fully es- 
tablished. This firmness and constancy in the pursuit of a favorite object con- 
stitutes one of the prominent features in Mr. Clay's character, and has given to 
his career as a politician a consistency rarely to be observed among that fickle and 
ever changing tribe. There is an iron tenacity and obduracy of purpose evinced 
in his life, which knows not to yield to opposition or obstacles, however formida- 
ble. With a foresight rarely equaled, his measures were founded in a profound 
knowledge of the condition, resources and wants of the nation, and hence he has 
but seldom had occasion to change his opinions on any subject. 

In March, 1818, a resolution was introduced declaring that Congress had 
power to construct post-roads and canals, and also to appropriate money for that 
object. This resolution encountered a most formidable array of opposition. Mr. 
Madison, previous to his retirement from the presidential chair, had vetoed a bill 
for the promotion of internal improvements, and in succeeding him, Mr. Monroe 
manifested a disposition to " follow in his footsteps." But nothing daunted by 
the overwhelming opposition against which he had to contend, and the discoura- 
ging fact that the administrations of Jefferson, Madison and Monroe were all 
against the policy, Mr. Clay continued to urge upon Congress the adoption of 
his system, from a profound conviction that it was intimately connected with the 
progress of the country in all those elements which promote the general good. 
The resolution was adopted by a vote of ninety to seventy-five. It was a tri- 
umph, and a signal one, over opposition that had been accumulating during two 
previous administrations, and which, in the existing one, was directed against 
him with all the violence and impetuosity that power, patronage, and energy 
could impart to it. It was a moment of proud satisfaction to the indefatigable 
statesman, when he beheld the last vestige of opposition disappear beneath his 
feet. The system of internal improvements has been since erected so much 
under his supervision and through his direct instrumentality, as to give him the 
title of "its father." 

The recognition of the South American republics by the government of the 
United States, a measure which was almost entirely attributable to the indefati- 
gable exertions, personal influence and powerful eloquence of Mr. Clay, while it 
shed lustre on the Monroe administration, surrounded the brow of the great 
statesman with a halo of true glory which grows brighter with the lapse of 
time. 

At the session of 1816-17 the subject of the Seminole war was brought before 
Congress, and Mr. Clay, in the course of his speech on that occasion, found it 
necessary to speak with some severity of the conduct of General Jackson. This 
was the origin of that inveterate hostility on the part of the old general towards 
the great Kentuckian, the consequences of which were deeply felt in after years. 

The only remaining measure of importance with which Mr. Clay's name is 
connected in the history of those times, was the great and exciting question 
which arose on the application of Missouri for admission into the union. Prob- 
ably at no period of our history has the horoscope of our country's destiny looked 
so dark and threatening. The union was convulsed to its centre. An universal 
alarm pervaded all sections of the country and every class of the community. A 
disruption of the confederacy seemed inevitable — civil war, with its attendant 
horrors, seemed to scowl from every quarter, and the sun of American liberty ap- 
peared about to set in a sea of blood. At this conjuncture every eye in the coun- 
try wa^ turned to Henry Clay. He labored night and day, and such was the ex- 
citement of his mind, that he has been heard to declare that if the settlement of 



HENRY CLAY. 287 

the controversy had been suspended three weeks longer, it would have cost him 
his life. Happy was it for America that he was found equal to the emergency, 
and that the tempest of desolation which seemed about to burst upon our heads 
was, through his agency, permitted to pass away harmless. At the close of the 
session of congress in 1821, Mr. Clay retired, and resumed the practice of hia 
profession. He did not again enter congress until 1823. 

Upon resuming his place in congress at the commencement of the session of 
1823-4, Mr. Clay was elected speaker, over Mr. Barbour of Virginia, by a con- 
siderable majority. He continued speaker of the house until he entered the cab- 
inet of Mr. Adams, in 1825. During this time, the subject of the tariff again 
came before congress, and was advocated by Mr. Clay in one of the most mas- 
terly efforts of his life. His speech on the occasion, was distinguished for the 
thorough knowledge of the subject which it displayed ; for its broad, comprehen- 
sive and statesmanlike views, and for its occasional passages of impressive and 
thrilling eloquence. He also advocated a resolution, introduced by Mr. Webster, 
to defray the expenses of a messenger to Greece, at that time engaged against 
the power of the Turks in an arduous and bloody struggle for independence. A 
spectacle of this kind never failed to enlist his profoundest sympathies, and elicit 
all the powers of his genius. 

Toward the close of the year 1824, the question of the presidency was gener- 
ally agitated. As candidates for this office, Messrs. J. Q. Adams, Andrew Jack- 
son, Henry Clay and W. H. Crawford had been brought forward by their respective 
friends. Mr. Clay had been nominated by the Kentucky legislature as early as 
1822. The people failing to make a choice, the election was thrown into the 
house. Mr. Clay, being the lowest on the list, was excluded from the house by 
the constitutional provision, which makes it the duty of congress to select one 
of the three highest candidates. His position in the house now became exceed- 
ingly delicate as well as important. He had it in his power, by placing himself 
at the head of the party who went with him in the house, to control its choice of 
the three candidates before it. When the election came on, he cast his vote for 
Mr. Adams, who thus became president of the United States. This vote of Mr, 
Clay has been made the subject of much calumny and misrepresentation. At the 
time, it was charged that he had been bought up by the offer of a seat in the cab- 
inet. Efforts were made to produce evidence to this effect, but it was attended 
by signal failure. Of late years the charge was reiterated by General Jackson, 
the defeated candidate, which led to an investigation of the whole affair. The 
result of this was the exposure of one of the darkest conspiracies ever formed, to 
ruin the character of an individual. Our limits forbid an attempt to array the ev- 
idence on this subject, and we must content ourselves with the remark, that there 
is probably not one man of intelligence now in the Union, who gives to the 
charge of "bargain and corruption," the slightest credit. 

During Mr. Adams' administration, Mr. Clay occupied a seat in his cabinet, as 
secretary of state. The various official documents prepared by him while in this 
office, are among the best in our archives. While secretary of state, he nego- 
tiated many treaties with the various foreign powers with whom this country 
maintained relations, in which he approved himself as superior as a diplomatist, 
as he had been before unrivalled as a legislator and orator. He was a universal 
favorite with the foreign ministers, resident at Washington, and contributed much, 
by his amenity and suavity of deportment, to place the negotiations on a footing 
most favorable to his own country. 

At the expiration of Mr. Adams' term of office, Mr. Clay retired to Ashland, his 
seat near Lexington. He continued engaged in the avocations of his profession until 
1831, when he was elected to the senate of the United States for the term of six 
years. About the same time, in a national convention at Baltimore, he was nom- 
inated to the presidency in opposition to General Jackson. 

The subjects brought before the senate during this term of Mr. Clay's service, 
were of the most important and exciting character. The subjects of the tariff, 
the United States' bank, the public lands, &c., embracing a system of legislative 

{•olicy of the most comprehensive character and the highest importance, constant- 
y engaged the attention of the country and of congress. During the period 
signalized by the agitation of these great questions, probably the most exciting 
in the political annals of America, no man filled a larger space in the public eye 



288 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

than Mr. Clay. He was the centre of a constellation of genius and talent, the 
most brilliant that has ever lighted this western hemisphere. Although defeated 
when the election for president came on, that circumstance appeared but to in- 
crease the devotion of his friends, and perhaps the star of Henry Clay never 
blazed with a lustre so bright, so powerful, and far-pervading, as at this moment, 
when all the elements of opposition, envy, hatred, malice, and detraction, con- 
glomerated in lowering masses, seemed gathering their forces to extinguish and 
obscure its light forever. 

It was at this period that the lines were drawn between those two great and 
powerful parties, which, assuming to themselves the respective noms de guerre of 
Whig and Democratic, lighted up those flames of civil contention which have 
kept this country in a state of confusion ever since. At the head of these two 
parties, towering in colossal strength above their followers, stood two of the most 
remarkable men of the age. One of these two great men has since descended to 
the tomb. Like all strong and decided characters, it was his fortune to be pursued 
■with a relentless hatred by his enemies, and rewarded with a love, admiration, 
and devotion equally boundless, uncalculating, and indiscriminating on the part 
of his friends. He was unquestionably a man of great virtues and high qualities ; 
but the coloring of his character was marred by shades of darkness, which ap- 
peared yet more repulsive from their strong contrast to those traits of brightness 
and nobility which, gleaming out through the habitual sternness of his nature, 
shed a redeeming glory over his life. He left the traces of his mind engraved in 
deep and enduring marks upon the history of his time, and, whatever may be the 
sentence pronounced by posterity upon his character, truth will say that when 
Andrew Jackson died, he left no braver heart behind him. He was brave to the 
definition of bravery : deterred by no danger, moral or physical. A man of im- 
petuous impulses, of strong will and indomitable firmness — he was one of those 
characters that seem born to command. Such was the man whose powerful 
hand, gathering up the scattered fragments of many factions and parties, and 
moulding their heterogeneous elements into one combined, consistent and firm knit 
mass, seemed resolved to direct its concentrated energies to the destruction of any 
institution, the subversion of any principle, and the prostration of any individual, 
that jarred with his feelings, his prejudices or his interests. 

It was in opposition to this great leader, and this powerful party, that Mr. Clay 
was called to act upon his entrance into the senate in 1831. It was an exigency 
which demanded all his energy and all his talents. We shall not pretend to say that 
the conduct of Mr. Clay in these bitter and exciting controversies, was free from 
the influence of passion. On the contrary, passion constitutes one of the strong 
forces of his character, and is stamped on every action of his life. Perhaps, with 
the exception of Andrew Jackson, there was not a man in America so remarkable 
for the fierce and unyielding power of his will, and the deep and fervent impetu- 
osity of his passions, as Henry Clay. It is the characteristic of all decided men. 
Mr. Clay had no love for his great antagonist, either personal or political. The 
hostility between them was deep, bitter, and irremediable; and of them it may 
be truly said, that, 

" Like fabled gods, their mighty war 
Shook realms and nations in its jar." 

Our limits will not allow us to give more than a mere summary of the great 
questions and events which made up the history of those busy times. They be- 
long to the public history of the country, and to that source the reader must re- 
sort for particulars. 

General Jackson's veto of the bill to re-charter the Bank of the United States, 
while it clearly indicated the unsparing temper in which this war of parties was 
to be prosecuted, produced an effect on the financial condition of the country, 
which resulted in the most disastrous consequences to trade, commerce, and busi- 
ness in all its branches. The establishment of the pet bank system but aggra- 
vated and hastened the evil, and in those first measures of General Jackson's 
second term of service, were sown the seeds which, at a future day, were reaped 
in a harvest of woe and desolation. As in 1816, Mr. Clay advocated the re- 
charter of the bank, and denounced the veto in unmeasured terms. He predicted 



HENRY CLAY. 289 

the consequences which would result from the measure, and subsequent events 
verified his anticipations. 

In relation to the tariff, South Carolina had assumed a hostile attitude. She 
declared her intention to resist the execution of the revenue laws within her bor- 
ders, and prepared to maintain herself in this resistance by force of arms. Jack- 
son, on the contrary, swore by the Eternal, that the revenue laws should be en- 
forced at all hazards, and threatened to hang Mr. Calhoun and his coadjutors as 
high as Haman. The national horizon began to look bloody, and peaceable men 
to tremble. At this juncture, Mr. Clay again stepped forward as mediator. Al- 
though wedded to the protective system, by his conviction of its utility, and its 
close connection with the progress of the country in arts, wealth, and civiliza- 
tion, he was not the man to jeopardize the existence of the union, or sacrifice the 
peace of his country to the preservation of any favorite system of policy. He ac- 
cordingly introduced, and after great efforts succeeded in passing, a compromise 
measure, which, without yielding the principle of protection, but deferring to the 
exigencies of the times, pacified the troubled elements of contention, and restored 
harmony to a distracted people. Perhaps one motive which governed Mr. Clay 
in his anxiety to pass the compromise act, was his just alarm at the rapidly in- 
creasing power of the executive, which, about this period, began to assume a 
most portentous aspect. He was doubtful of the prudence of entrusting in the 
hands of President Jackson, the power necessary to enforce the collection of the 
revenue by hostile measures. He considered that the power and patronage of the 
executive had already attained a magnitude incompatible with the public liberty. 
Subsequent developments justified his apprehensions. 

Mr. Clay's land bill, introduced into congress about this time, embodying a 
system for the gradual disposition of the unappropriated public domain of the 
United States, although it has been the subject of rancorous contention, compre- 
hends perhaps the most wise, federal, and judicious plan for accomplishing that 
object, that has yet been devised. We have not space for a detail of the princi- 
ples and particulars of this celebrated measure. They belong to the public his- 
tory of the nation, and would be out of place in this sketch. 

In 1836, Mr. Van Buren became President of the United States, and Mr. Clay 
was re-elected to the senate. Mr. Van Buren's administration was taken up 
principally with the disputes relative to the currency. The pet bank system hav- 
ing failed, and a general derangement and prostration of all the business relations 
and facilities of the country having followed in its train, an attempt was made to 
rescue the government from the embarrassment in which it had involved the na- 
tion, by the establishment of the sub-treasury system. Up to this period, the 
power of the executive had gone on steadily increasing, until it had absorbed 
every department of the government. This is the feature which distinguishes 
the Jackson and Van Buren administrations from all which preceded them. It 
was against this tendency of politics and legislation that the whigs, under the 
lead of Mr. Clay, were called to combat, and it finally got to be the engrossing 
subject of controversy. The sub-treasury was intended to consummate, complete, 
and rivet that enormous system of executive power and patronage, which had 
commenced under General Jackson, and attained its maximum during the admin- 
istration of his obsequious follower and slavish imitator, Martin Van Buren. The 
debates in congress on this exciting question, are among the ablest in our his- 
tory, and it is scarcely necessary to say, that among those who opposed on the 
floor of the senate, by the most gigantic efforts of human intellect, the creation of 
this dangerous money power in the government, Mr. Clay was with the foremost 
and most able. The sub-treasury, however, was established, and the system of 
executive patronage under which the majesty of law and the independence of 
official station disappeared, was complete. 

In 1840, General Harrison, the whig candidate for the presidency, was elected 
by one of those tremendous and irresistible popular movements, which are seen 
in no other country besides this. During the canvass, Mr. Clay visited Hanover 
county, the place of his nativity, and while there addressed an assembly of the 
people. It was one of the ablest speeches of his life, and contained a masterly 
exposition of the principles and subjects of controversy between the two parties. 

After the election of General Harrison, when congress assembled, it set itself 
to work to repair the ravages made in the prosperity and institutions of the country 
19 



290 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

by twelve years of misgovernment. Unfortunately, however, the work had 
scarcely commenced before death removed the lamented Harrison from the scene 
of his usefulness, and Mr. Tyler, the vice-president, succeeded to his place. 
Then followed, in rapid succession, veto after veto, until all hope of accomplish- 
ing the objects for which the whigs came into power, were extinct. 

During this period, Mr. Clay labored night and day to bring the president into 
an accommodating temper, but without success. He seemed resolved to sever all 
connection between himself and the party which brought him into power. He 
will go down to posterity with the brand of traitor stamped upon his brow, and 
take his place with the Arnolds of the revolution. 

On the 31st of March, 1842, Mr. Clay executed his long and fondly cherished 
design of retiring to spend the evening of his days amid the tranquil shades of 
Ashland. He resigned his seat in the senate, and presented to that body the cre- 
dentials of his friend and successor, Mr. Crittenden. The scene which ensued 
was indescribably thrilling. Had the guardian genius of congress and the nation 
been about to take his departure, deeper feeling could hardly have been manifested 
than when Mr. Clay arose to address, for the last time, his congressional com- 
peers. All felt that the master spirit was bidding them adieu ; that the pride and 
ornament of the senate, and the glory of the nation was being removed, and all 
grieved in view of the void that would be created. When Mr. Clay resumed his 
seat, the senate unanimously adjourned for the day. 

In May, 1844, the national whig convention nominated Mr. Clay as a candi- 
date for president of the United States. The nominee of the democratic party was 
Colonel James K. Polk, of Tennessee. The canvass was probably one of the 
most exciting ever witnessed in this country. In addition to the old issues, a 
new one was formed on the proposition to annex the republic of Texas to the 
American union. This question, intimately involving the exciting subject of 
slavery, gave to the presidential canvass a new character and an unforeseen direc- 
tion. It would be out of place here, although not without interest and instruc- 
tion, to trace and analyze the causes which operated to defeat the whigs. Suffice 
it to say, that Mr. Polk was made president. Texas became one of the United 
States. War ensued with Mexico ; and the armies of the United States swept 
the fertile provinces of that sister republic from the mouth of the Rio Grande to 
the western base of the Rocky mountains. Governments were abrogated, and 
new ones established in their place, by the fiat of subordinate militia officers ; and 
throughout the whole extent of that rich and beautiful region, scenes were enacted 
which carry the mind back to the days of romance, and revive the memory of those 
bloody national tragedies which have crimsoned the pages of European and Asi- 
atic history. 

Since the presidential election of 1844, Mr. Clay has lived in retirement at 
Ashland, engaged in the practice of his profession. He is now in the seventieth 
year of his age, and the full enjoyment of all his faculties. Few men have ever 
lived who could look back over a career so various, so full of strange vicissitude 
and stirring incident. And fewer still have lived, who could find in such retro- 
spect, so little to condemn or regret; so many subjects of pleasing reflection 
and allowable self-gratulation. May the evening of his days be as bright and 
tranquil and pleasant, as their meridian has been brilliant, glorious and suc- 
cessful. 

Mr. Clay entered the legislature of Kentucky in 1803. He returned from the 
senate of the United States in 1842. During a period of forty years, he has min- 
gled actively and with a controlling influence in the politics of the country. Prob- 
ably no man has lived during this time, who has made an impression upon legis- 
lation so deep and enduring, or who has exercised so strong an influence in shap- 
ing the course of public sentiment. He entered public life when the nation was 
yet in its early infancy. Our institutions were new and comparatively untried. 
Our principles were in a state of formation ; and those gigantic elements of wealth 
and power, with which providence has blessed this magnificent land, were still 
undiscovered and remained to be developed. More than half of the country was 
covered with an unbroken forest. Those rich and wide spread regions, which, 
stretching from the Alleghany to the Rocky mountains, and from the head waters 
of the Mississippi and Missouri to the sands of the Mexican Gulf, are now the 
seat of many powerful states and opulent communities, then lay dark and silent, 



HENRY CLAY. 291 

the home of the panther, the bear, and the prowling savage. Before the public 
men of that day was spread the grandest field that ever invited the attention or 
presented a fitting theatre to the genius of a statesman. Those immense resources 
were to be developed, and those noble elements combined and moulded into all 
those fair forms of public prosperity which modern civilization presents for the 
admiration of the patriot, philanthropist and philosopher. For forty years this 
great work has been steadily progressing. Those gloomy forests have been sub- 
dued and converted into the garden spot of the world. Civilization has pene- 
trated their dark glades, and arts and knowledge have humanized their most 
savage retreats. Temples to the living God now lift their lofty spires in every 
direction throughout that smiling region, and splendid cities rear their glittering 
domes where the sombre forest waved its rustling foliage. Over this region, so 
late a howling solitude, there is now spread a population of many millions ; active, 
industrious and intelligent; moral, religious and refined; carrying forward the 
arts to the highest perfection, and sending forth the products of their industry and 
ingenuity into every country of the earth. 

With the progressive advance of this wonderful development of national 
greatness, Mr. Clay has been contemporary: and in the wise and judicious legis- 
lation, under whose fostering care the great work has gone steadily forward, the 
traces of his powerful hand are to be seen at every step. Endowed by nature 
with genius of high and commanding attributes — eloquent and brilliant — ardent 
and ambitious — he possesses all those qualities which, in a democratic country and 
under popular institutions, confer power and extended influence. From his ear- 
liest manhood he has been placed in the most responsible stations ; and from the 
control which he has always exercised over the party with which he was connec- 
ted, has given a direction to its energies, and communicated the coloring of his 
own views to its principles and opinions. 

The question, then, as to the light in which his character will be estimated by 
posterity — whether as a true statesman, comprehensive, sagacious and far-sighted 
— a patriot, pure, and undefiled, exerting his God-given faculties in singleness of 
heart to build up the fortunes and secure the liberties of his country ; or as a mere 
intriguing politician, absorbed in the pursuit of his own selfish ambition, becomes 
one of great interest and general importance. It cannot be disguised that, if the 
principles upon which this man's conduct has been founded, are false, and hol- 
low, and corrupt, there is much of that which is noblest, highest and most excel- 
lent in our own history, liable to the same reproach. For it is these principles, 
and the spirit of this man, working out through many obstacles its cherished de- 
signs, that now stand before the world embodied in the forms of laws, opinions 
and institutions, which give a character to the age. 

In early life Mr. Clay acted with that party which was known as the demo- 
cratic, and of which Thomas Jefferson was the acknowledged leader and anima- 
ting spirit. His first public efforts after his arrival in Kentucky were directed 
against the alien and sedition laws: and upon most subjects he continued to 
think and act with the democratic party, while it retained an organized exist- 
ence, and until the party lines were broken up and obliterated under the admin- 
istration of James Monroe. But, although agreeing in sentiment with his party 
upon the majority of those questions which formed the grounds of the controversy 
between it and its great antagonist, it is due to Mr. Clay to say that he never 
sacrificed the right of private judgment, or yielded up his freedom of action. 
Thus, upon some questions, in which he believed the principles of the party to be 
inimical to the true interests of the country, he separated without hesitation from 
the majority of his political friends. As a noted example of this perfect inde- 
pendence with which he exercised the right of judging for himself, we may men- 
tion his course in relation to the great subject of internal improvements. It is 
well known that from his first entrance into the senate of the United States in 
1806, he was an ardent advocate of the policy of extending the patronage and 
protection of government to works of this kind. And yet, the administrations of 
Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, and the majority of the democratic party, were 
hostile to the policy. The power to promote internal improvements was among 
those implied powers, which the creed of democracy almost utterly disclaimed. 
On the question of the United States' bank, again, in 1811, Mr. Clay acted with 
his party, as he did not believe the necessity for such institution to be such, as 



292 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

would justify a resort to implied powers. On this subject, in 1811, he parti- 
cipated fully in the jealousy with which his party viewed all corporations. Power, 
in any shape, was the great bugbear of democracy at that day ; and the power 
which resided in independent corporations of individuals, was honored with a pe- 
culiar share of aversion. The democrats of 1811 viewed the incorporation of the 
United States' bank with much the same feeling with which the whigs, at a later 
day, looked upon the establishment of the sub-treasury. 

On the subject of the tariif, Mr. Clay had the happiness to act in concert with 
his party ; as it is well known that Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, with a ma- 
jority of their followers, were all friendly to the policy. 

When the modern whig and democratic parties were organized, Mr. Clay was 
found with the whigs. The principles and leading characteristics of this party, cor- 
responded very closely with those of the old democratic or Jeffersonian party, with 
such modification as time, experience and the altered circumstances of the coun- 
try, had inevitably produced. Both were distinguished by the same jealousy of 
executive power ; which may be said to have formed the basis upon which the 
organization of each reposed. 

Upon the subject of slavery, Mr. Clay has always been a sound conservative. 
For many years, he acted as president of the American colonization society ; and 
while deprecating the acknowledged evils of African slavery, and prepared to co- 
operate in any plan by which it could be gradually and safely banished from the 
country, he has invariably opposed, with firmness, the wild fanatic schemes of 
modern abolitionism. 

Upon an impartial review of his career as a politician, it may be pronounced 
that Mr. Clay's principles have approached as near the standard of true democracy, 
as those of any public man in our history; equally removed from the fanaticism 
and radicalism of the demagogue, as from the bigotry of aristocratic prejudice. 

The personal characteristics of Mr. Clay are obvious to the most superficial 
observer. That he is a man of vast powers, has never been contested. As an 
orator, he has had few equals. As a statesman, he has been remarkable for the 
enlargement of his views, and for his far sighted sagacity. His political infor- 
mation is extensive and accurate. He is a man of proud spirit and dauntless 
courage ; ardent, impetuous, self-willed, and withal ambitious ; a man of intense 
convictions and burning passions. These qualities have made him as much 
feared and hated by his adversaries as he is admired and beloved by his friends. 
It has fallen to the lot of few men to live a life so crowded with incidents, 
events and passages of stirring interest and deep excitement. From his earliest 
youth, he has been accustomed to mingle in those scenes which develop the deep- 
est and strongest faculties of our nature, both of good and evil. And in view of 
all, it may be said that few men, looking back over the same career, could find 
so few actions which merit reproach. Posterity, removed by time and distance 
from the influence of passions and interests which now obscure the judgments 
of men, will look calmly at the great epic of his life, and with stern impartial- 
ity award to each particular act the meed of praise or odium of censure, and sum- 
ming up the events of his varied career, pronounce upon his character, and write 
his epitaph. 

Ashland, the residence of Mr. Clay, comprising the house, grounds and park, 
is situated a mile and a half south-east of the court-house in Lexington, on the 
south-west side of the turnpike road leading to Richmond. The whole estate of 
Ashland consists of five or six hundred acres of the best land in Kentucky. 
Ashland proper was projected for an elegant country seat. The house is a spa-J 
cious brick mansion, without much architectural pretensions, surrounded by 
lawns and pleasure grounds. The grounds are interspersed with walks and 
groves, and planted with almost every variety of American shrubbery and forest 
trees. As the domicil of the great American statesman, Ashland is one of the 
household words of the American people. 

Mr. Clay is one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in Kentucky, 
and has contributed much to improve the quality of the stock of the country. 
Mrs. Clay, we understand, derives from the produce of her dairy alone a very 
considerable revenue. 

Colonel William Dudley, well known in American history from the bloody 




ANCIENT FORT, FAYETTE CO., KY. 



294 FAYETTE COUNTY. 

and disastrous defeat sustained by the Kentuckians undet his command, at fort 
Meigs during the late war, was a citizen of Fayette county. He was a native 
of Spottsylvania county, Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky at an early age. 
He was for many years a leading magistrate of Fayette county, and was much 
respected by all who knew him. In the north-western campaign of 1813, under 
General Harrison, he held the command of a colonel in the Kentucky troops, and 
on the 5th of May was sent, at the head of a detachment, to spike a battery of 
cannon which had been erected by the British army, at that time besieging fort 
Meigs. He succeeded in spiking the guns, but attempting to follow up his ad- 
vantage, by attacking some troops in the vicinity, was surrounded by the Indians 
and defeated with terrible slaughter. Colonel Dudley was shot in the body and 
thigh, and thus disabled. When last seen, he was sitting in the swamp, defend- 
ing himself against the Indians, who swarmed around him in great numbers. He 
was finally killed, and his corpse mutilated in a most shocking manner. He was 
a brave and accomplished officer, and but for his rashness, a fault too common at 
that day among Kentuckians, his military character would have stood high. 

Among the distinguished men who have made Fayette county their residence, 
was the late Richard H. Menifee, whose premature death cast a gloom over the 
whole State. It has been the fortune of but few men, of the same age, to leave 
behind them a reputation so brilliant. Born in obscurity, and forced to struggle 
in early life against an array of hostile influences sufficient to have crushed any 
common spirit, he had, at the period of his early death, attained an eminence 
which fixed upon him the eyes of all America, as one of our most promising 
statesmen. He was a native of Bath county, and in early life taught a school to 
supply himself with the means of obtaining a profession. His success at the 
bar was rapid and brilliant. He was barely eligible, when he was elected to rep- 
resent the county of Montgomery in the Kentucky legislature. In this body he 
established a character for ability which spread his name through the State. At 
twenty-seven years of age, he was elected to Congress. His efforts on the floor 
of the house, bearing the impress of high genius and commanding talent, soon 
placed him in the front rank of debaters, at a time when Congress was remarka- 
ble for the number of its able men. At the close of his term of service, he re- 
moved to Lexington, and devoted himself to the practice of his profession. Busi- 
ness flowed in upon him, and he was rapidly amassing a fortune, which would 
have enabled him to re-enter public life, and accomplish those ardent desires 
cherished from his early boyhood, when his career was prematurely checked by 
death. He died at his residence in Lexington, in 1840, in the thirty-first year 
of his age. 

CoL. William R. M'Kee was a resident, and Lieutenant Colonel Henrv Clay, 
Jun., a native, of Fayette. These officers fell while bravely fighting at the head 
of the second Kentucky regiment, at Buena Vista, in Mexico. 

There are several remains in the northern part of Fayette county, which appear 
to be vestiges of ancient Indian fortifications. Thirty years a^o, there was a 
small and very intricate one on the plantation of the late Col. William Russell ; 
but it was examined in the summer of 1846, and found to be nearly obliterated. 
There are three, two of them still very distinct, near the dividing line between 
the old military surveys of Dandridge and Meredith, of which a brief descrip- 
tion may be interesting. The most easterly of those is on the estate of C. C. 
Moore, Esq. It is on the top of a high bluff, on the west side of North Elkhorn, 
in the midst of a very thick growth, mostly of sugar trees. The area within a 
deep and broad circular ditch, is about a quarter of an acre of ground. The ditch 
is still deep enough, in some places, to hide a man on horseback. The dirt taken 
from the ditch, is thrown outward ; and there is a gateway where the ditch was 
never dug, some ten feet wide, on the north side of the circle. Trees, several 
hundred years old, are growing on the bank and in the bottom of the ditch, and 
over the area which it encloses, and the whole region about it. A hundred yards, 
or thereabout, from this work, down a gentle slope, and near a large spring branch, 
there was, about the commencement of this century, a circular ditch enclosing a 
very small area, probably not above ten feet wide, within the inner margin of the 



CONTEST WITH A WILD CAT. 295 

ditch, which was broad, flat, and obscure at that time; at present it is hardly vis- 
ible. This is also on Mr. Moore's estate. Going still westward from this spot, 
you cross a branch, ascend a sharp slope, and come upon an elevated and beauti- 
ful forest along the old military line spoken of above ; and at the distance of a 
quarter of a mile from the work first described, is a work of considerable extent. 
It commences on the Meredith estate, and runs over on the Cabell's Dale estate 
(the Breckinridge property), and contains perhaps ten acres of land. The shape 
of the area is not unlike that of the moon, when about two-thirds full. The dirt 
from the ditch enclosing this area, is thrown sometimes out, sometimes in, and 
sometimes both ways. There is no water within a hundred yards of this work ; 
but there are several very fine springs a few hundred yards off; and North Elk- 
horn is within that distance in a north-eastern direction. An ash tree was cut 
down in the summer of 1845, which stood on the bank of this ditch, which, upon 
being examined, proved to be four hundred years old. The ditch is still perfectly 
distinct throughout its whole extent, and in some places is so deep and steep as to 
be dangerous to pass with a carriage. It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to as- 
certain when, by whom, or for what purpose, these works were made. Many 
of them seem wholly incapable of military use of any kind ; and it is probable 
they may have been connected with the national religion, or possibly the national 
shows and sports of the original makers of them. In one of the fields of the 
Cabell Dale estate, an immense mass, perhaps several bushels, of flint arrow 
heads, have been picked up within the last half century, over an area of an acre 
or two of ground ; and on the same estate, in a southerly direction from the work 
first described, are several ancient tumuli of considerable extent. 

Singular Incident. — Mr. McClung, in his " Sketches of Western Adventure," 
relates the following incident, which, from its singularity, will doubtless be read 
with interest: 

"In 1781, Lexington was only a cluster of cabins, one of which, near the spot where the 
court house now stands, was used as a school house. One morning in May, McKinley, the 
teacher, was sitting alone at his desk, busily engaged in writing, when hearing a slight noise 
at the door, he turned his head, and beheld, what do you suppose, reader 1 A tali Indian 
in his war paint, brandishing his tomahawk or handling his knife ? No ! an enormous cat, 
with her fore-feet upon the step of the door, her tail curled over her back, her bristles erect, 
and her eyes glancing rapidly through the room, as if in search of a mouse. 

McKinley 's position at first completely concealed him, but a slight and involuntary mo- 
tion of his chair, at sight of this shaggy inhabitant of the forest, attracted puss's attention, 
and their eyes met. McKinley having heard much of the powers of " the human face di- 
vine," in quelling the audacity of wild animals, attempted to disconcert the intruder by a 
frown. But puss was not to be bullied. Her eyes flashed fire, her tail waved angrily, and 
she began to gnash her teeth, evidently bent upon serious hostility. Seeing his danger, Mc- 
Kinley hastily arose and attempted to snatch a cylindrical rule fi'om a table which stood 
within reach, but the cat was too quick for him. 

" Darting upon him with the proverbial activity of her tribe, she fastened upon his side 
with her teeth, and began to rend and tear with her claws like a fury. McKinley's clothes 
were in an instant torn from his side, and his flesh dreadfully mangled by the enraged animal, 
whose strength and ferocity filled him with astonishment. He in vain attempted to disengage 
her from his side. Her long sharp teeth were fastened between his ribs, and his eflbrts served 
but to enrage her the more. Seeing his blood flow very copiously from the numerous wounds 
in his side, he became seriously alarmed, and not knowing what else to do, he threw himself 
upon the edge of the table, and pressed her against the sharp corner with the whole weight 
of his body. 

" The cat now began to utter the most wild and discordant cries, and McKinley, at the same 
time, lifting up his voice in concert, the two together sent forth notes so doleful as to alarm 
the whole town. Women, who are always the first in hearing or spreading news, were now 
the first to come to McKinley's assistance. But so strange and unearthly was the harmony 
within the school house, that they hesitated long before they ventured to enter. At length 
the boldest of them rushed in, and seeing McKinley bending over the corner of the table, 
ind writhing his body as if in great pain, she at first supposed that he was laboring under 
I severe fit of the colic ; but quickly perceiving the cat, which was now in the agonies of 
diiath, she screamed out, " why good heaven ! Mr. McKinley, what is the matter 1" 

" I have caught a cat, madam !" replied he, gravely turning round, while the sweat streamed 
from his face under the mingled operation of fright, and fatigue, and agony. Most of the 
ne^hbors had now arrived, and attempted to disengage the dead cat from her antagonist ; 



296 FLEMING COUNTY. 

but, so firmly were her tusks locked between his ribs, that this was a work of no small difB- 
culty. Scarcely had it been effected, when McKinley became very sick, and was compelled 
to go to bed. In a few days, however, he had entirely recovered, and so late as 1820, was 
alive, and a resident of Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he has often been heard to affirm, 
that he, at any time, had rather fight two Indians than one wild cat." 



FLEMING CO UNTY. 

Fleming county was formed in 1798, and named in honor of 
Colonel John Fleming. It is situated in the north-east part of the 
State, on Licking river — bounded on the north by Mason and 
Lewis ; east by Carter ; south by Bath, and west by Nicholas. 
The face of the country is variegated, and the soil as diversified 
as that of any county in Kentucky. The western portion of the 
county, in the centre of which is situated the county seat, is roll- 
ing or undulating, abounding in limestone and very productive 
for grasses, hemp and corn, and a part well adapted for wheat. 
The eastern and north-eastern portion of the county, embracing 
an extensive territory, is generally mountainous, interspersed with 
large creeks and fertile bottoms, adapted to corn, wheat, clover 
and tobacco — abounding in mineral -waters — among which the 
Fox Springs and Phillips Springs are improved as watering places ; 
watered by main Licking, Fleming, Fox and Triplett creeks. Its 
principal exports consist of cattle, hogs and hemp. 

Taxable property in 1846, $3,422,370; number of acres of land 
in the county 280,681 ; average value of lands per acre, $6,96; 
number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 2,325 ; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 2,810. 
Population in 1830, 13,493— in 1840, 13,268. 

The towns of Fleming, are Flemingsbarg, Poplar Plains, Mount 
Carmel, Elizaville, Hillsborough and Sherburn. Flemingsburg is 
the county-seat and principal town, situated on the Maysville 
and Mount Sterling turnpike road, seventeen miles from the for- 
mer place, and seventy-nine miles from Frankfort. It contains a 
large and handsome brick court house, with a fine cupola, bell 
and clock ; five churches, (Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Re- 
formed or Christian, and Seceder). One Academy, one collegiate 
institution, six physicians, twelve lawy^ers,six stores, three hotels, 
one printing office, (Fleming Flag,) market house and jail, a 
branch of the Louisville bank, one hat store, one drug store, 
twenty mechanics' shops, and one large steam flouring mill. Es- 
tablished in the year 1812. Population 800. Derived its name 
from the Fleming family. 

Elizaville is five miles from Flemingsburg, and contains three 
stores, one tavern, three physicians, one tannery, one manufactori 
of saleratus, pearlash, &c., one school and five mechanics' shop«. 
Jlillsborough contains two stores, one tavern, post office and black- 
smith shop. Population forty. Mount Carmel is seven mites 



INDIAN TROUBLES. 297 

north of Flemingsburgh, and contains two stores, one tavern, one 
Methodist church, one school house, two doctors, two tanneries, 
one wool factory, five mechanical trades. Population 120. In- 
corporated in 1825. Poplar Plains is situated five miles south- 
east of Flemingsburg — incorporated in 1831, contains two stores, 
one tavern, post office, tannery, woolen factory and oil mill, two 
doctors and six mechanics' shops. Population, 100. Sherbu7'nis 
a small village and mills on Licking river, containing a store, 
post office, tailor's shop, blacksmith shop and tavern. Population 
about 40. 

The Geological statistics of Fleming county are not in general of a rich or varied 
character. It rests principally upon the upper strata of the blue limestone series, 
belonging, with its accompaniments, to the transition formatioa : though in the 
eastern part, it is in some places overlaid with a very silicious limestone, prob- 
ably the equivalent of the cliff limestone; and in the "knobs" rises into the 
black slate, capped with old red sandstone. Except where the rocks and clays 
occupy the surface, (which is but a small portion,) the soil is very productive, 
much of it being good hemp land ; but no important metals are to be found. 
There are several small deposites of iron ore, not valuable or extensive to work, 
as far as examined. One of these, however, lying near the Licking river, is a 
remarkable and rare deposite. The oxide of iron, incorporated with sand, is 
formed into regular tubes, from the size of a pistol barrel to several inches in 
diameter, the cylinder being from a half to one and a half inches thick. It is 
impossible to estimate the length of these fulgurites, as the fragments have been 
fractured at both ends by the ploughshare. 

There is likewise a large deposite of clay near Poplar Plains, suitable for pot- 
ter's ware. The other minerals are small quantities of sulphurate of iron, calca- 
rioHS spar, barytes and petroleum or " mineral tar." The disintegrating limestone 
presents about seventy-five species of fossils, some of them in great abundance 
and perfection, the hill sides of the undulating surface exposing them to obser- 
vation. The soil has but a small proportion of sand in its composition, clay and 
lime predominating. 

George Stockton, who, in his infancy, had been taken prisoner, together with 
a sister, by the Indians in Virginia, and carried to New York, there remained 
until he became so much attached to the Indian manner of living, that the desire 
to see his friends and family could scarcely overcome his reluctance to part with 
those whom association had made dear. 

After he had grown up, he accompanied his tribe on a trading expedition to 
Pennsylvania, and there determined to visit his friends in Virginia. A fondness 
for forest life had so entertwined itself with his very nature, that he could ill sup- 
port the dull uniformity of society, and he soon set out for Kentucky, to enjoy 
the glorious solitude and freedom of the woods. He settled at Stockton's station, 
in sight of Flemingsburg, in 1787. 

Robert Stockton and Beacham Rhodes set out from Stockton's station in the 
winter of 1789, for the purpose of hunting on the waters of Fox's creek and its 
tributaries, then the favorite resorts of the buffalo, deer, bear, &c. Regarding the 
season of the year, it was not considered any adventure fraught with great dan- 
ger, as the Indians rarely visited Kentucky except in the seasons when the neces- 
saries of life were more easily obtained. The hunters pitched their camp upon 
the bank of Fox's creek, and enjoyed several days of successful hunting and ex- 
citing sport. On the night of the I5th February, after a day of unusual excite- 
ment and fatigue, the hunters, replenishing their fire, rolled themselves up in 
their blankets, and stretching themselves (with their two fine dogs) upon the 
ground, after the manner of the hunters of that day, without other "means and 
appliances," were soon soundly asleep. About the middle of the night, they 
were aroused by the simultaneous discharge of two guns. Stockton sprung to his 
feet only to fall lifeless to the earth. Rhodes, though severely wounded in the 
hip by two balls from the same gun, succeeded (whilst the dogs made fiercely at 
the Indians) in crawling beyond the light of the fire. Stationing himself behind 



298 FLEMING COUNTY. 

a tree, he calmly awaited the re-appearance of the Indians, resolved to sell his 
life at the cost of one of theirs. The Indians, doubtless, suspecting his purpose, 
were wise enough to mount the horses of the hunters, and made for the Kentucky 
river, where one of them was afterwards killed. The Indians not appearing, 
Rhodes determined, if possible, to conceal himself before day should dawn. 
With this hope, he crawled into the creek, and that his trail might not be discov- 
ered, kept in the water until about a half a mile from camp he came to a large 
pile of brush and logs which the creek had drifted. In this he remained secre- 
ted (in momentary expectation of hearing the Indians) all day. At night he set 
out on a painful journey towards home, and on the seventh day after his wound, 
reached Fleming creek, having crawled a distance of fourteen miles. The creek 
was considerably swollen, and in his wounded and exhausted state, presented an 
insuperable barrier to his further progress. Fortunately, however, he was found 
by another hunter, who aided him in reaching his home. The friends of Stock- 
ton, instantly collecting, started for the camp, where they found 

' His faithful dot;, in life his firmest friend, 
The first to welcome, foremost to defend. 
Whose honest heart was still his master's own, 
Who labor'd, fought, lived and breathed for him alone," — 

guarding his body, though so weak from starvation, as to be unable to walk. A 
circle of torn earth all around the body of Stockton, marked the rage and disap- 
pointment of wolves and panthers, and told how watchful and firm had been the 
protection of the dog. Stockton was buried where he fell, and his grave, marked 
with a large slab, is yet to be seen in going from Flemingsburg to Carter court- 
house, one mile beyond Phillips' springs. The friends of Stockton carried home 
the dog, and after several weeks, the other dog, which had followed the horses, 
also returned. 

Zadock Williams, whilst working in a tobacco field, in sight of Stockton's 
station, was shot by an Indian in the year 1790. There were no men in the fort 
at the time; and the old settlers, to this day, speak with wonder at the efforts of 
an old negro woman upon a horn, with which she alarmed the residents of a fort 
five or six miles distant. The Indians, probably terrified at such prodigious 
blasts, made off. 

The three forts or stations in the county, (Stockton's, Cassiday's and Flem- 
ing's,) had in their service two brothers, named Stuart, whose duty it was (dressed 
after the Indian fashion) to keep a look out, and give timely notice of the pres- 
ence of hostile Indians. It was understood by all the settlers, that no one was 
to fire a gun within hearing of either fort, unless at an Indian. In returning at 
Cassiday's station in the evening, one of the brothers was overcome by the temp- 
tation to shoot a large owl. Michael Cassiday and John Clifford, who were at 
the fort, supposing the gun to be fired by an Indian, seized their rifles and issued 
forth into the woods to reconnoitre. They soon observed the two brothers 
approaching, but owing to the dusk of the evening and their Indian dress, did 
not recognize them. Old man Cassiday, who was proverbial for his resolution 
and bravery, pushed on until within gun shot, fired, and one of the brothers fell 
to the ground. Clifford, in the mean time, was exerting all his ingenuity and 
stratagem to get a shot at the other brother, until he finally made himself heard. 
The three then went to the wounded man, and found him with but just enough 
life to tell Cassiday his death was the result of his own folly in firing his gun 
within hearing of the fort, forgave him, and expired. The surviving brother 
afterwards declared, that he was once or twice upon the point of shooting Clif- 
ford, to save his own life. 

Michael Cassiday, the individual mentioned in the foregoing narrative, was a 
native of Ireland, whence he emigrated to the United States in his youth. At 
the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he enlisted and served for several 
years in the ranks of the army. After leaving the army, he came to Kentucky, 
and attached himself to Strode's station, in what is now Clark county, and from 
thence removed to this county, and settled at Cassiday's station. He was re- 
markably small in stature, little if at all exceeding five feet, and there are many 
amusing stories told of his contests with Indians, who looked upon him as a boy. 



JOHN FLEMING, 299 

Upon one occasion, while encamped in the woods with two other friends, 
(Bennett and Spor), three Indians attacked their camp, and killed Bennett and 
Spor at the first fire. Cassiday sprung to his feet, but was soon overpowered 
and made prisoner. The Indians, supposing him to be a boy, and proposing to 
relieve the tedium of the night, selected the smallest of their number to carve him 
up with a large butcher knife, for their diversion. Cassiday, whose fiery spirit 
little predisposed him to suffer an unresisting martyrdom, grappled his antago- 
nist, and flung him several times with great violence to the earth, greatly to the 
amusement of the other Indians, who laughed immoderately at their companion's 
defeat by one seemingly so disproportioned in strength. The two Indians, find- 
ing that it was growing a serious matter, came to the rescue of their companion, 
and with several strokes of their war clubs, felled Cassiday to the ground. For- 
tunately, Cassiday fell with his hand upon the knife which his competitor had 
let fall, and rising, brandished it with such fierceness that the Indians gave 
back, when he, stepping to one side, darted rapidly into the woods. The dark- 
ness of the night enabled him to elude his pursuers until he came to a deep pool 
of water, overhung by a large sycamore. Under the roots of this tree, up to his 
neck in the water, he remained concealed until the Indians, flashing their torches 
around him in every direction, gave up in despair. He carried to his grave the 
marks of the Indian clubs, to testify with what good will they were given. 
Colonel Thomas Jones, who was at the burial of the two men, (Bennett and 
Spor), yet lives near Flemingsburg. 

Upon another occasion, whilst hunting on Cassiday's creek, in what is now 
Nicholas county, he very unexpectedly found himself in close proximity to a 
powerful Indian, in a place quite free from timber. Each observed the other at 
the same time, and both leveled their guns. But Cassiday, to his consternation, 
found that his pocket handkerchief was tied round the lock of his gun, so as to 
prevent its being cocked, and he feared to untie it, lest the Indian perceiving it, 
should fire. They remained pointing their guns at each other in this manner for 
some time. The Indian not firing, Cassiday suspected that something was the 
matter with his gun also, and began to take off his handkerchief, when the In- 
dian fled to a tree. Cassiday followed in full speed, and taking a circuit so as to 
bring the Indian in view, fired and wounded him in the shoulder. Drawing his 
knife, he made towards the wounded Indian, in whose gun he now perceived the 
ramrod. When Cassiday approached, the Indian (lying on the ground) extended 
his hand, crying "brother!" Cassiday told him he was " ad — d mulatto hypo- 
crite, and he shouldn't claim kin with him. Saint Patrick ! but he would pum- 
mel him well." After a desperate conflict with the Indian, who, though deprived 
of the use of his right arm, proved no contemptible foe, and whose nakedness 
afforded no tangible hold, Cassiday succeeded in dispatching him. 

Cassiday was in upwards of thirty Indian fights, and such and so many was 
his ' hair breadth 'scapes,' that he was commonly said to have a charmed life. 
He served in the legislature repeatedly, lived respected and died regretted, at his 
station, in the year 18-29. 

Colonel John Fleming, after whom Fleming county was called, was born in 
Virginia ; and in company with Major George Stockton, emigrated to Kentucky in 
the year 1787, descending the Ohio river in a canoe, and settled at Stroud's sta- 
tion. He afterwards removed to Fleming county, and settled Fleming's station 
in the year 1790, where he remained till his death in the year 1794. The wit- 
nesses of his life, like the fabled leaves of the Sybil's prophecy, have been so 
scattered by the hand of death, that it is impossible to collect the history of any 
save the following incidents : 

Some twenty Indians having stolen horses, and made prisoners of two children 
near Strode's station, in Clark county, in the year 1791, were pursued by about fif- 
teen whites, and overtaken on a creek, since called Battle run, in Fleming county. 
A sharp contest ensued, in which the loss was about equal on either side; but 
the whites, being outnumbered, were forced to give way. 

Col. John Fleming, the settler of Fleming's station, was severely wounded in 
the engagement, and in the retreat, being hotly pursued by an Indian, directed 
one of the men who was flying past him, to point his gun at the Indian and com- 
pel him to tree, until he could reload his gun. The man replied that his gun was 
not loaded. Fleming quickly remarked, " the Indian don't know that;" where- 



300 FLEMING COUNTY. 

upon the man did as directed, with the effect that Fleming foresaw. Whilst the 
Indian was intent upon the manceuvres of the man, Fleming succeeded in loading 
his gun. The pursuit becoming alarming, the man fled. The Indian, supposing 
Fleming to be too badly wounded to be dangerous, made confidently towards him 
with uplifted tomahawk. Fleming, supporting his gun upon a log, waited until 
the Indian came very near, when, firing, he fell headlong almost against the log 
behind which Fleming was lying. 

Fleming's mare, which had broken loose during the fight, came galloping by, 
recognized the voice of her master, went to him, received him on her back, and 
carried him gallantly off the field. He reached the large pond near Sharpsburg, 
where, exhausted from the loss of blood, and burning with thirst, he, with a fel- 
low fugitive, encamped. Such was his fever from his wound, that, to allay his 
insatiate thirst, he kept his friend constantly engaged throughout the night in 
bringing water. Next morning, he was sufficiently recovered to resume his way, 
and arrived safely at the station. 

In the family of Major George Stockton was a slave named Ben. Ben was a 
" regular" negro, devoted to his master — hated an Indian with an enmity passing 
Randolph's aversion to sheep — loved to moralize over a dead one — got into a tow- 
ering rage, and swore "magnificently" when a horse was missing — handled his 
rifle well, though somewhat foppishly — and hopped and danced and showed his 
teeth with infinite satisfaction, at the prospect of a chase of the '•'■ yaller varmints.''^ 
His master had every confidence in his resolution and prudence, and in fact Ben 
was a great favorite with all the hunters, adding much to their stock of fun on 
dull expeditions. 

A party of Indians having stolen horses from some of the upper stations, were 
pursued by a party of whites, who called at Stockton's station for reinforcements. 
Ben, among others, gladly volunteered. The Indians were overtaken at Kirk's 
springs, in Lewis county. The whites dismounting, secured their horses, and 
advanced to the attack. Only eight or ten Indians could be seen, and they re- 
treated rapidly over the mountain. The whites followed, but in descending the 
mountain, discovered, from an attempt to out-flank them, that the retreating In- 
dians were but a part of the enemy remaining behind to decoy them into an am- 
buscade, prepared at the base of the mountain. Various indications plainly 
showed that the Indians were greatly superior in number, and the whites were 
ordered to retreat. Ben was told of the order by a man near him, but was so in- 
tently engaged, that he did not hear. The man, in a louder tone, warned him of 
his danger. Ben turned upon him a reproving look, with indescribable grimaces 
and ludicrous gesticulations, admonishing silence, and springing forward, set off 
at a furious rate down the mountain. The man, unwilling to leave him, started 
after, and reached his side in time to see him level his rifle at a huge Indian down 
the mountain, tiptoe on a log, peering with outstretched neck into the thick 
woods. Ben's rifle cracked, and the Indian, bounding high in air, fell heavily to 
the earth. A fierce yell answered this act of daring, and " the Indians, (said 
Ben) skipped from tree to tree thick as grass-hoppers." Ben, chuckling with huge 
self-satisfaction, bawled out, " take dat to 'member Ben — de 'black white man ; " 
and set off in earnest after his retreating party. 

The following interesting incident of a well known and highly esteemed citizen 
of Fleming (which occurred after St. Clair's defeat in November, 1791), is rela- 
ted in M'Clung's Sketches of Western Adventure : 

The late William Kennan, of Fleming county, at that time a young man of 
eighteen, was attached to the corps of rangers who accompanied the regular 
force. He had long been remarkable for strength and activity. In the course 
of the march from fort Washington, he had repeated opportunities of testing his 
astonishing powers in that respect, and was universally admitted to be the swift- 
est runner of the light corps. On the evening preceding the action, his corps 
had been advanced, as already observed, a few hundred yards in front of the first 
line of infantry, in order to give seasonable notice of the enemy's approach. Just 
as day was dawning, he observed about thirty Indians within one hundred yards 
of the guard fire, advancing cautiously towards the spot where he stood, together 
with about twenty rangers, the rest being considerably in the rear. 



WILLIAM KENNAN. 301 

Supposing it to be a mere scouting party, as usual, and not superior in number 
to the rangers, he sprang forward a few paces in order to shelter himself in a 
spot of peculiarly rank grass, and firing with a quick aim upon the foremost In- 
dian, he instantly fell flat upon his face, and proceeded with all possible rapidity 
to reload his gun, not doubting for a moment, but that the rangers would main- 
tain their position, and support him. The Indians, however, rushed forward in 
such overwhelming masses, that the rangers were compelled to fly with precipita- 
tion, leaving young Kennan in total ignorance of his danger. Fortunately, the 
captain of his company had observed him when he threw himself in the grass, 
and suddenly shouted aloud, '*Run Kennan ! or you are a dead man !" He in- 
stantly sprang to his feet, and beheld Indians within ten feet of him, while his 
company was already more than one hundred yards in front. 

Not a moment was to be lost. He darted off with every muscle strained to its 
utmost, and was pursued by a dozen of the enemy with loud yells. He at first 
pressed straight forward to the usual fording place in the creek, which ran be- 
tween the rangers and the main army, but several Indians who had passed him 
before he arose from the grass, threw themselves in the way, and completely cut 
him off from the rest. By the most powerful exertions, he had thrown the whole 
body of pursuers behind him, with the exception of one young chief, (probably 
Messhawa), who displayed a swiftness and perseverance equal to his own. In 
the circuit which Kennan was obliged to take, the race continued for more than 
four hundred yards. The distance between them was about eighteen feet, which 
Kennan could not increase nor his adversary diminish. Each, for the time, put 
his whole soul into the race. 

Kennan, as far as he was able, kept his eye upon the motions of his pursuer, 
lest he should throw the tomahawk, which he held aloft in a menacing attitude, 
and at length, finding that no other Indian was immediately at hand, he deter- 
mined to try the mettle of his pursuer in a different manner, and felt for his tom- 
ahawk in order to turn at bay. It had escaped from its sheath, however, while 
he lay in the grass, and his hair had almost lifted the cap from his head, when 
he saw himself totally disarmed. As he had slackened his pace for a moment 
the Indian was almost in reach of him, when he recommenced the race, but the 
idea of being without arms, lent wings to his flight, and for the first time, he saw 
himself gaining ground. He had watched the motions of his pursuer too closely, 
however, to pay proper attention to the nature of the ground before him, and he 
suddenly found himself in front of a large tree which had been blown down, and 
upon which brush and other impediments lay to the height of eight or nine feet. 

The Indian (who heretofore had not uttered the slightest sound) now gave a 
short quick yell, as if sure of his victim. Kennan had not a moment to deliber- 
ate. He must clear the impediment at a leap or perish. Putting his whole soul 
into the effort, he bounded into the air with a power which astonished himself, 
and clearing limbs, brush, and every thing else, alighted in perfect safety upon 
the other side. A loud yell of astonishment burst from the band of pursuers, not 
one of whom had the hardihood to attempt the same feat. Kennan, as may be 
readily imagined, had no leisure to enjoy his triumph, but dashing into the bed 
of the creek (upon the banks of which his feat had been performed) where the 
high banks would shield him from the fire of the enemy, he ran up the stream 
until a convenient place offered for crossing, and rejoined the rangers in the 
rear of the encampment, panting from the fatigue of exertions which have seldom 
been surpassed. No breathing time was allowed him, however. The attack in- 
stantly commenced, and as we have already observed, was maintained for three 
hours, with unabated fury. 

When the retreat commenced, Kennan was attached to Major Clarke's bat- 
talion, and had the dangerous service of protecting the rear. This corps quickly 
lost its commander, and was completely disorganized. Kennan was among the 
hindmost when the flight commenced, but exerting those same powers which had 
saved him in the morning, he quickly gained the front, passing several horsemen 
in the flight. Here he beheld a private in his own company, an intimate ac- 
quaintance, lying upon the ground, with his thigh broken, and in tones of the 
most piercing distress, implored each horseman who hurried by to take him up 
behind him. As soon as he beheld Kennan coming up on foot, he stretched out 
his arms and called loud upon him to save him. Notwithstanding the imminent 



302 FL07D COUNTY. 

peril of the moment, his friend could not reject so passionate an appeal, but 
seizing him in his arms, he placed him upon his back, and ran in that manner 
for several hundred yards. Horseman after horseman passed them, all of whom 
refused to relieve him of his burden. 

At length the enemy was gaining upon him so fast, that Kennan saw their 
death certain, unless he relinquished his burden. He accordingly told his friend, 
that he had used every possible exertion to save his life, but in vain; that he 
must relax his hold around his neck or they would both perish. The unhappy 
wretch, heedless of every remonstrance, still clung convulsively to his back, and 
impeded his exertions until the foremost of the enemy (armed with tomahawks 
alone,) were within twenty yards of them. Kennan then drew his knife from 
its sheath and cut the fingers of his companion, thus compelling him to relinquish 
his hold. The unhappy man rolled upon the ground in utter helplessness, and 
Kennan beheld him tomahawked before he had gone thirty yards. Relieved 
from his burden, he darted forward with an activity which once more brought him 
to the van. Here again he was compelled to neglect his own safety in order to 
attend to that of others. 

The late governor Madison, of Kentucky, who afterwards commanded the 
corps which defended themselves so Jionorably at Raisin, a man who united the 
most amiable temper to the most unconquerable courage, was at that time a sub- 
altern in St. Clair's army, and being a man of infirm constitution, was totally 
exhausted by the exertions of the morning, and was now sitting down calmly 
upon a log, awaiting the approach of his enemies. Kennan hastily accosted him, 
and enquired the cause of his delay. Madison, pointing to a wound which had 
bled profusely, replied that he was unable to walk further, and had no horse. 
Kennan instantly ran back to a spot where he had seen an exhausted horse graz- 
ing, caught him without difficulty, and having assisted Madison to mount, walked 
by his side until they were out of danger. Fortunately the pursuit soon ceased, 
as the plunder of the camp presented irresistible attractions to the enemy. The 
friendship thus formed between these two young men, endured without interrup- 
tion through life. Mr. Kennan never entirely recovered from the immense exer- 
tions which he was compelled to make during this unfortunate expedition. He 
settled in Fleming county, and continued for many years a leading member of 
the Baptist church. He died in 1827. 



FLOYD COUN TY. 

Floyd county was established in 1799, and named in honor of 
Colonel John Floyd. It is situated in the eastern extremity of 
the State, and lies on the waters of Big Sandy river, — bounded on 
the north by Johnson ; east by the Virginia line ; south by Pike, 
and west by Breathitt. Prestonsburg is the seat of justice, about 
one hundred and sixty miles from Frankfort. The mean width 
of the county is about thirty miles ; the surface mountainous, in 
some places reaching an elevation of five hundred feet, and 
abounding in rich and inexhaustible strata of stone-coal. The 
principal crop is corn, though wheat, oats and flax are also culti- 
vated. The mountains afford excellent range for sheep, hogs and 
cattle. Three thousand hogs are annually driven to market from 
this county, and wool is beginning to be an article of exporta- 
tion. Seventeen miles from Prestonsburg, there is a spring called 
the " Burning Spring,'^ which constantly emits a thick sulphurous 
vapor, and instantly ignites on the application of fire. 

Valuation of taxable property in Floyd county in 1846, $485,- 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 303 

878 ; number of acres of land in the county, 96,732 ; average 
value of land per acre, $2,89 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years old, 812 ; number of children between the ages of five 
and sixteen years, 1490. Population in 1840, 6,302. 

Prestonsburg is situated on Big Sandy river, about seventy miles 
from its mouth — contains a brick court house, jail and other public 
buildings, one seminary, six stores, two groceries, two taverns, 
four iavv^'ers, three doctors, three tan-yards and six mechanics' 
shops. Incorporated in 1818, and called in honor of Col. John 
Preston, of Virginia, who owned the land. Population 200. 

Colonel John Floyd, in honor of whom this county received its name, was a 
native of Virginia, as were most of the pioneers of Kentucky. Towards the close 
of the year 1773, as stated both by Butler and Marshall, or in 1774, according to 
the authority of Mr. Nathaniel Hart, Sen., late of Woodford county, he came to 
Kentucky on a surveying excursion, as a deputy of Colonel William Preston, 
principal surveyor of Fincastle county, of which the region in Virginia, west of 
the mountains, was then a part. He made many surveys on the Ohio, and be- 
longed to the party that was re-called by Dunmore, in consequence of the dangers 
attending the performance of their official duties. Colonel Floyd returned in 
1775, and became a conspicuous actor in the stirring scenes of the times. Alter- 
nately a surveyor, a legislator and a soldier, his distinguished qualities rendered 
him at once an ornament and a benefactor of the infant settlements. No indi- 
vidual among the pioneers was more intellectual or better informed ; none dis- 
played, on all occasions that called for it, a bolder and more undaunted courage. 
His person was singularly attractive. With a complexion unusually dark, his 
eyes and hair were deep black, and his tall spare figure was dignified by the 
accomplishments of a well bred Virginia gentleman. Connecting himself with 
the fortunes of the Transylvania company, he became their principal surveyor, 
and was chosen a delegate from the town of St. Asaph to the assembly that met 
at Boonesborough on the 24th of May, 1775, to make laws for the infant colony. 
He accompanied Boone in the pursuit and rescue of his daughter and her com- 
panions, whom the savages had decoyed and captured in July, 1776, and his 
cotemporaneous account of that thrilling occurrence, does equal credit to his sol- 
diership and pen. In all the stations, civil and military, to which he was called, 
he acquitted himself with honor, and came at last to a violent death, by the hands 
of the savages, in 1783. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Franklin county was formed in the year 1794, and named in 
honor of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Dr. Benjamin 
Franklin. It lies on both sides of the Kentucky river, and is 
bounded on the north by Owen; east by Scott ; south by Ander- 
son and Woodford ; and west by Shelby. The face of the coun- 
try is diversified : a small portion gently undulating ; another 
part, intersected by the small streams which flow into the Ken- 
tucky, uneven and hilly ; while tall cliffs, in many places quite 
precipitous, rear their heads along the meandering course of that 
river through the county. The staple products of the county 
are wheat, corn and oats. Hemp is cultivated to a limited extent. 

Number of acres of land, reported by commissioners, as lying 
in Franklin, 120,731 ; average value per acre in 1846, $11,47; 



304 FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

value of taxable property, $4,004,223 ; number of white males 
over 21 years of age, 1692 ; number of children between five and 
sixteen years old, 1537. Population in 1830, 9,251 — in 1840, 
9,420. 

Frankfort is the seat of justice for Franklin county, and the 
capital of the state of Kentucky, being 25 miles from Lexington, 
and 550 miles from Washington city. It is beautifully situated 
on the Kentucky river, 60 miles above its mouth, and in the 
midst of the wild and romantic scenery which renders that stream 
so remarkable. From the summits of the overhanging cliffs 
which encircle the plains beneath like the ramparts of a mighty 
fortress, the city of Frankfort and the town of South Frankfort, 
with their public edifices and private residences, their spires and 
gardens, intermingled and occupying both banks, the meadows 
around, and the graceful stream itself as it sweeps through the 
verdant valley, are all mapped out to the eye in a single view of 
varied and picturesque beauty. The state house, with the pub- 
lic offices on either side of it, is situated on a slight eminence 
about midway between the river, which it fronts, and the north- 
ern termination of the valley. It is a large and very handsome 
structure, built of Kentucky marble, with a portico in front, sup- 
ported by six columns of the Ionic order. The senate and rep- 
resentative halls are in the second story — the former a capacious 
room, handsomely finished, with a portrait of General Wash- 
ington, large as life, immediately in the rear of the speaker's 
chair, and portraits of General Lafayette and Colonel Daniel 
Boone on the right and left. The senate chamber is a smaller 
room, also very neatly finished, and having a full length portrait 
of General William Henry Harrison suspended over the presi- 
dent's chair. The rooms on the lower story, are appropriated to 
the state library, court of appeals, federal court, &c. The pub- 
lic offices are plain, but neat and substantial buildings. The 
public grounds embrace an area of some four or five acres, and 
are studded with a variety of handsome shrubs and forest trees. 
In front of the capitol is a beautiful fountain, supplied with wa- 
ter conveyed through iron pipes from a large spring some dis- 
tance from the city. The governor's house is a large, plain build- 
ing of brick. The other public buildings are — a court house, 
Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Episcopal churches, an acad- 
emy, and a banking house for the branch bank of Kentucky. 

Frankfort contains, also, two newspaper establishments — the 
"Frankfort Commonwealth," and "Kentucky Yeoman," — both 
weeklies, but the former published daily, as well as weekly, dur- 
ing the session of the legislature ; twenty lawyers, twelve phy- 
sicians, twelve dry goods' stores, two book stores, six grocery 
stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two jewelry stores, 
four commission houses, four taverns, three bagging factories, 
with a large number of manufacturing establishments and me- 
chanic shops. Population in 1840, 1,917 — in 1847, supposed to 
be about 2,600. The place is well supplied with water, of an 



THE PENITENTIARY. 305 

excellent quality, conducted through pipes from a spring some 
one or two miles from the city. The improvement of the .Ken- 
tucky river has greatly advanced the commercial importance of 
Frankfort, which mifst continue to grow with the increasing pop- 
ulation and wealth of the surrounding country. 

Frankfort was established by the Virginia legislature in 1786, 
though the first survey of 600 acres was made by Robert M' Afee 
on the 16th July, 1773. The seat of government was located 
here in 1792, and the first session of the assembly was held 1793. 
The public buildings not being ready, the legislature assembled 
in a large frame house belonging to Major James Love, which is 
yet seen on the bank of the river in the lower part of the city. 

The State's Prison or Penitentiary, is located at Frankfort. The penitentiary ■ 
system was established in Kentucky in 1798; the legislature which adopted it 
being moved by feelings of the most benevolent character. The prisoners were, 
for some years, allowed to appropriate to their own use, the excess of their earn- 
ings, above the costs of prosecution and after making restitution to those they 
had injured. This system was repealed in 1805. Under the operation of subse- 
quent acts of the legislature, no revenue was derived to the state from the peni- 
tentiary ; indeed, for twenty years, it was a dead expense. In the year 1825, 
Mr. Joel Scott was appointed agent and keeper by act of assembly, who entered 
upon his duties in the nature of a contract with the state, stipulating to pay to 
the state one half the profits, and guarantying they should not fall below a spe- 
cified sum. To him is due the credit of introducing the Auburn system, under 
which the Kentucky penitentiary has long been the most prosperous institution 
of the kind in the United States or the world. He was appointed for two terms 
of five years each, but relinquished the last year of his last term on account of 
ill health. The average number of prisoners during his term of nine years, was 
about 85, and the clear average earnings of the prison, over and above expenses, 
was $70,000. 

Dr. T. S. Theobalds succeeded Mr. Scott in 1834, upon the same terms. He 
conducted the institution on the same general principles, but changing somewhat 
the employment of the prisoners, and introducing additional machinery. The 
heaviest branch of business is the manufacture of bagging and rope. During his 
first term, the earnings above expenses, were about $80,000; during the second, 
ending March, 1844, about $120,000. The number of prisoners from 1834 to 
1839, ranged from eighty to one hundred and forty; and from the latter year to 
1846, from one hundred and forty to one hundred and eighty. The present keepers 
(Messrs. Craig and Henry) were appointed for five years, on the same terms as 
their predecessors, except that they stipulate to pay the state two-thirds of the net 
profits earned, at the same time guarantying a certain annual profit of not less 
than $5,000. 

The distinguishing disciplinary feature of the institution is silence by day and 
solitary confinement by night. The convicts are employed in associated labor hy 
day, but not allowed to talk together except about the business in hand. They 
have two meals a day, of plain, coarse, but wholesome fare, each eating as much 
as he likes of bread, various meats, vegetables and soups. They have divine 
service every Sabbath, and the ignorant are taught letters and learning; and those 
who can read, are required to choose books for perusal from a good library of 
moral books, provided by the State. Their heads are shaved every Saturday, a 
disagreeable punishment, but deemed a necessary safeguard. Their hair is allowed 
to grow four months before expiration of sentence. On discharge, each prisoner 
is entitled to five dollars cash, and a comfortable suit of new clothes. The audi- 
tor, treasurer, land register and attorney general of the State, are inspectors, 
required by law to examine the institution, condition of the prisoners, their treat- 
ment, clothing, food, &c. monthly. The buildings of the penitentiary are exten- 
sive, and well arranged alike for the security and comfort of the convicts. The 
oflSce of the keeper is an elegant building of cut stone, ornamented with two hex- 
agonal gothic towers. 
20 



306 FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

Female Heroism. — The facts in the following account of an attack on Innis 
settlement, near Frankfort, in April, 1792, are derived from the Rev. Abraham 
Cook, a venerable minister of the Baptist church, himself a pioneer, now upwards 
of eighty years of age, and the brother of Jesse and Hosea Cook, the husbands 
of the two intrepid and heroic females whose bravery is here recorded : 

Some five or six years previous to the occurrence of the event named, a settle- 
ment was commenced on South Elkhorn, a short distance above its junction with 
the North fork, which, though not very strong, was considered a sort of asylum 
from Indian invasion. About Christmas in the year 1791, two brothers, Jesse 
and Hosea Cook and their families, their brothers-in-law, Lewis Mastin and family, 
and William Dunn and part of his family, with William Bledsoe and family, 
moved to Main Elkhom, about three miles from the above named place, and 
formed a settlement in a bottom there, known as Innis' bottom. A man by the 
name of Farmer, with his family, shortly after made a settlement a short distance 
lower down the creek; and an overseer and three negroes had been placed on an 
improvement of Colonel Innis' a short distance above. The new settlement was 
between three and four miles from Frankfort, at that time containing but a few 
families. It was composed of newly married persons, some with and others with- 
out children. They had been exempt from Indian depredations up to the 28th of 
April, 1792, although a solitary Indian on horseback, had passed it in the night, 
during the preceding w^inter. The two Cooks settled in cabins close together; 
Mastin and Bledsoe occupied double cabins some three hundred yards from the 
Cooks ; the cabin of Dunn was about three hundred yards from those above 
named, and Farmer's about the same distance below the Cooks: while Innis' 
overseer and negroes were located about three-fourths of a mile above. 

On the day above mentioned (the 28th of April, 1792), an attack was made on 
three several points of the settlement, almost simultaneously, by about one hun- 
dred Indians. The first onset was made upon the Cooks. The brothers were 
near their cabins, one engaged in shearing sheep, the other looking on. The 
sharp crack of rifles was the first intimation of the proximity of the Indians; 
and that fire was fatal to the brothers — the elder fell dead, and the younger was 
mortally wounded, but enabled to reach the cabin. The two Mrs. Cooks, with 
three children, (two whites and one black), were instantly collected in the house, 
and the door, a very strong one, made secure. The Indians, unable to enter, dis- 
charged their rifles at the door, but without injury, as the balls did not penetrate 
through the thick boards of which it was constructed. They then attempted to 
cut it down with their tomahawks, but with no better success. While these things 
occurred without, there was deep sorrow, mingled with fearless determination and 
high resolve within. The younger Cook, mortally wounded, immediately the 
door was barred, sunk down on the floor, and breathed his last; and the two Mrs. 
Cooks were left the sole defenders of the cabin, with the three children. There 
was a rifle in the house, but no balls could be found. In this extremity, one of 
the women got hold of a musket ball, and placing it between her teeth, actually 
bit it into two pieces. With one she instantly loaded the rifle. The Indians, 
failing in their attempts to cut down the door, had retired a few paces in front, 
doubtless to consult upon their future operations. One seated himself upon a log, 
apparently apprehending no danger from within. Observing him, Mrs. Cook 
took aim from a narrow aperture and fired, w^hen the Indian gave a loud yell, 
bounded high in the air, and fell dead. This infuriated the savages, who threat- 
ened (for they could speak English) to burn the house and all the inmates. Sev- 
eral speedily climbed to the top of the cabin, and kindled a fire on the boards of 
the roof. The devouring element began to take effect, and with less determined and 
resolute courage within, the certain destruction of the cabin and the death of the 
inmates, must have been the consequence. But the self possession and intrepidity 
of these Spartan females were equal to the occasion. One of them instantly as- 
cended to the loft, and the other handed her water, with which she extinguished 
the fire. Again and again the roof was fired, and as often extinguished. The 
water failing, the undaunted woman called for some eggs, which were broken 
and the contents thrown upon the fire, for a time holding the flames at bay. Their 
next resource was the bloody waistcoat of the husband and brother-in-law, who 
lay dead upon the floor. The blood with which this was profusely saturated, 
checked the progress of the flames — but, as they appeared speedily to be gather- 



REMAINS OF BOONE. 307 

ing strength, another, and the last expedient »♦#*♦* 
proved successful. The savage foe yielded, and the fruitful expedients of female 
courage triumphed. One Indian, in bitter disappointment, fired at his unseen 
enemy through the boards, but did not injure her, when the whole immediately 
descended from the roof. 

About the time the attack commenced, a young man named McAndre, escaped 
on horseback in view of the Indians, who, it was supposed, would give the alarm 
to the older neighboring settlement. As soon as they descended from the house- 
top, a few climbed some contiguous trees, and instituted a sharp look-out. While 
in the trees, one of them fired a second ball into the loft of the cahin, which cut to 
pieces a bundle of yarn hanging near the head of Mrs. Cook, but without doing 
further injurJ^ Soon after, they threw the body of the dead Indian into the adja- 
cent creek, and precipitately fled. 

A few moments after the Cooks were attacked, Mastin, in conversation with Mc- 
Andre near his cabin, was fired upon and wounded in the knee ; but not so badly 
as to disable him. He commenced a rapid retreat to his house, but received a 
second shot, which instantly killed him. McAndre escaped on horseback, and 
carried with him to the old settlement one of Mastin's small children. Dunn and 
two of his sons, one aged sixteen and the other nine years, the only members of 
the family then in the bottom, not having been observed by the Indians when the 
attack commenced, escaped to the woods and separated. The old man made his 
way safely to the older settlement, but the boys were afterwards discovered by 
the Indians, and both murdered. One of the negroes at Innis's quarter, being 
sick, was killed, and the two others taken captive, (the overseer being absent). 
Of the captives, one died among the Indians, and the other returned to his mas- 
ter. The survivors of this infant colony were taken to the older settlement, and 
found all the kindness and hospitality so characteristic of pioneer life. 

The alarm was quickly communicated to the adjacent settlements, and before 
night-fall, a body of from seventy-five to one hundred men were in hot pursuit of 
the retreating foe. The main body of the Indians, however, reached the Ohio 
and crossed it safely, in advance of the Kentuckians. A small party who had 
lingered behind and stolen some negroes and horses from another settlement, were 
overtaken on the succeeding morning, a short distance from the Ohio, by a por- 
tion of the pursuing force, among them the venerable William Tureman, of the 
city of Maysville, then a youth. The whites fired, and the hindmost Indian fell, 
severely wounded. One of the whites imprudently rushed his horse through the 
tall grass to the spot where the Indian fell, when the latter raised his rifle and 
shot him through the heart. He then rose to his feet, and attempted to reach the 
thicket to which his companions had retreated, but was fired upon and killed, 
some fifteen or twenty balls having been lodged in his body. 

Remains of Daniel Boone. — At its session of 1844-45, the legislature of Ken- 
tucky adopted measures to have the mortal remains of the celebrated pioneer, 
Daniel Boone, and those of his wife, removed from their place of burial on the 
banks of the Missouri, for the purpose of interment in the public cemetery at 
Frankfort. There seemed to be a peculiar propriety in this testimonial of the 
veneration borne by the commonwealth for the memory of the illustrious dead ; 
and it was fitting that the soil of Kentucky should afford the final resting place 
of his remains, whose blood in life had so often been shed to protect it from the 
fury of savage hostility. It was as the beautiful and touching manifestation of 
filial affection shown by children to the memory of a beloved parent ; and it was 
right that the generation who were reaping in peace the fruits of his toils and dan- 
gers, should desire to ha%'e in their midst, and decorate with the tokens of their love, 
the sepulchre of this primeval patriarch, whose stout heart watched by the cradle 
of this now powerful commonwealth, in its weak and helpless infancy, shielding 
it with his body from all those appalling dangers which threatened its safety and 
existence. 

The consent of the surviving relations of the deceased having been obtained, a 
commission was appointed, under whose superintendence the removal was effec- 
ted ; and the 13th of September, 1845, was fixed upon as the time when the ashes 
of the venerable dead, would be committed with fitting ceremonies to the place 
of their final repose. It was a day which will be long remembered in the history 



308 FRANKLIN COUNTS. 

of Franklin. The deep feeling excited by the occasion, was evinced by the as- 
sembling of an immense concourse of citizens from all parts of the State; and 
the ceremonies were most imposing and impressive. A procession, extending 
more than a mile in length, accompanied the coffins to the grave. The hearse, 
decorated with evergreens and flowers, and drawn by four white horses, was 
placed in its assigned position in the line, accompanied as pall bearers, by the 
following distinguished pioneers, viz. Colonel Kichard M. Johnson, of Scott: 
General James Taylor, of Campbell; Captain James Ward, of Mason; General 
Robert B. McAfee, and Peter Jordan, of Mercer; Waller Bullock, Esq., of Fay- 
ette; Captain Thomas Joyce, of Louisville; Mr. Landon Sneed, of Franklin; ^ 
Colonel John Johnston, of the State of Ohio ; Major ^^Williams, of Kenton-; [/ 
and Colonel William Boone, of Shelby. The procession was accompanied by ^ ' 
several military companies, and by the members of the Masonic Fraternity, and 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in rich regalia. Arrived at the grave, the 
company was brought together in a beautiful hollow near the grave, ascending 
from the center on every side. Here the funeral services were performed. The 
hymn was given out by the Rev. Mr. Godell, of the Baptist church ; prayer by 
Bishop Soule, of the Methodist Episcopal church ; oration by the Honorable 
John J. Crittenden; closing praye^ by the Rev. J. J. Bullock, of the Presbyte- 
rian church ; and benediction by the Rev. P. S. Fall, of the Christian church. 
The coffins were then lowered into the graves. The spot where the graves are 
situated, is as beautiful as nature and art combined can make it. It is designed 
to erect a monument on the place. 

Honorable John Brown. — The present high rank that Kentucky occupies in 
the Union, is but a continuation and expansion of the impulse first given by 
those who rescued the land from the dominion of the savages. No country was 
ever settled by men of more distinct character from the great mass, and the infu- 
sion of those traits was so common to the population of the early emigrants, that 
it will take centuries to eradicate it from their descendents. More of the gal- 
lant officers of the American revolution, and their no less gallant soldiers, found 
a retreat in Kentucky, than in any other part of America ; and they brought with 
them to the west, the young men of enterprise and talent and courage who, like 
Sidney, were determined to "find or to make " a way to distinction. Among 
the pioneers of Kentucky, no one acted a more conspicuous part than the gentleman 
whose name is at the head of this notice, and a brief sketch of his life is not only 
appropriate, but indispensable, to a work having for its object an elucidation of 
the history of the State. 

Mr. Brown was born at Staunton, Virginia, on the 12th day of September, 
1757. He was the son of the Rev. John Brown and Margaret Preston. His 
father was eminently distinguished as a Presbyterian minister of piety and learn- 
ing, a graduate of Princeton college, and pastor for forty-four years of the church 
at Providence meeting house in Rockbridge. The mother was a woman of re- 
markable energy of character and vigor of mind — the second daughter of John 
Preston and Elizabeth Patton, and sister of William Preston, of Mrs. Breckin- 
ridge, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Howard, from whom are descended the Prestons, 
the Breckinridges, the M'Dowells, the Harts, and many other distinguished fe- 
males in Kentucky and Virginia. The children were reared in the hardy nurture 
of the western borderers, and having no patrimony in expectancy, were habitua- 
ted to depend on their own energies for success in life. A good education was 
all that they could look for, and this was carefully bestowed. John, being the 
eldest, was sent to Princeton, at which place he was a student when the Ameri- 
can army made its memorable retreat though the Jerseys. The college was bro- 
ken up, and he joined the troops and crossed the Delaware with them, and re- 
mained with the army under Washington for some time as a volunteer. He sub- 
sequently was a member of a volunteer company from Rockbridge, which com- 
pany was under the command of the Marquis de Lafayette. He completed his 
education at William and Mary college — assisted the celebrated Dr. Waddill for 
two years as a teacher in his school — read law in the office of Mr. Jefferson, and 
removed to Kentucky in 1782, arriving directly after the battle of the Blue Licks ; 
and from that date to the period of his death he was a citizen of the western 
country. 



THE BROTHERS BROWN. 309 

From the commencement of our political history, Mr. Brown was called to act 
a prominent part. He was elected a member of the Virginia legislature from the 
district of Kentucky, and was, by the legislature of tiiat state, appointed a repre- 
sentative to the '•'■old Congress,^'' in 1787, and also in 1788. In 1789 and 1791, 
he was elected by the people of Kentucky a representative to the first and sec- 
ond Congress, under the present constitution. After Kentucky became a state, 
he was three times consecutively elected a senator in the Congress of the United 
States, and continued in the senate until 1805, when he reUred to private life. 
It was his fortune as a politician, to live to be nearly, if not the very, last survi- 
vor of the old Congress; and he was the first member of the Congress of the 
United States ever sent from the great valley of the Mississippi ! He came to it 
in his youth, and it was a vast and dangerous wilderness — he lived to see it un- 
der the dominion of eleven powerful and independent sovereignties, teeming with 
a population of more than seven millions of people, and holding the balance of 
power in the national confederacy. Coming into public life at the close of the 
Revolution, he was brought into an intimate association with many of the most 
prominent actors of that eventful period, and enjoyed the personal friendship of 
General Washington, Mr. Adams, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Madison and Mr. Monroe. 
General Washington honored him, in conjunction with General Charles Scott, 
Benjamin Logan, Harry Innis and Isaac Shelby, with important commissions of 
a military trust, with power to enlist men, commission officers, and carry on war 
at home and abroad. He was the projector of several of the military expeditions 
into the Indian countries, and accompanied one of the most successful of them as 
a volunteer, lending the influence of his example to enforce his official exhorta- 
tions. He was a most distinguished actor in all the events that attended the 
admission of Kentucky into the Union, and the securing for the west the naviga- 
tion of the Mississippi ; and the efforts of no one individual contributed more to 
bring about those results. In the celebrated controversy between Mr. Jefferson 
and Colonel Burr for the presidency, he, then a senator from Kentucky, advoca- 
ted the claims of Mr. Jefferson with zealous ardor. Mr. Jefferson pressed upon 
him, during his administration, the acceptance of several highly important and 
lucrative offices, all of which he declined. The intimacy and friendship which 
existed between them, commencing while he was a student in the office of that 
world-renowned statesman, continued without interruption throughout life. When 
Mr. Monroe became president, he also addressed him a letter, wishing to know in 
what manner his administration could testify its regard for his character and early 
public service; but he declined all preferment. With the public men of the west, 
he was on terms of the most endearing friendship. With General George Rogers 
Clark, Governor Shelby and Governors Scott and Madison, and with Judges 
Innis and Todd, and Colonels Nicholas and Breckinridge, and their illustrious 
associates, he held the most confidential intercourse, and their attachment, com- 
menced in periods of danger and under circumstances of trial, never wavered. 
This eminent man^-eminent as a patriot, as a statesman and citizen — lived to 
the advanced age of 80 years, and died at his residence in Frankfort on the 29th 
of August, 1837. His accomplished wife, the daughter of the Rev. John Mason, 
of the city of New York, and sister of the Rev. John M. Mason, both distin- 
guished divines, survived him but a few months. 

Honorable James Brown, a brother of the Honorable John Brown, was a dis- 
tinguished lawyer in Kentucky, and a cotemporary at the bar of the Honorable 
Henry Clay, (both of whom married daughters of Colonel Thomas Hart), and 
also of George Nicholas, Mr. Murray, John Breckinridge, and others, and was 
distinguished, even in such competition, as an able lawyer and eloquent speaker. 
He was appointed first secretary of state of Governor Shelby. Upon the pur- 
chase of Louisiana, he removed to New Orleans, was associated with Mr. Liv- 
ingston in the compilation of the civil code, was several times elected to the 
senate of the United States, and subsequently received the appointment of min- 
ister to France, in which capacity he resided many years in the city of Paris, 
admired for his ability as a diplomatist, and beloved for his munificent hospitality. 
He died in the city of Philadelphia in 1836. 

Dr. Samuel Brown, also another brother of the Hon. John Brown, was a 
graduate of Edinburgh, and very distinguished for his medical writings, and for 



310 FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

many years filled, with great credit to himself and usefulness to the institution, 
the chair of professor of theory and practice of medicine in the Transylvania 
University. He died in Alabama. 

Dr. Preston W. Brown, the youngest of the brothers, was a graduate of the 
school of medicine in Philadelphia, and favorably known to the profession as a 
successful practitioner of medicine in Kentucky. He died in Jefferson county 
in 1826. 

Governor George Madison was born in Virginia, about the year 1763. His 
career was one of distinction in arms as well as the cabinet. He was one of the 
soldiers of the American revolution. Before he was of age, whilst yet a boy, 
he threw himself in the ranks, and with a gallant bearing passed through the 
scenes of his country's first and great struggle for independence. He was also 
engaged in the battles which were fought by the early settlers of Kentucky with 
the Indians of the north-western territory. At the head of his company, Captain 
Madison was wounded at St. Clair's defeat in 1791 ; and he was again wounded 
in the attack upon the camp of Major John Adair, by the Indians, in 1792. Ma- 
jor Adair, in his report of that battle to Brigadier General Wilkinson, speaking 
of Captain Madison, whom he had ordered to take a ^arty and gain the right 
flank of the enemy, says : — " Madison's bravery and conduct need no comment ; 
they are well Anown." This was his reputation in military life — to speak in fa- 
vor of his courage was considered superfluous — all who saw him in the field, 
both men and officers, knew him to be brave — that knowledge came, as if by in- 
tuition, to all who beheld him — his looks, his words, his whole demeanor on the 
field, were emphatically those of a soldier. No hero ever shed his blood in the 
cause of his country more freely than George Madison ; when called into her 
service, there seemed no limit to his patriotism, no bounds to his zeal in her be- 
half. It did in truth appear as if he considered himself — all he had, and all he 
could do — a free gift, a living sacrifice, to be offered up on the altar of his 
country. 

Having passed through two wars with honor and distinction, and having set- 
tled permanently in Kentucky at a very early period, he was soon called npon to 
take part in the civil administration of the State. On the 7th of March, 1796, he 
was appointed by Governor Shelby auditor of public accounts, to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the resignation of VVilliam McDowell, which office he held for 
more than twenty years. During the whole of this period, his official duties, and 
his position at the seat of governmfent, threw him in constant personal intercourse 
with persons from every quarter of the State ; and the influence which he thus 
acquired, and the universal confidence and love with which he inspired all who 
knew him, were so unbounded throughout Kentucky, that there was no oflace 
within the gift of the people which he could not easily have attained, without the 
slightest solicitation. 

In the summer of 1812, a requisition was made on the State of Kentucky to 
aid in an expedition against Canada and the Indians of the north-western terri- 
tory, who, at that time, were in alliance with the British. In obedience to the 
call of the government, Colonel John Allen raised a volunteer regiment of Ken- 
tuckians, and George Madison, then auditor of public accounts, accepted the of- 
fice of second major under him, at the earnest solicitation of Captains Hickman, 
Ballard and others, who had served with him in previous campaigns against the 
Indians, and knew, therefore, how to appreciate his skill as an officer. At the 
memorable battle of the river Raisin, which occurred in January, 1813, in which 
that regiment suffered so severely, and in which Colonel Allen, Captains Simp- 
son, McCracken, Hickman, and a host of others fell, Madison behaved with ex- 
emplary firmness and courage. He was in immediate command of the force that 
stood within the pickets, and by his calm and collected bearing, and his desper- 
ate resolution, exacted terms of capitulation from General Proctor, the commander 
of the British and Indians, by which his men and all the wounded were to be 
thrown under the immediate protection of the British commander, and saved 
from the violence of savage cruelty. Accordingly, Madison and such of the 
Americans as were able to march, were removed to Maiden, whence he and the 
other officers were sent to Quebec. The non-commissioned officers and privates 



SOLOMON p. SHARP. 311 

were shortly afterwards discharged on parole, and permitted to return to the Uni- 
ted States. In consequence of the shameful violation by Proctor of the terms 
of capitulation entered into with Madison — in permitting the Indians to massacre 
our wounded men left at the river Raisin — a retaliation was apprehended, and 
Madison and our other officers were kept in confinement at Quebec as hostages. 

In the year 1816, having resigned his office as auditor of public accounts, Major 
Madison was urged from every section of the state to become a candidate for gov- 
ernor. So loud and so general was the call made on him, that he consented to 
run. Colonel James Johnson, who had distinguished himself at the battle of the 
Thames, was announced as the opposing candidate. Colonel Johnson had not, 
however, been engaged very long in the canvass, before he found it impossible to 
resist the popularity of Major Madison. He accordingly retired during the very 
heat of the canvass, and declined the race, declaring that it was utterly futile for 
him or any body else to run against a man so universally popular and beloved, as 
he found his opponent to be. He was not, however, permitted to enjoy very long 
the high honor conferred upon him by the State with such marked distinction. 
He died on the 14th day of October, 1816, and left a whole people to mourn over 
his loss with a sorrow as deep as was the love which they had borne him. 

Col. Solomon P. Sharp. — In a work designed to perpetuate a knowledge of 
the remarkable events that have transpired in Kentucky, and the memory of dis- 
tinguished men who have given renown to the State, the name of Colonel Sol- 
omon P. Sharp deserves a conspicuous place. It was the fortune of this able 
man to illustrate, by his own career, the noble tendency of our republican insti- 
tutions, and to teach to his youthful countrymen the important lesson that each 
may, and must be, the architect of his own fortunes, and that there is no station 
to which the humblest may not aspire. He was born of a parentage that brought 
him no aid but that which an unsullied name can give. His father had been a 
soldier of the Revolution, and one of the gallant but obscure borderers who gained 
the memorable victory at King's mountain. The war being over, he moved from 
Washington county, in Virginia, first to the neighborhood of Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, and in a short time afterwards to the vicinity of Russell ville, Kentucky. 
It was at the latter place that Colonel Sharp grew up to manhood, having been 
but a very small child at the period of his father's removal to the Green river 
country. At that early day, that region was almost a desert, and but few advan- 
tages were possessed by the young for mental improvement. The simplest rudi- 
ments of education were all that even the most favored could expect, and even 
these were only to be obtained by alternate interchange between the labors of the 
farm and the employments of the school room. Still, such was the nursery of 
many of the most distinguished men of Kentucky ; and in that school they ac- 
quired a vigor of constitution and independence in thought, action and speech, 
that gave them throughout life, a force of character which enabled them to leave 
their impress on the times in which they lived. 

Col. Sharp, at the early age of nineteen, had, in the midst of innumerable and, 
to any but a brave spirit, insurmountable difficulties, gained admittance to the bar. 
He entered the profession unknown, without the influence of friends or fortune, 
his sole dependence being on his own energies. But, in a short time, he stood 
forth before all observers as a youth of uncommon promise, and, in his earliest 
professional efforts, he displayed powers of reasoning, of research and of eloquence 
that drew upon him the admiration and esteem of the whole community. As a 
reasoner, his powers were remarkable, clear, discriminating and logical ; in debate, 
he had few equals and no superiors. His style of speech was of the conversa- 
tional order — plain and concise — he was always understood ; and those who heard 
him, felt that they were taking part in unravelling the propositions which he 
sought to make manifest. He seldom turned aside from his subject, unless to 
relieve the mind from the tenseness of the argument; and when this was neces- 
sary, he never lacked a playful sally or happy illustration to suit his purpose. 
Without any thing like redundancy, he never hesitated for a word, and was 
strictly fluent from the force of his own thought, and he never became excited that 
he had not a convinced and sympathising auditory. 

At the earliest period permissible by the constitution, he was elected a member 
of the Kentucky legislature, and on the political theatre displayed talents of such 



312 FKANKLIN COUNTY. 

rare order that, at twenty-four years of age, he might have been considered one 
of the first public men in Kentucky. He was again and again honored by a seat 
in the legislature, until, by the general voice of the district in which he lived, he 
was transferred to the Congress of the United States, and for two successive 
terms, embracing the most interesting period of the administration of Mr. Madi- 
son, he occupied the very front rank among the most eminent politicians of that 
day. He was the room mate and intimate friend of the Hon. John C. Calhoun, 
of South Carolina ; and stood side by side with him, in the support of the admin- 
istration of Mr. Madison. The high estimation in which he was held by that 
distinguished statesman, is attested by his having been heard to declare, more 
than once, that " he was the ablest man of his age that had ever crossed the 
mountains." 

Enticing as were these early political honors to a youth of honorable ambition, 
and holding out, as they did, the prospect of still further advancement. Col. 
Sharp relinquished them all with cheerfulness, in order that he might devote 
himself with more assiduity to the labors of his profession. Having married the 
daughter of Colonel John M. Scott, of Frankfort, and his reputation as a lawyer 
being commensurate with the State, he determined to remove to the seat of gov- 
ernment, where the supreme court, of the State, and the federal court of the dis- 
trict of Kentucky held their sessions. Before these two distinguished tribunals 
^-distinguished for the great learning of the presiding justices, and the unsur- 
passed ability of the lawyers who practiced before them, Colonel Sharp was the 
acknowledged equal of the most eminent, and acquired a practice as extensive 
and lucrative as any practitioner at the bar, and the docket of the court of appeals 
of that day, shows his name to almost every litigated case, from the first day of 
his location in Frankfort. 

He was selected by Governor Adair as peculiarly qualified for the important 
office of attorney general, and he discharged its duties to the perfect satisfaction 
of the country. This was the highest honor of the legal profession that a prac- 
titioner could enjoy, and there was but one step more for legal ambition, and that 
was a seat upon the bench. He did not attain the age when lawyers, in full 
practice, are willing to retire and leave the field of active and profitable labor to 
younger competitors ; but there is no question, judging of the future from the past, 
that he would have been called to occupy a distinguished place in the highest 
courts of judicature, at a little later period. 

It was in the midst of a career like this, fruitful of honors, of public useful- 
ness and domestic happiness, that he fell by the hand of an assassin, on the night 
of the — November, 1825, in the thirty-eighth year of his age. The peculiar 
atrocity of the deed created a thrill of horror throughout the land, for it was at- 
tended with circumstances of most fiend-like barbarity. The legislature, of which 
Colonel Sharp was at that time a member, being in session, ©tfered a reward of 
three thousand dollars for the detection and apprehension of the murderer, and 
passed resolutions testifying the public condolence and sympathy with the afflic- 
ted family, and the great loss the State had sustained in his untimely death. 

IsHAM Talbot was born in the county of Bedford, and State of Virginia, in the 
year 1773. While quite a youth, his father emigrated with his family to Ken- 
tucky, and settled near Harrodsburg, in Mercer county. The means of acqui- 
ring an education, at that early day, were necessarily limited, and each individual 
in the pursuit of knowledge, had to rely, in a great degree, on the resources of 
his own intellect and will. Young Talbot was sent to the best schools of Har- 
rodsburg; but he acquired, without the aid of teachers, a respectable knowledge 
of the ancient and some of the modern languages. 

On arriving at manhood, he studied law with Colonel George Nicholas, and 
commenced the practice of his profession in the town of Versailles, in Woodford 
county. He soon afterwards removed to Frankfort, and entered the lists when 
Clay, and Daveiss, and Bibb, and Bledsoe, and Rowan adorned the bar; and 
public opinion of that day and this, has regarded Mr. Talbot as one of the bright- 
est in that galaxy of illustrious names. 

In 1812, he was elected to the senate of Kentucky from the county of Frank- 
lin, which office he continued to hold until his election, in 1815, to the senate of 
the United States, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Jesse Bled- 



HARRY INNIS. 313 

8oe. In 1820, he was re-elected to the senate, and served in that body till the 
4th of March, 1825. Mr. Talbot's career in the senate is a part of the history 
of our common country, and the reports of the debates of that body bear ample 
proofs of his eloquence and patriotism. He died at Melrose, his residence near 
Frankfort, on the 21st of September, 1837. 

Hon. Harrt Innis. The subject of this sketch was born in 1752, in Caroline 
county, Virginia. His father, the Rev. Robert Innis, of the Episcopal church, 
was a native of Scotland, and married Catharine Richards, of Va., by whom he 
had three sons, Robert, Harry, and James. The eldest was a physician, and Harry 
and James read law with Mr. Rose, of Va. Harry was a schoolmate of the late 
President Madison. James was attorney general of Virginia, and one of the 
most eloquent debaters in the convention which adopted the present constitution 
of the United States. During the administration of President Washington, he 
was deputed to Kentucky as a special envoy to explain to Governor Shelby and 
the legislature, the measures in progress by the government of the United States 
to secure the navigation of the Mississippi. 

In 1776-7, whilst the lead mines became objects of national solicitude and pub- 
lic care for procuring a supply necessary to the revolutionary contest, the subject 
of this sketch was employed by the committee of public safety in Virginia, to 
superintend the working of Chipil's mines. His ability, zeal and fidelity in that 
employment, commanded the thanks of that committee. In 1779, he was elected 
by the legislature of Virginia a commissioner to hear and determine the claims to 
unpatented lands in the district including Abingdon. That duty he performed to 
public satisfaction. In 1783, he was elected by the legislature of Virginia, one 
of the judges of the supreme court for the district of Kentucky, and on the third 
day of November of that year, he entered upon the duties of his commission at 
Crow's station, near Danville, in conjunction with the Hon. Caleb Wallace and 
Samuel M'Dowell. In 1787, he was elected by the legislature of Virginia, at- 
torney general for the district of Kentucky, in the place of Walker Daniel, who 
fell a victim to the savage foe. In 1785, he entered upon the duties of that office, 
in which he continued until he was appointed, in 1787, judge of the court of the 
United States for the Kentucky district, the duties of which he discharged until 
his death, September, 1816. 

Upon the erection of Kentucky into an independent state in 1792, he was 
offered, but declined, the office of chief justice. He was president of the first 
electoral college for the choice of governor and lieutenant governor under the 
first constitution. In April, 1790, he was authorized by the secretary of war, 
(General Knox,) to call out the scouts for the protection of the frontier; and, in 
1791, he was associated with Scott, Shelby, Logan and Brown, as a local board 
of war for the western country, to call out the militia on expeditions against the 
Indians, in conjunction with the commanding officer of the United States, and 
to apportion scouts through the exposed parts of the district. In all these 
responsible capacities the conduct of Judge Innis was without reproach, and 
raised him, most deservedly high, in the public esteem, and received the repeated 
thanks of General Washington for the discharge of high trusts. As a judge, he 
was patient to hear, diligent to investigate and impartial to decide. These quali- 
ties were especially requisite in his position as the sole judge, until 1807, of the 
court of the United States for the district of Kentucky, whose decisions were 
final, unless reversed by the supreme court of the United States. 

As a neighbor, as an agriculturist, and as a polished gentleman in all the rela- 
tions of private and social life he was a model of his day and generation : and 
although his public career in the west, amidst its earliest difficulties, had always 
been one of high trust and confidence under all the changes of government, his 
conduct in reference to the efforts to secure the navigation of the Mississippi, 
was the subject of envenomed calumny at a subsequent period, when the peculiar 
condition of affairs in the early transactions in Kentucky was not fully appreci- 
ated. The proudest refutation of these misrepresentations, is found, however, in 
the repeated evidence of the approbation of Washington ; and the after intrigues 
attempted by Powers, as agent of the Spanish governor, but so promptly rejected 
by Innis and Nicholas, did not impair the public confidence in their devotion to 
•the freedom and happiness of their country, of which a satisfactory proof is affor- 



314 FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

ded in the refusal of Congress in 1808 to institute any measures for the impeachment 
of Judge Innis. The negotiations proposed by the Spanish agents, and listened to 
by the early patriots of Kentucky, had reference solely to commercial arrange- 
ments between the people occupying the same great valley. They occurred at a 
time when the Kentucky pioneers had, by personal exertion and peril, without 
aid from the mother state, conquered the forest and the roaming savage ; when 
neither Virginia nor the general government afforded them adequate protection, 
nor permitted them to exert their strength ; and, yet, no serious design was ever 
entertained in Kentucky of separating from the Union or accepting ihe protec- 
tion of Spain. The favorable progress of the subsequent negotiations entered 
into by the general government, rendering private efforts to secure the navigation 
of the Mississippi unnecessary, a corresponding reply by Innis and Nicholas 
was sent to Powers, and particularly rejecting the tempting monied offers made 
by that agent. In the language of Judge Hall, one of the most profound and 
polished writers of the west: "The motives of these early patriots stand unira- 
peached. They were actuated only by a zeal for the public good, and their names 
will hereafter stand recorded in history among those which Kentucky will be 
proud to honor. She has reared many illustrious patriots, but none who have 
served her more faithfully through a period of extraordinary embarrassment and 
peril, than Brown, Innis and Nicholas." 

Judge Innis married, in early life, a daughter of Colonel Calloway, of Bed- 
ford county, Virginia, by whom he had four daughters, two of whom survive. 
Shortly after his removal to Kentucky, (having lost his first wife), he intermar- 
ried with Mrs. Shields, by whom he had one child, the present Mrs. Crittenden, 
wife of the Hon. John J. Crittenden. The venerable relict of Judge Innis sur- 
vives, at the age of eighty-seven — a noble specimen of the old school, in digni- 
fied courtesy and varied intelligence. 

The Hon. Thomas Todd, formerly chief justice of the State of Kentucky, and 
late one of the associate justices of the supreme court of the United States, was 
the youngest son of Richard Todd. He was born on the 23d of January, 1765, 
in the county of King and Queen, on York river, in the State of Virginia, His 
father was descended from one of the most respectable families in the colony, his 
ancestors being among the early emigrants from England. His mother was Eliz- 
abeth Richards. At the age of eighteen months, his father died, leaving a con- 
siderable estate, which, by the laws of primogeniture of that day, descended to 
the eldest son, William, afterwards high sheriff of Pittsylvania county in that 
State. This event rendered it necessary that his mother should exert herself to 
provide for the support and education of her orphan son. She repaired, for this 
purpose, to Manchester, opposite to Richmond, and, by the proceeds of a board- 
ing house under her care and management, she was enabled to give, at her death 
in 1776, a handsome patrimony to her son, in the care of his guardian and her 
executor. Dr. McKenzie, of that place. By the aid of his friends, Thomas Todd 
received a good English education, and advanced considerably in a knowledge 
of the Latin language, when his prospects were clouded by the unexpected em- 
barrassments of his guardian, which terminated in the loss of the patrimony be- 
queathed him by his mother. 

At a tender and unprotected age, he was again thrown upon the world to de- 
pend for his support, education and character, upon his own efforts. To these 
contingencies, which seemed at the time to be remediless misfortunes, may be 
traced that energy and enterprise which afterwards signalized his character. Du- 
ring the latter period of the revolutionary war, he served a tour of duty for six 
months as a substitute ; and often, in after life, referred to the incident as being 
the first money he ever earned. He was afterwards a member of the Manchester 
troop of cavalry, during the invasion of Virginia by Arnold and Philips. He 
was shortly afterwards invited by his relative, the late Harry Innis, of Kentucky, 
who was a cousin of his mother, to reside in his family, then in Bedford county. 
By his friendship at that early period — a friendship cemented by forty years of 
affectionate intercourse through life — he obtained a knowledge of surveying, and 
of the duties of a clerk. In 1785, Judge Innis visited Kentucky ; and having 
resolved to remove his family the following year, committed them to the care of 
his young friend, who arrived at Danville in the spring of 1786. Mr. Todd's. 



THOMAS TODD. 315 

pecuniary means were so limited, that, whilst residing in the family of Judge 
Innis at Danville, he was engaged during the day in teaching the daughters of 
his friend, and at night prosecuting the study of the law by fire-light. 

This was an interesting period in the history of Kentucky. The people were 
actively engaged in measures to procure a separation from the parent State ; and 
such was the opinion entertained of his character for business, that he was cho- 
sen clerk of all the conventions held from that period until 1792, for the purpose 
of erecting the former into an independent member of the Union. 

He commenced the practice of law very soon after he came to the State, and 
made his first effort at Madison old court-house. His horse, saddle and bridle, 
and thirty-seven and a half cents in money, constituted his whole means at the 
commencement of the court : at the close of the term, he had made enough to 
meet his current expenses, and returned to Danville with the bonds for two cows 
and calves, the ordinary fees of that day. The high judicial stations he after- 
w^ards occupied with such reputation to himself, and such benefit to the country, 
are a proud commentary on the spirit of our institutions ; and form the noblest 
incentives to industry and perseverance in the prosecution of a profession. 

Mr. Todd was appointed clerk of the federal court for the district of Kentucky, 
the duties of which he performed until the separation from Virginia, when he 
was appointed clerk of the court of appeals, under the new constitution. He 
held this office until December, 1801, when he was appointed by Governor Gar- 
rard fourth judge of the court of appeals ; an office created, it is believed, with 
the special object of adding some younger man to the bench, already filled by 
judges far advanced in life. In this station he continued until the resignation of 
Judge Muter, in 1806, when he was appointed, during the administration of Go- 
vernor Greenup, to be chief justice. During the session of Congress of 1806-7, 
the increase of business and of population in the western States, and the neces- 
sity of bringing into the supreme court some individual versed in the peculiar 
land law of those States, induced Congress to extend the judiciary system, by 
constituting Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio as the seventh circuit, and adding 
another member to the supreme court. In filling this new office, Mr. Jefferson 
adopted a mode somewhat different from that pursued in latter times. He re- 
quested each delegate from the States composing the circuit to communicate to 
him a nomination of their first and second choice. Judge Todd was the first or 
second upon the nomination of every delegate, although to some of them he was 
personally unknown. His appointment was the first intimation to him that he 
had been thought of for the office. In this high and arduous station he continued 
until his death, February 7th, 1826. 

In 1788, he married Elizabeth Harris, a niece of William Stewart, from Penn- 
sylvania, an early adventurer to Kentucky, who fell in the battle of the Blue 
Licks. Five of their offspring, three sons and two daughters, arrived to maturity ; 
only two survived him, the youngest daughter and the second son. Colonel C. S. 
Todd, advantageously known as an officer of the late war, and as the first public 
agent of the United States in Colombia, South America. In 1811, Mrs. Todd 
died, and in 1812, Judge Todd married the widow of Major George Washington, 
a nephew of General Washington, and the youngest sister of Mrs. Madison, wife 
of the late president. He left one daughter and two sons by this marriage. 

Mr. Todd possessed, in an eminent degree, the respect and esteem of his friends. 
His stability and dignity of character, united with manners peculiarly amiable, 
left a deep impression on all with whom he had intercourse. His deportment on 
the bench, as well as in the social circle, secured him universal veneration. The 
benevolence of his character was manifested in the patronage and support he 
extended to many indigent young friends and near relations, whole families of 
whom he advanced in life by his friendly influence and means. There is one 
incident of this sort, which, being connected in some degree with his official career, 
deserves to be mentioned. 

In 1805-6, some influential members of the legislature of Kentucky prevailed 
on chief justice Muter to resign, upon an assurance of being allowed a pension 
during life. He had devoted his property and the prime of his days to his country 
in the revolutionary war, and was now in indigent circumstances and far advanced 
in life. The pension was granted by the legislature at the next session, but 
repealed at the second session after the grant. In the mean time Judge Todd had 



316 FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

succeeded his old friend as chief justice ; and about the time the legislature 
repealed the pension, he was appointed a judge of the supreme court of the Uni- 
ted States, with a salary more than double that of the chief justice of Kentucky. 
He proposed to his friend Muter to come and reside with him, especially as a 
better adverse claim had deprived Muter of his home. The offer was accepted ; 
and Muter, who had commanded a ship of war during the revolution, with the 
rank of Colonel ; and who had, without reproach, presided in the civil tribunals 
of the State from its early settlement, spent the remainder of his days upon the 
bounty of judge Todd. As a testimony of his gratitude and affection. Muter hav- 
ing no family, made Todd his heir and residuary legatee, though at the time his 
debts greatly exceeded his available means. But, as though heaven had decreed 
that an act so generous in an individual, when contrasted with the ingratitude ot 
the State, should not go unrewarded even in this world, the revolutionary claims 
of Judge Muter have been acknowledged by congress, and the proceeds ha'\rf 
descended to the widow and younger children of Judge Todd. 

The land law of Kentucky, originally an act of the assembly of Virginia of 
1789, forms a peculiar system, and has been established chiefly upon principles 
of law and equity contained in decisions of the appellate court. To this result 
the labors of Judge Todd emineptly contributed, as well in the state court as in 
the supreme court of the United States. His opinions had a prevailing influence 
in the decisions of the state authorities ; and his decisions on the circuit were 
rarely reversed in the supreme court at Washington — an exalted tribunal, whose 
character is illustrated by the genius and attainments of Marshal], Story, Wash- 
ington and Trimble. He was cherished with peculiar regard by his associates in 
the state and national tribunals; his judgment and acquaintance with the prin- 
ciples of the land law having, in one instance in particular, (the Holland com- 
pany of New York,) rescued the reputation of the supreme court from the effects 
of an erroneous decision, which, at one time, nearly all of the judges would have 
pronounced, against his advice. 

Mr. Todd entered upon the duties of judge of the supreme court at the age of 
forty-two ; the station required an experienced head upon a younger man's shoul- 
ders. He possessed at that time, the abilities to act under the system which 
made it the duty of the judge to sit twice a year in the three western states, and 
once a year at Washington ; but no constitution could long survive under the 
operation of this incongruous system ; and the last years of Judge Todd were 
worn down with the duties of his office. A dyspepsia, which impaired his gen- 
eral health, gradually reduced his strength ; and for the last two years of his life 
he rarely attended court. 

Judge Todd's person was finely proportioned, and his face a model of beauty 
and intelligence. The soundness of his judgment, the dignity of his manners, 
and the probity of his conduct, made him the esteemed associate of Shelby and 
other patriotic statesmen who adorned the early annals of the state ; as well as of 
those who, in latter days, have shed imperishable lustre on the genius and char- 
acter of the first republic in the wilderness of the great west. Posterity will 
long venerate the name of a citizen, who, among such contemporaries, by the 
force of his talents and the integrity of his heart, rose to the first offices of his 
country. 

" Mr. Justice Todd possessed many qualities admirably fitted for the proper dis- 
charge of judicial functions. He had uncommon patience and candor in investi- 
gation ; great clearness and sagacity of judgment; a cautious but steady energy ; 
a well balanced independence; a just respect for authority; and, at the same 
time, an unflinching adherence to his own deliberate opinions of the law. His 
modesty imparted a grace to an integrity and singleness of heart, which won for 
him the general confidence of all who knew him. He was not ambitious of inno- 
vations upon the settled principles of the law ; but was content with the more 
unostentatious character of walking in the trodden paths of jurisprudence — super 
antiquas vias legis. From his diffident and retiring habits, it required a long ac- 
quaintance with him justly to appreciate his judicial as well as his personal mer- 
its. His learning was of a useful and solid cast; not perhaps as various or as 
comprehensive as that of some men ; but accurate and transparent, and applica- 
ble to the daily purposes of the business of human life. In his knowledge of 
the local law of Kentucky, he was excelled by few ; and his brethren drew 



HUMPHREY MARSHALL. 317 

largely upon his resources to administer that law, in the numerous cases which 
then crowded the docket of the supreme court from that judicial circuit. What 
he did not know, he never affected to possess; but sedulously sought to acquire. 
He was content to learn without assuming to dogmatise. Hence he listened to 
arguments for the purpose of instruction, and securing examination ; and not 
merely for that of confutation, or debate. Among his associates he enjoyed an 
enviable respect, which was constantly increasing as he became more familiarly 
known to them. His death was deemed by them a great public calamity ; and in 
the memory of those who survived him, his name has ever been cherished with a 
warm and affectionate remembrance." 

No man ever clung to the constitution of the United States with a more strong 
and resolute attachment. And in the grave cases which were agitated in the 
supreme court of the United States during his judicial life, he steadfastly sup- 
ported the constitutional doctrines which Mr. Chief Justice Marshall promulga- 
ted in the name of the court. It is to his honor, and it should be spoken, that, 
though bred in a different political school from that of the chief justice, he never 
failed to sustain those great principles of constitutional law on which the secu- 
rity of the Union depends. He never gave up to party, what he thought belonged 
to the country. 

For some years before his death, he was sensible that his health was declining, 
and that he might soon leave the bench, to whose true honor and support he had 
been so long and zealously devoted. To one of his brethren, who had the satis- 
faction of possessing his unreserved confidence, he often communicated his ear- 
nest hope that Mr. Justice Trimble might be his successor, and he bore a willing 
testimony to the extraordinary ability of that eminent judge. It affords a stri- 
king proof of his sagacity and foresight ; and the event fully justified the wis- 
dom of his choice. Although Mr. Justice Trimble occupied his station on the 
bench of the supreme court for a brief period only, yet he has left on the records 
of the court enduring monuments of talents and learning fully adequate to all the 
exigencies of the judicial office. To both these distinguished men, under such 
circumstances, we may well apply the touching panegyric of the poet : 

" Fortunati ambo ! 
Nulla dies unquam memori vos eximet sbvo." 

Humphrey Marshall, Esq., the father of the present Thomas A. Marshall of 
the court of appeals, and of the late John J. Marshall, of Louisville, was one of 
the early pioneers of Kentucky, and for many years was a distinguished citizen 
of Franklin county. He came to Kentucky about the year 1780, and from his 
undisputed talents soon assumed a high rank and a conspicuous position among 
the public men of the State. For many years no man was more actively engaged 
in the contests which agitated the political circles of Kentucky ; and however 
great the prejudice excited against him in the breasts of some, by party feeling, 
he was never denied the possession of brilliant talents and commanding force of 
character. He was a member of the convention of 1787 which assembled at 
Danville, preliminary to the formation of a constitution for the state. He was a 
prominent and influential member of the legislature for many years, and in 1795 
he was elected to the senate of the United States, for the term of six years, end- 
ing on the 4th of March, 1801. Mr. Marshall was a federalist, and held to all 
the principles and measures of that party in their fullest extent. In 1824, he pub- 
lished a history of Kentucky, the first ever published. This work bears evident 
marks of high talent, and although occasionally marred by the introduction of the 
personal prejudices of the author, is a most delightful and entertaining produc- 
tion. He died a few years ago, at an advanced age, at the residence of his son 
Thomas A. Marshall, in Lexington. 

Benjamin Franklin, from whom Franklin county received its name, one of 
the most eminent philosophers of modern times, and a distinguished statesman of 
the revolution, was born in the city of Boston on the 17th of January, 1706. His 
father was a tallow chandler and soap boiler, one of those English non-conform- 
ists who emigrated to the wilderness of America to enjoy religious freedom. 
Benjamin was the fifteenth of seventeen children; and being intended for the 
ministry, was sent to a common grammar school at the age of eight years. The 



318 FULTON COUNTy. 

design, however, of educating him for the ministry his father was compelled, by 
his straitened circumstances, to abandon. Young Benjamin was taken from 
school and employed in cutting wicks, filling moulds, and running errands. Dis- 
gusted with this occupation, he was soon after placed with his brother to learn 
the printing business. His apprenticeship does not appear to have been pleasant, 
and after he had been with his brother some time, he availed himself of an op- 
portunity which presented itself to terminate the connection between them, and 
went to Philadelphia. Here he obtained employment as a compositor, and hav- 
ing attracted the notice of Sir William Keith, the governor of Pennsylvania, was 
induced by his promises to go to England for the purpose of purchasing types to 
establish liimself in business. Deceived in the promises of Sir William Keith, 
he found himself in London without money, friends, or employment. But he 
soon succeeded in getting business, and became a model of industry arid temper- 
ance. While in London he continued to devote his leisure hours to study. After 
a residence of eighteen months in London, he returned to Philadelphia, in the 
capacity of clerk in a dry goods shop; but he soon returned to his trade, and in 
a short time formed an establishment in connection with a person who supplied 
the necessary capital. They printed a newspaper, which was managed with 
much ability, and acquired Franklin much reputation. It is impossible to trace 
all the steps of his progress to distinction. His industry, frugality, temperance, 
activity, intelligence; his plans for improving the condition of the province ; and 
his municipal services, made him an object of attention to the whole comnmnity. 
His advice was asked by the governor and council on all important occasions, and 
he was elected a member of the provincial assembly. He engaged actively in 
various literary pursuits, and was the founder of the university of Pennsylvania, 
and of the American philosophical society, and one of the chief promoters of the 
Pennsylvania hospital. In the scientific world he is highly distinguished for his 
experiments and discoveries in electricity. In 1751 he was appointed deputy 
post master general. In 1757, the disputes with the mother country occasioned 
him to be sent to Great Britain as the agent of the province of Pennsylvania. 
While in Great Britain, Oxford and the Scotch universities conferred on him the 
degree of LL. D., and the royal society elected him a fellow. In 1762, he re- 
turned to America ; but in 1764 was again sent to England as a representative, 
not of a single province, but of the whole colonies. On the 3d of February, 
1766, he was examined before the house of commons in relation to the stamp 
act. In 1775 he returned to America, and was immediately elected to Congress. 
He was a member of the committee appointed to prepare the declaration of inde- 
pendence, and his name is attached to that instrument as one of the signers. In 
1776 he was sent as minister to France. He remained in France until the close 
of the war, and was one of the commissioners to negotiate a treaty of peace with 
Great Britain. In 1785 he returned to the United States. On his return to his 
native country, before he was permitted to retire to the bosom of his family, he 
filled the office of governor of Pennsylvania, and served as a delegate in the con- 
vention of 1787, which formed the federal constitution. He died April 17th, 
1790, with his faculties unimpaired, and in the full enjoyment of all his powers, 
after a career of usefulness and honor which it has fallen to the lot of few men 
to run. 



FULTON COUNTY. 

Fulton county was formed in 1845, and named in honor of 
Robert Fulton. It is situated in the extreme south-west corner 
of the State, lying on the Mississippi river — bounded on the north 
by Hickman, east by Graves, south by the Tennessee line, and 
west by the Mississippi river. Hickman, formerly Mills' Point, is 
the county seat. The face of the country east and south of 



ROBERT FULTON. 319 

Hickman is level and fertile ; while in the south-west it is broken 
and only tolerably fertile. In the west, the land is low, and sub- 
ject to inundation for a distance of twenty-five miles along the 
river bank — but is very rich and, in dry seasons particularly, re- 
markably productive. The staples of the county are corn, hay 
and tobacco, the latter cultivated to great perfection — the exports 
are tobacco, cotton, corn, wheat, horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, 
turkies, &c. 

The taxable property of Fulton in 1846 was valued at $758,- 
603 ; number of acres of land in the county, 87,177 ; average value 
of lands per acre, $3,97; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 624 ; number of children between six and fifteen 
years old, 764. 

Hickman, the county seat, and only town of Fulton, has a pop- 
ulation of five hundred inhabitants, is situated on the Missis- 
sippi river, thirty-five miles below the mouth of the Ohio, and 
320 miles from Frankfort — contains two churches, (one Episco- 
pal and one free for all denominations), twelve stores, including 
several forwarding and commission houses, two drug stores, two 
taverns, four physicians, two dentists, six lawyers, one rectifying 
house, one tan yard, one plough factory, twenty other mechanical 
shops, and one newspaper (the Commercial Standard). This 
place was established by act of the Legislature in 1834 — then 
called "Mills' Point" — and changed to its present name in 1837, 
in honor of Colonel Hickman, who fell at the river Raisin. It 
was originally settled by Mr. Mills in 1819. The exports of Hick- 
man in 1845, as furnished by an intelligent citizen, were — 
three thousand hogsheads of tobacco, two thousand bales of cot- 
ton, two hundred thousand bushels of corn, fifty thousand bush- 
els wheat, thirty thousand dozen chickens and turkies ; also, a 
great number of horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and hogs. 

Fulton county received its name in honor of Robert Fulton, the celebrated 
engineer. He was born in Little Britain, in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1765. 
In his infancy he was put to school in Lancaster, where he acquired the rudiments 
of a common English education. Here his peculiar genius manifested itself at a 
very early age. All his hours of recreation were passed in the shops of mechan- 
ics, or in the employment of his pencil. At the age of seventeen years, he went 
to Philadelphia, and entered under a portrait and landscape painter, where he 
remained until he was twenty-one. In his twenty-second year, he went to Eng- 
land, where he was received with great kindness by his celebrated countryman, 
Benjamin West, who was so pleased with his promising genius and his amiable 
qualities, that he took him into his house, where he continued an inmate for sev- 
eral years, devoting his time to painting. At this period he formed many valua- 
ble acquaintances, among others with the Duke of Bridgewater, so famous for 
his canals, and Lord Stanhope, a nobleman celebrated for his love of science, and 
particularly for his attachment to the mechanic arts. Even at that early period, 
he had conceived the idea of propelling vessels by steam, and he speaks in some 
of his manuscripts of its practicability. In May, 1794, he obtained from the 
British government a patent for a double inclined plane, to be used for transpor- 
tation ; and in the same year he submitted to the British society for the promo- 
tion of arts and commerce, an improvement of his invention on mills for sawing 
marble, for which he received the thanks of the society, and an honorary medal. 
In 1797 he went to Paris, where he lived seven years in the family of Joel Bar- 
low, during which time he studied the higher mathematics, physics, chemistry, 



320 GALLATIN COUNTY. 

and perspective. While there, he projected the first panorama that was exhibited 
in Paris. He returned to America in 1806. At what time Fukon's attention was 
first directed to the subject of steam navigation is not known; but in 1793 he 
had matured a plan in which he had great confidence. While in Paris, he, in 
conjunction with others, built a small boat on the Seine, which was perfectly suc- 
cessful. On his arrival at New York in 1806, he and Robert Livingston en- 
gaged in building a boat of what was then deemed very considerable dimensions. 
This boat began to navigate the Hudson in 1807; its progress through the water 
was at the rate of five miles an hour. In 1811 and 1812, two steam boats were 
built under Fulton's directions, as ferry boats for crossing the Hudson river, and 
soon after one on the East river, of the same description. We have not space for 
the details of Fulton's connection with the project of the grand Erie canal; of 
his plans and experiments relative to submarine warfare — of the construction of 
the steam frigate which bore his name — of the modifications of his submarine 
boat; of his vexatious and ruinous lawsuits and controversies with those who 
interfered with his patent rights and exclusive grants. He died February 24th, 
1815. In person he was about six feet high, slender, but well proportioned, with 
large dark eyes, and a projecting brow. His manners were easy and unaffected. 
His temper was mild, and his disposition lively. He was fond of society. He 
expressed himself with energy, fluency, and correctness, and as he owed more to 
experience and reflection than to books, his sentiments were often interesting from 
their originality. In all his domestic and social relations, he was zealous, kind, 
generous, liberal, and affectionate. He knew of no use for money but as it was 
subservient to charity, hospitality, and the sciences. But the most conspicuous 
trait in his character was his calm constancy in his industry, and that indefatiga- 
ble patience and perseverance, which always enabled him to overcome difficulties. 



GALLATIN COUNTY. 

Gallatin county was formed in 1798, and named in honor of 
Albert Gallatin. It is situated in the northern part of the state, 
and lies on the Ohio river — bounded on the north by the Ohio 
river; east by Boone and Grant; south by Owen, and west by 
Carroll. Eagle is the principal creek of the county. The surface 
of the county is generally hilly, but well timbered — the growth 
being principally poplar, walnut, ash, beech, sugar-tree, oak and 
hickory. The soil is generally productive, — corn, wheat and to- 
bacco are the staples. 

The taxable property of Gallatin in 1846, was valued at $1,024,- 
232 ; number of acres of land in the county 59,231 ; average value 
of lands in 1846, $9,71 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 827 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 886. Population in 1840, 4,003. / 

The towns of the county are Warsaw and Napoleon. Warsaw, 
the county seat, is situated on a beautiful bottom, four miles long 
and one mile wide, and distant fifty-seven miles from Frankfort ; 
contains a large court house and the requisite public offices, one 
Baptist and one Reformed church, seven stores, five groceries, two 
taverns, five lawyers, four physicians, one newspaper printing 
office, (the Warsaw Herald,) three schools, two pork-houses, one 
tobacco factory, a large flouring mill and steam distillery, and 
twenty mechanical shops. Population 700. Established in 1831, 



ALBERT GALLATIN. 321 

and formerly known by the name of Fredericksburg. Warsaw is 
a healthy location, and enjoys a large trade — the exports exceed- 
ing $150,000 per annum. Napoleon is a small village, seven miles 
east of Warsaw, and contains a Baptist church, a tavern, a store 
and two doctors. Population 60. 

Albert Gallatin was born at Geneva, in Switzerland, on the 29th of January, 
1761. In his infancy he was left an orphan; but under the kind protection of a 
female relative of his mother, received a thorough education, and graduated at the 
University of Geneva, in 1779. His family were wealthy and highly respectable. 
Without the knowledge or consent of his family, Albert when only nineteen, with 
a young comrade, left home to seek glory and fortune, and freedom of thought, in 
the infant republic of America. He was recommended by a friend to the patronage 
of Dr. Franklin, then in Paris. He arrived in Boston in July 1780, and soon after 
proceeded to Maine, where he purchased land, and resided there until the close 
of 1781. While here he served as a volunteer under Colonel John Allen, and 
made advances from his private purse for the support of the garrison. In the 
spring of 1782, he was appointed instructor in the French language at Harvard 
University, where he remained about a year. Going to Virginia in 1783 to attend 
to the claims of a European house for advances to that State, he fell in with Pat- 
rick Henry, who treated him with marked kindness and respect, and under whose 
advice he sought his fortune in the new and wild country then just opening on 
the Ohio. In December 1785 he purchased a large tract of land in Fayette county, 
Pennsylvania, where he made his residence. His talents for public life soon 
became extensively known, and in 1789, he was elected to a seat in the conven- 
tion to amend the constitution of Pennsylvania. In 1793, he was elected to the 
United States' senate ; but lost his seat on the ground that he had not been nine 
years a legally naturalized citizen of the United States. He soon after married 
a daughter of Commodore Nicholson. In 1794 he was elected to congress. 
While in congress, where he continued three terms, he was distinguished as a 
leader of the democratic party. In 1801 Mr. Jefferson appointed him secretary 
of the treasury, which post he filled with pre-eminent ability for several years. 
In 1813 he was made one of the commissioners to negotiate the treaty of Ghent ; 
and was afterwards associated with Messrs. Clay and Adams at London, in nego- 
tiating the commercial treaty with Great Britain. He continued in Europe as 
ambassador at Paris until 1823, when he returned to America. In 1826, he was 
appointed a minister to England. On his return, he made his residence in New 
York, where he still lives. His career has been alike honorable to himself, to 
his adopted county, and to his native land. 



GARRARD COUNTY. 

Garrard county was formed in the year 1796, and named for 
Governor James Garrard. It is situated in the middle section of 
the State, and lies on the east side of Dick's river : bounded on 
the north by the Kentucky river, which separates it from Jessa- 
mine ; east by Madison ; south by Lincoln ; and west by Boyle 
and Mercer. The face of the country is diversified — gently un- 
dulating or hilly — but all productive for grains or grasses. The 
staple products are, corn, wheat, rye and oats — the principal ex- 
ports, horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846, was valued at 
$3,445,820 ; number of acres of land in the county 140,190; av- 
21 



322 GARRARD COUNTY. 

erage value of lands per acre, $12,40 ; number of free white 
males over twenty-one years of age, 1596; number of children 
between five and sixteen years old, 1956. Population in 1840, 
10,480. 

The towns of the county are Lancaster, Bryantsville, Tetersville 
and Fitchport. Lancaster, the seat of justice, is situated two and 
one half miles from Dick's river, and about fifty miles from Frank- 
fort — contains a fine court-house and jail, four churches, (Metho- 
dist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Reformed,) two taverns, one sem- 
inary, one female academy, eight physicians, ten lawyers, eight 
stores, one drug and book store, twenty mechanic shops, one 
carding and bagging factory, and 700 inhabitants : established in 
1798. Bryantsville and Fitchport are small villages, situated on 
the Lexington turnpike road, the one nine and the other twelve 
miles west of north froni Lancaster. Tetersville is also a small 
village, and lies six miles east of north from Lancaster. 

About twelve miles east of Lancaster, on Paint Lick creek, 
there is an area of ground, embracing about ten acres, which 
bears the name of " White Lick.'''' The ground is deeply indented 
with ravines, and marks resembling the tracks of wagon wheels, 
newly made, are now plainly visible, and have been visible since 
the settlement of the country some sixty years since. After a 
heavy rain, the water which flows into the creek from this area 
gives the stream a white appearance, resembling milk, for sev- 
eral miles. 

James Garrard (in honor of whom this county received its name) was born on 

the of 17 — , in the county of Stafford, in the (then) colony of Virginia. 

At a very early period in the revolutionary struggle, he engaged in the public 
service, and in the capacity of a militia officer, shared in the dangers and honors 
of that memorable war. While in service, he was called by the voice of his fel- 
low citizens to a seat in the Virginia legislature, where he contributed, by his 
zeal and prudence, as much, or perhaps more than any other individual, to the 
passage of the famous act securing universal religious liberty. 

He was an early emigrant to Kentucky, and was exposed to all the perils and 
dangers incident to the settlement and occupation of the country. He was re- 
peatedly called by the voice of his fellow citizens to represent their interests in 
the legislature of the state : and finally, by two successive elections, was elected 
to the chief magistracy of the commonwealth, a trust which, for eight years, he 
discharged with wisdom, prudence and vigor. 

As a man. Governor Garrard had few equals ; and in the various scenes and dif- 
ferent stations of life, he acted with firmness, prudence and decision. At an 
early age, he embraced and professed the religion of Christ, giving it, through 
life, the preference over all sublunary things. In the private circle he was a 
man of great practical usefulness, and discharged with fidelity and tenderness 
the social and relative duties of husband, parent, neighbor and master. He died 
on the 19th of January, 1822, at his residence. Mount Lebanon, in Bourbon 
county, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. 

George Robertson, (late chief justice of Kentucky). — Alexander Robert- 
son, the father of the subject of this brief memoir, was descended from a paren- 
tage that emigrated from the north of Ireland to Virginia about the year 1737. 
Mrs. Margaret Robertson, the wife of Alexander, was the daughter of William 
Robinson, who also emigrated, a few years later, from the north of Ireland to 
the same colony. They were early emigrants to the wilderness of Kentucky, 
then infested by savages, arriving at, Gordon's station December 21, 1779,durinw 
"Me hard winter." Near this spot Mr. Robertson permanently settled himself, 



GEORGE ROBERTSON. 323 

where he built " the first fine house in Kentucky." He was a man of strong 
mind, sterling moral qualities, and popular with his fellow citizens. He was 
elected a member of the Virginia federal convention, which he attended at Rich- 
mond, June, 1788, and having been also elected a member of the Virginia legis- 
lature, he remained there the ensuing winter, in discharge of his legislative du- 
ties. In 1792, he was elected by the people the first sheriff of Mercer county, 
under the original constitution of Kentucky. He died in 1802. Mrs. Robertson 
was a woman of extraordinary strength of intellect, of most exemplary charac- 
ter, illustrating in practical life all the social and christian virtues. She died at 
the residence of her son-in-law, ex-governor Letcher, in Frankfort, in 1846, at a 
very advanced age. 

George Robertson, the youngest son of these parents, was born in 1790. Af- 
ter attaining a good English education, he was placed (August, 1804) under the 
tuition of Joshua Fry, through whose instruction he acquired a knowledge of the 
Latin and French languages and geography. He next entered Transylvania, 
(November, 1805), where he remained till August, 1806, when he quitted that 
institution with the purpose of graduating at Princeton ; but his plan was frustra- 
ted by the failure of friends to furnish expected funds. He then devoted about 
six months to learning with Rev. Samuel Finley, who conducted a classical 
school at Lancaster, and about six months more to assisting him in teaching. 
The winter of 1807-8 was employed in miscellaneous reading, chiefly historical. 
In the spring of 1808, he went to Lancaster to study law under the direction of 
Martin D. Hardin; but failing to procure eligible boarding, he returned immediately 
and resided with his brother-in-law, Samuel McKee, then and afterwards an emi- 
nent member of Congress. Here he read law till September, 1809, when Judges 
Boyle and Wallace, of the court of appeals, granted him licence to practice. In 
November of the same year, he married Eleanor, a daughter of Dr. Bainbridge, 
of Lancaster, being then but a few days over nineteen years of age, and she less 
than sixteen. They commenced the world very poor ; but being patient and pru- 
dent, and refusing to go in debt, though they suffered much privation and anxiety, 
were happy. After about two years, he attained a fine practice, and it has been 
said that the most he acquired had been earned when, at the age of twenty-six, 
(1816), he was elected a representative to Congress, against formidable opposi- 
tion. He was re-elected twice afterwards, without opposition ; though he served 
but two terms (four years) of the three, resigning the last without taking his 
seat, in order, by resuming his practice, to complete the independence of his 
family. 

During his service, he was chairman of the land committee, and was a mem- 
ber of the judiciary and internal improvement committees. He drew and intro- 
duced the bill to establish a territorial government in Arkansas. On that bill, 
the question of interdicting slavery was introduced and elaborately discussed. 
The restriction was carried by one vote. A reconsideration was had, and the bill 
finally passed, divested of the restriction, by the casting vote of the speaker, Mr. 
Clay. 

He was the author of the present system of selling public lands, in lieu of the 
old system and two dollars minimum ; his object being to redeem the west, then 
owing $20,000,000, from subjugation — by cash payments, to prevent monopolies 
in the hands of speculators — by reducing the quantity which might be entered to 
eighty acres, to enable poor men to buy and cultivate — and thus to destroy a pes- 
tilent debt system and promote the settlement and independence of the west. 
Upon considerations of expediency, the bill, though projected and drafted by him, 
was first carried through the senate. 

Shortly after his retirement from Congress, Governor Adair tendered him, suc- 
cessively, the appointments of attorney general of Kentucky and judge of the 
Fayette, &c., circuit court, which, as also that of a law professorship in Transyl- 
vania University, tendered about the same time by the authorities, were respec- 
tively declined, his purpose being strongly fixed to pursue his profession vigor- 
ously a few years, to secure a competence for his family. 

But in 1822, the people of Garrard elected him, noleiis volens, a representative in 
the general assembly, in view of the agitating relief questions, which produced 
such political convulsions throughout the State. Having embarked, he felt bound 
to ride out the storm, and he remained in the legislature until that fearful contest 



324 GARRARD COUNTY. 

was settled in 1826-7. He was elected speaker of the house of representatives 
in 1823, and was re-elected every session afterwards while he remained in the 
legislature, except the revolutionary session of 1824. During all this memorable 
period in the annals of Kentucky, his time was principally devoted to writing 
and speaking on the great questions involved, of course neglecting his profes- 
sional interests. Sundry of his speeches were extensively published, and are 
regarded as powerful productions of a masterly intellect, being often quoted for 
sound principles and conclusive reasoning. 

He wrote the celebrated protest of 1824, signed by the anti-relief party in the 
legislature, to the effect of which the final triumph of that party has been, in a 
great degree, not unjustly ascribed ; for it is certain that it prevented their dis- 
bandment at the time, electrified the people, and furnished the text themes on 
which they were rallied to the rescue of the constitution. He was also the au- 
thor of the manifesto signed by the majority in 1825-6. 

During his service in the legislature, he delivered speeches on several impor- 
tant questions, distinguished for depth of thought, force of argument, and pro- 
found knowledge of the principles of the constitution and laws. 

Of his anonymous productions of that period, those under the signature of 
" Plebeian,'''' may now be avowfed. 

Though he never sought an office, appointments were frequently tendered him. 
President Monroe offered him that of governor of Arkansas, and afterwards, in 
July, 1824, Richard C. Anderson, then minister at Bogota, having expressed a 
desire to return home if Mr. Robertson would take his place, the mission to Co- 
lombia was offered him, which being declined, Mr. Anderson determined to re- 
main. In 1828, President Adams tendered him the mission to Peru, which was 
not accepted. 

On the ele(!tion of Thomas Metcalfe as governor of Kentucky, he provisionally 
accepted the appointment of secretary of state, the duties of which he discharged 
for a short time. 

After the rejection of the nomination of .Judges Mills and Owsly to the bench 
of the court of appeals, he was confirmed as a judge of that court, and subse- 
quently commissioned chief justice, which elevated station he held until the first 
of April, 1843, when he resigned it, again returning to the bar. 

Of his Herculean labors on the bench and his judicial abilities, the authorized 
reports of the decisions furnish the amplest testimonials. 

He still retains the professorship of constitutional law, which he has held for 
many years, in Transylvania university ; and in this connexion it may not be in- 
appropriate to mention that the honorary degree of LL. D. has been conferred on 
him by two colleges — Centre and Augusta. 

Of his miscellaneous writings, speeches, addresses, &c. as well as his profes- 
sional lectures, affording evidences as they do, of profound investigation of the 
most important and difficuU principles, with which the greatest intellects alone 
can successfully grapple, it should be presumed that an authorized collection will 
be published, at no distant day, for the instruction and gratification of his coun- 
trymen. 

On the character of the man and his works, the writer of this meagre sketch 
hereby regrets that the circumscribed limits allotted to personal biography in this 
book, precludes any enlargement. One remark, at least, will however be indulged ; 
and that is, that the life, labors and character of George Robertson, present an 
emulous example to his young countrymen, whether regarded as citizen, jurist, 
professor or statesman. 

The following romantic incident is related by Judge Robertson, in his anniver- 
sary address, at Camp Madison, in Franklin county, on the 4th of July, 1843 : 

" On the long roll of that day's reported slain [the fatal battle of the Blue Licks,] 
were the names of a few who had, in fact, been captured, and, after surviving the 
ordeal of the gauntlet, had been permitted to live as captives. Among these 
was an excellent husband and father who, with eleven other captives, had been 
taken by a tribe and painted black as the signal of torture and death to all. The 
night after the battle, these twelve prisoners were stripped and placed in a line 
on a log — he to whom we have specially alluded being at one extremity of the 
devoted row. The cruel captors, then beginning at the other end, slaughtered 



GRANT COUNTY. 325 

eleven, one by one ; but wben they came to the only survivor, though they raised 
him up, also, and drew their bloody knives to strike under each uplifted arm, 
they paused, and after a long pow-wow, spared his life — why, he never knew. 
For about a year none of his friends, excepting his faithful wife, doubted his 
death. She, hoping against reason, still insisted that he lived and would yet 
return to her. Wooed by another, she, from time to time, postponed the nup- 
tials, declaring that she could not divest herself of the belief that her husband 
survived. Her expostulating friends finally succeeding in their efforts to stifle 
her affectionate instinct, she reluctantly yielded, and the nuptial day was fixed. 
But, just before it dawned, the crack of a rifle was heard near her lonely cabin — 
at the familiar sound, she leaped out, like a liberated fawn, ejaculating as she 
sprang — '■'■tJiafs Johri's gun!'''' It was John's gun, sure enough; and, in an 
instant, she was, once more, in her lost husband's arms. But, nine years after- 
wards, that same husband fell in " St. Clair's defeat," — and the same disappointed, 
but persevering lover, renewed his suit — and, at last, the widow became his 
wife. The scene of these romantic incidents was within gun-shot of my natal 
homestead ;* and with that noble wife and matron I was myself well acquainted." 



GRANT COUN TY. 

Grant county was formed in 1820, and named for Colonel John 
Grant. It is situated in the northern part, and watered by Eagle 
creek — bounded on the north by Boone ; east by Pendleton ; west 
by Gallatin and Owen ; and south by Owen. Grant was stricken 
off the western portion of Pendleton, called the " Dry Ridge," and 
forms a parallelogram twenty-two by twenty-two and a half 
miles. The face of the country, generally, is undulating ; the 
north portion very rich ; the south rather thin land, but well tim- 
bered. The staple products of the county are, wheat, corn, tobacco 
and sugar — hogs are exported in great numbers. 

The taxable property of Grant in 1846, was valued at $928,191 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 155,260 ; average value 
of land per acre, $4,60 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 1,016 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 1,405. Population in 1840, 4,192. 

The towns of Grant, are Williamstown, Crittenden and Down- 
ingvllle. Williamstown, the seat of justice, is situated on the 
turnpike road from Covington to Lexington, fifty-six miles from 
Frankfort — contains a brick court-house, four churches, Methodist, 
Baptist, Presbyterian and Reformed, two hotels, four stores, four 
lawyers, four doctors, one masonic lodge, and twenty mechanics' 
shops. Established in 1825. Population 350. Critteiiden, {called 
for the Hon. John J. Crittenden,) lies ten miles north of Williams- 
town, on the same road, and has three churches, (Methodist, Re- 
formed and Presbyterian,) one hotel, five stores, three doctors and 
eight mechanics' shops. Established in 1831. Population 250. 
Downingville is a small village, situated ten miles west from Wil- 
liamstown, and contains one tavern, one doctor, one lawyer, one 
store, a school, a few mechanics, and thirty inhabitants. 

*In Garrard county, Kentucky. 



326 GRAVES COUNTY. 

The dry ridge which runs through the county, is a rib of the 
great Cumberland mountain, and divides the waters of Licking 
from those of the Kentucky river, the terminus of which is at 
Covington, not a break intercepting its course. Near the line of 
Pendleton, about seven miles from Williamstown, there are some 
fine mineral springs, the waters of which are composed of iron, 
magnesia and salts. 

A remarkable occurrence took place in Grant county, in the year 1841. Smith 
Mayes and Lyman Crouch had been apprehended and committed to jail for the rob- 
bery and murder of William S, Utterback, a short distance from Williamstown, 
on the Paris road. On the 10th of July, in the year named, about three hundred 
and fifty persons, from neighboring counties, came to the jail, forced it open, took 
out the prisoners, run them off to the place where the murder was committed, and 
hung them till they were dead on a gallows erected for the purpose. Mayes and 
Crouch, after being pronounced dead, were cut down and buried under the gal- 
lows.* 

Mr. John M'Gill, who published a small gazetteer of Kentucky in 1832, states 
that this county was named in honor of Colonel John Grant, who was born and 
raised near the Shallow ford of the Yadkin river. North Carolina. He came to 
Kentucky in the year 1779, and settled a station within five miles of Bryant's 
station, in the direction where Paris now stands. When the Indians captured 
Martin's and Ruddell's stations, he removed back to North Carolina, and thence 
to Virginia. In the year 1784, he a-gain moved to Kentucky, and settled at his 
old station. He erected salt works on Licking river ; but moved from that place 
to the United States' saline, in Illinois. He afterwards returned to his residence 
on the Licking, where he remained until he died. He served his country faith- 
fully and ably in the field and council. 

On the other hand, J. Worthing McCann, Esq., a very intelligent citizen of 
Grant, and a resident at the time the county was organized, states that Grant was 
named after Samuel Grant, who was killed by the Indians near the Ohio river, 
in the present State of Indiana, in the year 1794. This gentleman, Mr. M'Cann, 
further states, that Samuel Grant was a brother of General Squire and Colonel 
John Grant. Major William K. Wall, of Harrison, who has been a practitioner 
at the Grant bar ever since the formation of the county, concurs in the opinion of 
Mr. McCann, that the county was named in honor of Samuel Grant, and not 
Colonel John Grant, his brother, as stated by Mr. McGill. 



GRAVES COUNTY. 

Graves county was formed in 1823, and named after Major 
Benjamin Graves. It is situated in the south-west part of the 
State. Bounded on the north by M'Cracken, east by Calloway 
and Marshall, south by Tennessee, and west by Ballard and Hick- 
man. Staple products, corn, tobacco, and live stock. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846, was valued at 
$1,136,400; number of acres of land in the county 339,194; 
average value of land per acre $1,90 ; number of white males 
over 21 years of age, 1,570 ; number of children between five and 
sixteen years old, 2,582. Population in 1840, 7,465. 

The towns of the county are Mayfield and Farmington — the 
former the seat of justice, 284 miles from Frankfort, containing 

* Mr. Uuerback recovered of his wounds, and is still alive. 



GRAYSON COUNTY. 327 

a court house, five lawyers, four doctors, four stores, several me- 
chanics' shops, and about one hundred inhabitants. Farmington 
has two doctors, three stores, and a number of mechanics — pop- 
ulation not given. 

Major Benjamin Graves, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky when quite young. He re- 
sided in Fayette county, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was an 
amiable, shrewd, and intelligent man, and represented Fayette county for several 
years in the legislature of the State. In 1812, when war was declared by the 
United States against Great Britain, he was among the first to volunteer his ser- 
vices in defence of his country's rights. He received the appointment of Major 
in Colonel Lewis' regiment, and proved himself an active, vigilant, and gallant 
officer. He was killed in the ever memorable battle of Raisin, where his blood 
mingled with much of the best blood of Kentucky. 



GRAYSON COUNTY. 

The county of Grayson was formed in 1810, and named in 
honor of Colonel William Grayson. It is situated in the west 
middle part of the State, and is bounded by Breckinridge and 
Hardin counties on the north ; east by Hart ; south by Edmon- 
son ; and west by Ohio county. The face of the county is gen- 
erally level and the land about second rate. Wheat, corn, oats, 
grass and tobacco, are the principal productions. 

The total value of taxable property in this county in 1846, 
was $539,165; number of acres of land in the county, 130,222 — 
average value of land per acre, $1,33; number of white males 
over twenty-one years of age, 1013 ; number of children between 
five and sixteen years of age, 1,506: population in 1840 was 
4,461. 

The principal water courses are Rock creek. Big and Little 
Clifty creeks, Pleasant Run, Cave creek. Bear creek and Caney 
creek. On the two last named creeks the bottoms are rich and 
fertile. 

Like most of the counties of Kentucky, this abounds in min- 
eral waters. There are an immense number of white sulphur 
springs, about one hundred of which are included in a small tract 
of land not more than a quarter of an acre in extent. These 
springs are situated within four miles of Litchfield, and are said 
to be more strongly impregnated with sulphur than any in the 
United States. Some of these springs are very cold, and some 
very warm, and it is said that many remarkable cures have been 
effected by the use of the waters. 

The principal towns are Litchfield and Millerstown. Litchfield 
is the seat of justice, and is distant 110 miles from Franlifort. It 
contains a court-house and other public buildings, one school, 
three stores, one grocery, two taverns, two doctors, two lawyers, 
one saddler, one gunsmith, one blacksmith, one shoemaker, one 



328 GREENE COUNTY. 

tannery : population 130. The town was named after David 
Leitch, who patented the land on which it stands. MUlerstown is 
a small village, containing a population of 50 inhabitants. 

Colonel William Grayson, for whom this county was named, was a native of 
Virginia. He was first elected a member of Congress in 1784. He was a mem- 
ber of the Virginia convention which was called to ratify the constitution of the 
United States. In this illustrious assembly his talents rendered him conspicuous. 
He opposed the adoption of the constitution. After the adoption of the constitu- 
tion he was elected in conjunction with Richard H. Lee to represent his native 
State in the senate of the United States. He died March 12th, 1790, while on 
his way to Congress. 



GREENE COUNTY. 

Greene county was formed in the year 1792, and named in honor 
of General Nathaniel Greene, of revolutionary memory. It is sit- 
uated in the middle section of the State, and lies on the waters 
of Greene river — bounded north by Marion ; east and south by 
Adair ; and west by Hart. The principal creeks are — Robinson's, 
Meadow, Pittman's, Bush and Russell. The surface of the coun- 
try is generally undulating ; in some places quite broken and 
hilly. The soil is based on red clay and limestone. Tobacco ia 
the principal staple of the county ; but horses, mules, cattle and 
hogs are exported to some extent. There are two salt works, 
manufacturing a considerable quantity of salt, and one extensive 
iron foundry in operation in the county. 

The taxable property of the county in 1846 was valued at 
$3,122,570; number of acres of land in the county, 281,957 — 
average value of land per acre, $3,96 ; number of white males 
over twenty-one years old, 2,331 ; number of children between 
five and sixteen years old, 3,193 : population in 1840, 14,212. 

The towns of the county are Greensburg, Campbellsville, Sa- 
loma and Somerville. Greensburg is the principal town and seat 
of justice. It is situated on the northern bank of Greene river, 
about ninety miles from Frankfort : contains a court house and 
other public buildings ; Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist 
churches, one school, ten stores and groceries, two taverns, twelve 
lawyers, six physicians, one tannery, and about thirty mechanics' 
shops : established in 1795 — population about 700. 

Campbellsville is about twelve miles north-east of Greensburg — 
contains a Methodist, a Baptist and a Reformed church, five stores, 
one tavern, two lawyers, four physicians, and thirty mechanics' 
shops; established in 1817. Saloma is situated fourteen miles 
north of Greensburg — contains -two stores, one tavern, two doc- 
tors and twelve mechanics' shops. Soinerville is a small village 
six miles west of Greensburg — contains one tavern, one lawyer, 
one store and three mechanics' shops : established in 1817. 



BIG JOE LOGSTON. 329 

Major General Nathaniel Gkeene, for whom this county was named, was born 
May the 22d, 1743, in the town of Warwick, Rhode Island. His father was 
an anchor smith, and at the same time a Quaker preacher, whose ignorance, com- 
bined with the fanaticism of the times, made him pay little attention to the 
worldly learning of his children, though he was very careful of their moral and 
religious instruction. The fondnese for knowledge, however, of the young Greene, 
was such that he devoted all the time he could spare to its acquisition, and em- 
ployed all his trifling gains in purchasing books. His propensity for the life of 
a soldier was early evinced by his predilection for works on military subjects. 
He made considerable proficiency in the exact sciences ; and after he had attained 
his twentieth year, he added a tolerable stock of legal knowledge to his other 
acquirements. In 1770, he was elected a member of the State legislature, and in 
1774 enrolled himself as a private in a company called the Kentish guards. Af- 
ter the battle of Lexington, Rhode Island raised what was termed an army of ob- 
servation, and chose Greene as commander, with the title of major general. This 
sudden elevation from the ranks to an important command, may give some idea 
of the estimation in which his military talents were held. He accepted a com- 
mission from Congress as brigadier general, although under the State he held 
that of major general, preferring the former, as it promised a larger sphere of 
action, and the pleasure of serving under the immediate command of Washing- 
ton. When the American army went to New York, the division posted on Long 
Island was under Greene's command ; but at the time of the unfortunate affair 
with the enemy, he was suffering under severe sickness, and General Sullivan 
was in command. When he had recovered his health, he joined the retreating 
army, having been previously raised to the rank of major general, and was ap- 
pointed to command the troops in New Jersey, destined to watch the movements 
of a strong detachment of the British, which had been left on Staten island, De- 
cember 26th, 1776. When Washington surprised the English at Trenton, Greene 
commanded the left wing of the American forces. In the battle of Brandywine, 
Greene commanded the vanguard, together with Sullivan, and it became his duty 
to cover the retreat, in which he fully succeeded. He commanded the left 
wing of the American forces in the disastrous attempt on Germantown. At the 
battle of Monmouth, he led the right of the second line, and mainly contributed 
to the partial success of the Americans. When General Washington, alarmed 
for the safety of the garrisons on the North river, repaired to West Point, he left 
Greene in command of the army in New Jersey. On the 23d of June, he was 
attacked by Clinton, but the enemy were repulsed with loss. October 6th he 
was appointed to the command of West Point. On the 14th of the same month 
he was appointed to succeed General Gates in the chief command of the southern 
army. The ability, prudence and firmness which he here displayed, have caused 
him to be ranked in the scale of our revolutionary generals, second only to 
Washington. In this command he continued till the close of the war. When 
peace released him from his duties, he returned to Rhode Island ; and his jour- 
ney thither, almost at every step, was marked by some private or public testimo- 
nial of regard. He died June 19th, 1786, in his forty-fourth year, in consequence 
of an inflammation of the brain, contracted by exposure to the rays of an intense 
sun. 

"Big Joe Logston." — About the year 1790, an individual, known as "Big 
Joe Logston," removed from near the source of the north branch of the Potomac 
to Kentucky, and resided many years in the family of Andrew Barnett, in Greene 
county. He subsequently removed to Illinois. Big Joe seems to have been a 
rare chap. Mr. Felix Renick has given some anecdotes of him in the Western 
Pioneer, in which he says — " No Kentuckian could ever, with greater propriety 
than he, have said, 'I can out-run, out-hop, out-jump, throw down, drag out, and 
whip any man in the country.' " The following account is given by Mr. Renick 
of a desperate fight between Joe and two Indians : 

" The Indians made a sudden attack, and all that escaped were driven into a rude fort for 
preservation, and, though reluctantly, Joe was one. This was a new life to him, and did 
not at all suit his taste. He soon became very restless, and every day insisted on going out 
with others to hunt up the cattle. Knowing the danger better, or fearing it more, all persisted 
in their refusal to go with him. To indulge his taste for the woodman's Ufe, he turned out 



330 GREENE COUNTY. 

alone, and rode till the after part of the day without finding any cattle. What the Indians 
had not killed, were scared off. He concluded to return to the fort. Riding along a path 
which led in, he came to a fine vine of grapes. He turned into the path and rode carelessly 
along, eating his grapes, and the first intimation he had of danger, was the crack of two 
rifles, one from each side of the road. One of these balls passed through the paps of his 
breasts, which, for a male, were remarkably prominent, almost as much so as that of many 
nurses. The ball just grazed the skin between the paps, but did not injure the breast bone. 
The other ball struck his horse behind the saddle, and he sunk in his tracks. Thus was Joe 
eased off his horse in a manner more rare than welcome. Still he was on his feet in an 
instant, with his rifle in his hands, and might have taken to his heels; and I will venture the 
opinion, that no Indian could have caught him. That, he said, was not his sort. He had 
never left a battle ground without leaving his mark, and he was resolved that that should 
not be the first. The moment the guns fired, one very athletic Indian sprang towards him 
with tomahawk in hand. His eye was on him, and his gun to his eye, ready, as soon as 
he approached near enough to make a sure shot, to let him have it. As soon as the Indian 
discovered this, he jumped behind two pretty large saplings, some small distance apart, neither 
of which were large enough to cover his body, and to save himself as well as he could, he 
kept springing from one to the other. 

" Joe, knowing he had two enemies on the ground, kept a look out for the other by a quick 
glance of the eye. He presently discovered him behind a tree loading his gun. The tree 
was not quite large enough to hide him.' When in the act of pushing down his bullet, he 
exposed pretty fairly his hips. Joe, in the twinkling of an eye, wheeled and let him have his 
load in the part so exposed. The big Indian then, with a mighty "ugh !" rushed towards him 
with his raised tomahawk. Here were two warriors met, each determined to conquer or die 
— each the Goliah of his nation. The Indian had rather the advantage in size of frame, but 
Joe in weight and muscular strength. The Indian made a halt at the distance of fifteen or 
twenty feet, and threw his tomahawk with all his force, but Joe had his eye on him, and 
dodged it. It flew quite out of the reach of either of them. Joe then clubbed his gun, and 
made at the Indian, thinking to knock him down. The Indian sprang into some brush or 
saplings, to avoid his blows. The Indian depended entirely on dodging, with the help of the 
saplings. At length Joe, thinking he had a pretty fair chance, made a side blow with such 
force, that, missing the dodging Indian, the gun, now reduced to the naked barrel, was drawn 
quite out of his hands, and flew entirely out of reach. The Indian now gave an exulting "ugh!" 
and sprang at him with all the savage fury he was master of. Neither of them had a weapon 
in his hands, and the Indian, seeing Logston bleeding freely, thought he could throw him 
down and dispatch him. In this he was mistaken. They seized each other, and a desper- 
ate struggle ensued. Joe could throw him down, but could not hold him there. The Indian 
being naked, with his hide oiled, had greatly the advantage in a ground scufile, and would 
still slip out of Joe's grasp and rise. After throwing him five or six times, Joe found that, 
between loss of blood and violent exertions, his wind was leaving him, and that he must 
change the mode of warfare, or lose his scalp, which he was not yet willing to spare. He 
threw the Indian again, and without attempting to hold him, jumped from him, and as he 
rose, aimed a fist blow at his head, which caused him to fall back, and as he would rise, Joe 
gave him several blows in succession, the Indian rising slower each time. He at length suc- 
ceeded in giving him a pretty fair blow in the burr of the ear, with all his force, and he fell, 
as Joe thought, pretty near dead. Joe jumped on him, and thinking he could dispatch him 
by choking, grasped his neck with his left hand, keeping his right free for contingencies. 
Joe soon found that the Indian was not so dead as he thought, and that he was making 
some use of his right arm, which lay across his body, and on casting his eye down, discov- 
ered the Indian was making an effort to unsheath a knife which was hanging at his belt. 
The knife was short, and so sunk in the sheath, that it was necessary to force it up by press- 
ing against the point. This the Indian was trying to effect, and with good success. Joe kept 
his eye on it, and let the Indian work the handle out, when he suddenly grabbed it, jerked it 
out of the sheath, and sunk it up to the handle into the Indian's breast, who gave a death 
groan and expired. 

"Joe now thought of the other Indian, and not knowing how far he had succeeded in kill- 
ing or crippling him, sprang to his feet. He found the crippled Indian had crawled some 
distance towards them, and had propped his broken back against a log and was trying to 
raise his gun to shoot him, but in attempting to do which he would fall forward and had to 
push against his gun to raise himself again. Joe seeing that he was safe, concluded that 
he had fought long enough for healthy exercise that day, and not liking to be killed by a 
crippled Indian, he made for the fort. He got in about nightfall, and a hard looking case 
he was — blood and dirt from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, no horse, no hat, 
no gun, with an account of the battle that some of his comrades could scarce believe to be 
much else than one of his big stories, in which he would sometimes indulge. He told them 
they must go and judge for themselves. 



GREENUP COUNTY. 331 

"Next morning a company was made up to go to Joe's battle ground. When they ap- 
proached it, Joe's accusers became more confirmed, as there was no appearance of dead 
Indians, and nothing Joe had talked of but the dead horse. They however found a trail as 
if something had been dragged away. On pursuing it they found the big Indian, at a little 
distance, beside a log, covered up with leaves. Still pursuing the trail, though not so plain, 
some hundred yards farther, they found the broken backed Indian, lying on his back with 
his own knife sticking up to the hilt in his body, just below the breast bone, evidently to 
show that he had killed himself, and that he had not come to his end by the hand of an enemy. 
They had a long search before they found the knife with which Joe killed the big Indian. 
They at last found it forced down into the ground below the surface, apparently by the 
weight of a person's heel. This had been done by the crippled Indian. The great efforts 
he must have made, alone, in that condition, show, among thousands of other instances, what 
Indians are capable of under the greatest extremities.'' 

The concluding paragraph of Mr. Renick's sketch of Logston, must have refer- 
ence to the frontier of Illinois, and not of Kentucky, as we have the best authority 
for saying that Joe left Greene county for the then territory of Illinois. The fol- 
lowing is the paragraph : 

" Some years after the above took place, peace with the Indians was restored. That frontier, 
like many others, became infested with a gang of outlaws, who commenced stealing horses 
and committing various depredations. To counteract which, a company of regulators, as 
they were called, was raised. In a contest between these and the depredators, Big Joe Log- 
ston lost his life, which would not be highly esteemed in civil society. But in frontier settle- 
ments, which he always occupied, where savages and beasts were to be contested with for 
the right of soil, the use of such a man is very conspicuous. Without such, the country 
could never have been cleared of its natural rudeness, so as to admit of the more brilUant and 
ornamental exercises of arts, sciences and civilization." 



GREENUP COUNTY. 

Greenup county was formed in 1803, and named in honor of 
Governor Christopher Greenup. It is situated in the north-east 
corner of the State, and lies on the waters of the Ohio, and the 
Big and Little Sandy rivers : Bounded on the north by the Ohio 
river ; east by Virginia, south by Carter, and west by Lewis 
county. Greenup is rich in mineral resources — her iron ore be- 
ing of a very superior character, and the supply inexhaustible, 
while coal is found in great abundance. There are ten blast fur- 
naces now in the county, in successful operation, employing a 
heavy capital and a large number of hands. The water power 
of the county is not excelled in the State. 

The taxable property of Greenup in 1846, was valued at 
$1,031,601 ; number of acres of land in the county, 256,027 ; 
average value of land per acre $2,20 ; number of white males 
over twenty-one years old, 1,404; number of children between 
five and sixteen years of age, 1,012. Population in 1830,5,853 ; 
do. in 1840, 6,297. 

The towns of Greenup are, Greenupsburg, Catlettsburg, Linn 
and Springville. Greenupsburg, the seat of justice, is one hundred 
and thirty-two miles from Frankfort — situated on the Ohio river, 
immediately above the mouth of Little Sandy river, on an ele- 
vated and beautiful bottom : contains a large brick court-house 
and other public buildings, one church, one school, three physi- 
cians, four la^^^ers, eight stores, six groceries and sixteen me- 



332 



CHRISTOPHER GREENUP. 




chanics' shops : population 250 : established in 1818, Calletts- 
burg is a small village situated immediately below the mouth of 
Big Sandy, on the Ohio river, containing a tavern, post-office and 
store, and some four or five families. Linn is a small manufac- 
turing village, and contains two churches, two stores, two tan- 
yards, and a large number of shoe-makers, which fact induced 
the change of its name from Liberty to Linn. Springville is a 
small village on the Ohio, in the lower part of the county — con- 
tains a foundry and bedstead manufactory, gun shop, Venetian 
blind manufactory, plow factory, tan yard and post office : Pop- 
ulation, 130. 

On a beautiful bottom of the Ohio, in this county, and between the river and a 
spur of the adjacent cliff, is an old fortification — embracing, within the enclo- 
sure, about ten acres of land, in a square form, with two wings— one about three- 
fourths of a mile long, extending to the Ohio river on the north ; the other about 
half a mile long, and extending to ^ tributary on the south. The following dia- 
gram will enable the reader to comprehend the above description more fully : 

The walls around the ten acres 
are constructed of earth — the 
breadth on top is twelve feet, at 
bottom thirty, and in height ten 
feet. The openings are twelve 
feet wide; the wings about six 
feet high. The ground within is 
a level plain, and covered with 
trees of the largest class — beech, 
sugar-tree, poplar, &c. The walls 
are covered with trees also. When or by whom this fortification was construc- 
ted, must forever remain a mystery. 

Governor Christopher Greenup was born about the year 1750, in the then 
colony of Virginia. When the American revolution occurred, he was in the prime 
of youth. It was not in his nature to see his country engaged in such a strug- 
gle, without engaging in it himself. He accordingly devoted his youth to her 
cause, and was one of the soldiers and heroes of that great conflict ; and passed 
through its scenes of trial and hardship, acting well his part, and winning no 
small share of that honor which crowned the triumph of the American arms. In 
the bloody war which took place between the pioneers of the west and the In- 
dian tribes, he also bore a part, and brought into active service against that for- 
midable foe, the skill which he had acquired during the revolution. To the dan- 
gers of such 3 warfare he freely exposed his life, and risked, with a manly and 
brave heart, all its perils. After thus gaining for himself considerable distinc- 
tion in arms, he settled in Kentucky, and on the 4th of March, 1783, was sworn 
in as an attorney at law in the old court for the district of Kentucky, established 
by an act of the Virginia legislature. On the 18lh day of March, 1785, he was 
appointed the clerk of that court, which office he held during the existence of the 
court. In 1792, he was elected a member of Congress, and served as such until 
the year 1797. After this he filled the office of clerk of the senate of Kentucky 
to within a short time of his election as governor, which occurred in August, 
1804. For four years, he discharged the duties of this office with high honor 
and credit both to himself and the State over which he presided. At the expira- 
tion of his gubernatorial term, he was elected to the legislature from the county 
of Franklin. In 1812, he acted as a justice of the peace for the same county. 
He served also many years as a director in the old bank of Kentucky ; and, after 
a long life of public service to his country, he died on the 27th of April, 1818, in 
the 69th year of his age. 

Whilst he filled the highest executive office of the State, it may be said of him 
that no one ever discharged its duties with a more scrupulous regard for the pub- 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 333 

lie good. Prompt, assiduous and faithful in the labors which claimed his own 
personal attention as governor, he required the same of all who were under his 
immediate control and influence. In his appointments to office, he always re- 
served and exercised the right to select those only whom he knew to be qualified, 
and in whom he himself reposed confidence. In this he was never governed or 
swayed by the number or character of the petitioning friends of an applicant for 
office. It was to the man himself he looked, and that, too, through his own and 
not the eyes of another. His great object in making choice of public officers 
having been always to promote those only who were the most worthy and the 
best qualified, it was a source of the highest gratification to him afterwards, to 
know himself, and to see all convinced, that he had accomplished it. Often has 
he been heard in conversation to dwell, with pride, on the appointments of men 
to office, who afterwards proved themselves, by their public services, to have been 
worthy of them. And it may not be improper to say, that of none did he speak 
more frequently, and with a prouder satisfaction, than of his appointment of Wil- 
liam M'Clung as judge of the Mason circuit court, of Robert Trimble as judge 
of the court of appeals, and of Robert Alexander as president of the bank of 
Kentucky. In consequence of Judge M'Clung's connection with a family in Ken- 
tucky who were looked upon as leading federalists in the State, his appointment 
to office was at first unpopular. Time, however, convinced the community, as 
they acknowledged to the governor, that he had appointed a man of the highest 
integrity, firmness and capacity. 

A circumstance occurred while he was in office, calculated to illustrate very 
forcibly the character of Governor Greenup as a man of high sense of justice, 
and who felt always the full force of moral obligations in the administration of 
civil government. Before the resignation of Judge Muter as one of the judges 
of the court of appeals, it was known that, although a correct and honest man, 
who performed the duties of his office to the best of his abilities, he had become 
superannuated ; and owing to this fact, he was induced to resign his seat, with a 
promise that a pension should be allowed him during the remainder of his life, in 
consideration of his public services. The legislature accordingly passed an act, 
shortly after his resignation, allowing him a small pension. Some time after- 
terwards, however, an effort was made in the legislature to repeal this act, which 
ultimately proved successful. Governor Greenup, however, esteeming it an act 
of injustice, and a breach of the public faith, with a degree of decision and high 
moral courage worthy of himself and his fame, interposed his constitutional pre- 
rogative, and vetoed the bill. 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Hancock county was formed in 1829, and called after John Han- 
cock, president of the continental Congress. It is situated in the 
west middle part of the State, and lies on the Ohio river — boun- 
ded on the north by the Ohio, east by Breckinridge, west by Da- 
veiss, and south by Grayson and Ohio counties. The surface of 
the county is diversified. Along the Ohio river, the bottom varies 
in width from one to seven miles, and the lands are level and re- 
markably rich and productive. The face of the country back of 
the river hills is undulating, and the lands second rate. The 
staple products are wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, &c. The hills 
abound in coal of a fine qualitj', and the article must ultimately 
become one of extensive export. 

The taxable property of Hancock in 1846, was valued at $633,- 
972; number of acres of land in the county, 67,458; average value 



334 HANCOCK COUNTY. 

of land per acre, $3,69; number of white males over twenty-one 
years old, 543 ; children between five and sixteen years, 705. 
Population in 1840, 2,581. 

The towns of the county are Hawesville and Lewisport. 
Hawesville, the seat of justice, is situated on the Ohio river, 
about one hundred and fifty miles from Frankfort. It contains 
the usual public buildings, a Baptist and a Methodist church, a 
public and a private school, five lawyers, five physicians, ten 
stores, one tavern, thirty mechanics' shops, and thirty coal dig- 
gers. Population 500. There are three coal banks worked here, 
which supply the town and steam boats with fuel. Named after 
the late Richard Hawses, who was the original proprietor. Lew- 
isport is a small village on the Ohio river, containing one school, 
one tavern, three stores and two doctors, with a population of 200. 

About four miles above HawesviUe, and about three-fourths of a mile from the 
Ohio river, there is a natural curiosity which is worthy of note — it is a natural 
FORTIFICATION, being a circular table of land, surrounded on all sides by a clitF 
of from fifty to one hundred and twenty-five feet in height, generally projecting 
at the top, and impossible of ascent, except in one place, where it seems to have 
slided over and formed an inclined plane. A string of fence of twenty poles, 
renders it impossible of ingress or egress to stock, and makes it a fine park for 
deer. By a little work in digging, it might be rendered impregnable ; and if it 
were so situated as to command some water course or strait, or exposed point on 
the frontier, might be made valuable to the country. Where located, it is thought 
to be a favorable site for an armory or garrison, as a communication could be 
easily opened to the Ohio river, by a rail road three-quarters of a mile long. 

On the Ohio river, some five miles above Hawesville, there is a mound or 
general burial place of the dead. The site is one of romantic and picturesque 
beauty, beneath an overhanging cliff of considerable height, which almost en- 
tirely shelters this repository of bones. The thick timber and undergrowth sur- 
rounding it, gives a sombre and melancholy appearance to the scene, well befitting 
the resting place of the unknown dead. The bodies seem not to have been deeply 
interred, for the surface is covered with bones ; and with a stick they may be dis- 
interred in numbers, or kicked up with the foot. The mound has never been 
explored, but in the external examinations, no other bones have been discovered 
but those of human beings. 

About one hundred yards from the mound, there is a spring, issuing from a 
ledge of rock, from which is discharged a bituminous matter, similar in smell 
and consistency to common tar. This spring is some seven or eight miles from 
the " Tar Spring " in Breckinridge county, and is supposed to be a continuation 
of the same stream. 

John Hancock, in honor of whom this county received its name, was born at 
Quincy, near Boston, and graduated at Harvard University in 1754. On the sud- 
den demise of an uncle in 1764, he succeeded to his large fortune and business, 
both of which he managed with great judgment and munificence. As a member 
of the provincial legislature, his zeal and resolution against the royal governor 
and the British ministry, rendered him so obnoxious to them, that, in the procla- 
mation of General Gage, after the battle of Lexington, and before that of Bunker 
Hill, offering pardon to the rebels, he and Samuel Adams were specially excepted, 
their offences being "of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration 
than that of condign punishment." This circumstance gave additional celebrity 
to these two patriots. Mr. Hancock was president of the provincial Congress of 
Massachusetts, until he was sent as a delegate to the general Congress at Phila- 
delphia in 1775. vSoon after his arrival there, he was chosen to succeed Peyton 
Randolph as president, and was the first to affix his signature to the declaration 
of independence. He continued to fill the chair until 177D, when he was com- 
pelled by disease to retire from Congress. He was then elected governor of Mas- 



HARDIN COUNTY. 335 

sachusetts, and was annually chosen from 1780 to 1785. After an interval of 
two years, he was again re-elected, and continued to hold the office until his 
death, which occurred on the 8th of October 1793, at the age of fifty-six years. 
In the interval, he acted as president of the state convention for the adoption of 
the federal constitution, for which he finally voted. His talents were rather use- 
ful than brilliant. He seldom spoke, but his knowledge of business, and keen 
insight into the characters of men, rendered him a superior presiding officer. In 
private life, he was eminent for his hospitality and beneficence. 



HARDIN COUNTY. 

Hardin county was formed in 1792, and named after Colonel 
John Hardin. It is situated in the west middle part of the State, 
and lies on the waters of Salt river — bounded on the north by 
Bullitt and Meade ; east by Nelson and Larue ; south by Grayson, 
and west by Breckinridge. It presents the different varieties of 
surface, viz : rolling, hilly and flat. In its northern and western 
portions, being hilly and thin land ; in its eastern and southern 
portions, it is rolling, with rich alluvial soil ; and in its central 
portion, presents a flat and sandy surface, which, in the common 
parlance of the country, is called " 6arr5?w." The staple products 
are corn and tobacco. 

The taxable property of Hardin in 1846 was valued at $2,781,- 
397 ; number of acres of land in the county, 314,604; average value 
of land per acre, $3,69; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 2,278 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 3,062. Population in 1840, 16,357. 

There are five towns in Hardin, viz : Elizabethtown (the county 
seat,) West Point, Stephensburg, Red Mill and Big Spring ; the 
latter place located in the corner of three counties — Breckinridge, 
Meade and Hardin. Elizabethtown was laid off" fifty odd years 
ago, by Mr. Hynes (the same gentleman who laid off" Bardstown) 
and was so called from the christian name of his wife. It is pleas- 
antly situated on Valley creek, immediately on the great thorough- 
fare from Nashville to Louisville. It has a population of twelve 
hundred inhabitants, the houses generally of brick, and hand- 
somely constructed ; contains a Methodist, Presbyterian and Bap- 
tist church, six physicians, eight lawyers, six mercantile houses, a 
male and female seminary, and twelve mechanics' shops. Dis- 
tance from Frankfort, seventy-five miles. West Point is situated 
at the mouth of Salt river, twenty-four miles from Elizabethtown. 
Located here, are four physicians, four mercantile houses, and 
recently there has been an extensive boatyard established, which 
is doing a flourishing business. 

About the year 1781, a band of Indians came into Hardin county, and after 
committing numerous depredations and killing some women and children, were 
pursued by the whites. During the pursuit a portion of the Indians, who were 
on stolen horses, took a southerly direction so as to strike the Ohio about where 
Brandenburg is now situated ; while the other party, who were on foot, attempted 



336 HARDIN COUNTY. 

to cross the Ohio at the mouth of Salt river. The whites pursued each party, the 
larger portion following the trail of the horses — the smaller the foot party. 
Among the latter was liie hero of this sketch, Peter Kennedy. Young Kennedy 
was noted for his fleetness of foot, strength of body and wary daring. He was 
selected as their leader. They pursued the Indians to within a mile of the river, 
the Indians awaiting them in ambush. The Indians were ten in number, the 
whites six. As they were led on by their daring leader in an effort to overtake 
them before they could reach the river, all of his comrades were shot down, and 
he was left to contend single handed willi ten fierce and savage Indians. This 
was an odds calculated to make the bravest tremble ; but young Kennedy 
was determined to sell his life as dearly as possible. With one bound he reached 
a tree, and awaited his opportunity to wreak vengeance upon the savage foe. 
The savages, with their usual wariness, kept their cover ; but at last one, more 
impatient than the remainder, showed his head from behind a tree. As quick as 
thought, Kennedy buried a rifle ball in his forehead, and instantly turned to Hee ; 
but no sooner did he abandon his cover, than nine deadly rifles were levelled at 
him and instantly fired, and with the fire a simultaneous whoop of triumph, for 
the brave Kennedy fell, pierced through the right hip with a ball. Disabled by 
the wound, and unable to make fu):ther resistance, he was taken prisoner and im- 
mediately borne off to the Wabash, where the tribe of the victorious party belonged. 

The wound of Kennedy was severe, and the pain which he suffered from it, 
was greatly aggravated by the rapid movement of the Indians. The arrival of 
the party was hailed with the usual demonstrations of Indian triumph — but Ken- 
nedy, owing to his feeble and suffering condition, was treated with kindness. 
His wound gradually healed, and as he again found himself a well man, he felt 
an irrepressible desire for freedom. He determined to make his escape, but how 
to effect it was the question. In this state of suspense, he remained for two 
years ; well knowing that, however kindly the Indians might treat a prisoner 
when firxt captured, an unsuccessful attempt to escape would be followed by the 
infliction of death, and that, too, by the siake. But still Kennedy was willing to 
run this risk, to regain that most inestimable of gifts — freedom. The vigilance of 
the Indians ultimately relaxed, and Kennedy seized the opportunity, and made 
good his escape to this side of the Ohio. 

Hitherto Kennedy had rapidly pressed forward without rest or nourishment, 
for he knew the character of the savages, and anticipated a rapid pursuit. Hun- 
gry and exhausted, he was tempted to shoot a deer which crossed his path, from 
which he cut a steak, cooked it, and had nearly completed his meal, when he 
heard the shrill crack of an Indian rifle, and felt that he was again wounded, but 
fortunately not disabled. He grasped his gun and bounded forward in the direc- 
tion of Gooden's station, distant nearly thirty miles. Fortunately, he was ac- 
quainted with the localities, which aided him greatly in his flight. The chase 
soon became intensely exciting. The fierce whoop of the Indians was met with 
a shout of defiance from Kennedy. For a few minutes at the outset of the chase, 
the Indians appeared to gain on him ; but he redoubled his efforts, and gradual- 
ly widened the distance between the pursuers and himself. But there was no 
abatement of effort on either side — both the pursuers and pursued put forward all 
their energies. The yell of the savages as the distance widened, became fainter 
and fainter — Kennedy had descended in safety the tall cliff on the Rolling fork, 
and found himself, as the Indians reached the summit, a mile in advance. 

Here the loud yell of the savages reverberated along the vallies of that 
stream, but so far from damping, infused new energy into the flight of Kennedy. 
The race continued, Kennedy still widening the distance, to within a short dis- 
tance of Gooden's station, when the Indians, in despair, gave up the chase. Ken- 
nedy arrived safely at the station, but in an exhausted state. His tale was soon 
told. The men in the station instantly grasped their rifles, and under the direc- 
tion of Kennedy, sallied forth to encounter the savages. The scene was now 
changed. The pursuers became the pursued. The Indians, exhausted by their 
long continued chase, were speedily overtaken, and not one returned to their tribe 
to tell of the fruitless pursuit of Kennedy! Kennedy lived in Hardin to a very old 
age, and left a numerous and clever progeny. 

About the middle of September, 178'2, a roving band of Indians made their ap- 



A I3RAVE YOUTH. 337 

pearance in Hardin county, and committed several depredations. Silas Hart, 
whose keen penetration and skill as an Indian fighter, had extorted from them the 
name of Sharp-Eye, with other settlers, pursued them ; and in the pursuit. Hart 
shot their chief, while several others of the party were also killed. Only two of 
the Indians made good their escape. These conveyed to the tribe the intelligence 
of the chieftain's death. Vengeance was denounced by them against Sharp-Eye 
and his family, for the death of the fallen chief, and speedily did the execution 
follow the threat ! A short time thereafter, a band of Indians, led by a brother 
of the slain chieftain, secretly and silently made their way into the neighborhood 
of Elizabethtown, where they emerged from their hiding places, and commenced 
their outrages. The neighborhood was instantly aroused, and Hart, always ready 
to assist in repelling the savage foe, was the first upon their trail. The whites 
followed in rapid pursuit for a whole day, but were unable to overtake them. As 
soon as they had turned towards their homes, the Indians, who must have closely 
watched their movements, turned upon their trail, and followed them back to the 
settlements. Hart arrived at his home (five miles from Elizabethtown) about 
dark in the evening, and slept soundly through the night, for he had no apprehen- 
sion of further Indian depredations. On the succeeding morning, just as the fam- 
ily were seating themselves to partake of their frugal meal, the band of Indians, 
who had been prowling round the house all night, suddenly appeared at the 
door, and the brother of the fallen chief shot Hart dead ! The son of Hart, a 
brave youth only twelve years old, the instant he saw his father fall, grasped his 
rifle, and before the savage could enter the door, sent a ball through his heart — 
thus avenging, almost as quick as thought, a beloved parent's death. The Indians 
then rushed to the door in a body, but the first who entered the threshhold, had 
the hunting knife of the gallant boy plunged to the hilt in his breast, and fell by 
the side of his leader. A contest so unequal, could not, however, be maintained. 
The youth, with his mother and sister, were overpowered and hurried off to the 
Wabash as captives. The sister, from the feebleness of her constitution, was 
unable to bear the fatigue of a forced march, and the Indians dispatched her after 
proceeding a few miles. The mother and son were intended for a more painful 
and revolting death. 

Upon the arrival of the party at the Wabash towns, preparations were made 
for the sacrifice, but an influential squaw, in pity for the tender years, and in ad- 
miration of the heroism of the youth, interposed and saved his life. The mother 
was also saved from the stake, by the interposition of a chief, who desired to 
make her his wife. The mother and, son were ultimately redeemed by traders, 
and returned to their desolate home. Mrs. Hart (who has often been heard to 
declare, that she would have preferred the stake to a union with the Indian chief) 
subsequently married a man named Countryman, and lived in Hardin to a very 
advanced age, having died but a few years since. Young Hart, now well stricken 
in years, is believed to be an inhabitant of the State of Missouri. 

In the year 1790, Mr. Frederick Bough arrived in Kentucky, and being on the 
13th of October in that year, in company with a young man of his acquaintance, 
near Jacob Vanmeter's fort, in Hardin county, fell in with a party of Indians. 
As they approached, he observed to his companion that he thought he saw an In- 
dian; but the young man ridiculed the idea, and coolly replying, " you are a fool 
for having such thoughts," kept on his way. They soon discovered a party of 
Indians within ten yards of them. The youn^ man, exclaiming, " Good God I 
there they are I " fled with the utmost precipitation, but taking the direction /rom 
the fort, was soon caught by one of the savages, and barbarously killed. Mr. 
Bough, in running towards the fort, was fired at by the whole party in pursuit, 
which consisted of four, and was hit by three of them. One ball struck him in 
the left arm, another on the right thigh, and the third, passing through his waist- 
coat and shirt, grazed the skin of his left side. He was still, however, able to 
run, but, in attempting to cross a creek on his way to the fort, he stuck in the 
mud, vvhen one of the Indians caught him, pulled him out, and felt of his arm to 
see if it was broken. Finding it was not, he pulled out a strap with a loop at 
the end, for the purpose of confining Mr. Bough ; but he, suddenly jerking 
away his hand, gave the savage a blow on the side of the head, which knocked 
him down. By this time two other Indians came up, the fourth havino- aone in 
22 



338 HARDIN COUNTY. 

pursuit of the horses. Mr. Bough kicked at the one he had knocked down, but 
missed him. Just at that moment one of the other Indians aimed a blow at his 
head with a tomahawk, but in his eagerness struck too far over, and hit only with 
the handle, which, however, nearly felled Mr. Bough to the ground ; but he, in- 
stantly recovering himself, struck at the tomahawk and knocked it out of his 
antagonist's hand. They both grasped at it, but the Indian being quickest, 
picked it up, and entered into conversation with his companion. The latter then 
struck Mr. Bough with a stick, and as he stepped forward to return the blow, 
they all retreated, (probably fearing an attack by a party from the fort), and sud- 
denly went off, leaving one of their blankets and a kettle, which Mr. Bough took 
with him to the fort. [The foregoing particulars were communicated to the edi- 
tor of the Western Review, in 1821, by Mr. Bough himself, then residing in 
Bath county.] 

Colonel John Hardin was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, October 1st, 1753. 
His parents were poor, and compelled to labor for their livelihood. Martin Har- 
din, the father, removed from Fauquier county to George's creek, on the Monon- 
gahela, when John was about twelve years of age. He had already learned the 
use of the rifle. The new settlement was quite a frontier. Old Mr. Hardin 
thought it was in Virginia ; but it turned out, when the line was settled and run, 
that he was in Pennsylvania. In their new situation, hunting was an occupation 
of necessity ; and it was not long before Indian hostilities commenced, and war 
was added to the former motive for carrying the rifle. Young Hardin, finding 
even in the first of these, scope for the exercise of his active, enterprising dispo- 
sition, and not being called to any literary occupation, for there were no schools, 
hunting became his sole pursuit and chief delight. With his rifle he traversed 
the vales, or crossed the hills, or clambered the mountains, in search of game, 
insensible of fatigue, until he became one of the most expert of the craft. The 
rapidity and exactness with which he pointed his rifle, made him what is called 
a "dead shot." 

In the expediton conducted by Gov. Dunmore against the Indians in 1774, 
young Hardin served in the capacity of ensign in a militia company. In the en- 
suing August, he volunteered with Captain Zack Morgan, and during an engage- 
ment with the savages, was wounded while in the act of aiming his rifle at the 
enemy. The better to support his gun, he had sunk on one knee, and whilst in 
this position, the ball struck his thigh, on the outer side, ranged up it about seven 
inches, and lodged near the groin, whence it never was extracted. The enemy 
were beaten and fled. Before he had recovered from his wound, or could dispense 
with his crutches, he joined Dunmore on his march to the Indian towns. Soon 
after the peace which ensued, Hardin turned his attention towards Kentucky, as 
to a scene for new adventure; and had actually prepared for a journey hither, but 
this was abandoned, probably on account of the increasing rumors of an approach- 
ing war with Great Britain. The American Congress having determined to raise 
a military force, Hardin applied himself to the business of recruiting, and with 
such success that he was soon enabled to join the continental army with the com- 
mand of a second lieutenant. He was afterwards attached to Morgan's rifle corps, 
which was generally on the lines ; and with which he served until his resignation 
of his commission as first lieutenant, in December 1779. In the meantime he 
acquired and held a high place in the esteem of General Daniel Morgan, by whom 
he was often selected for enterprises of peril, which required discretion and intre- 
pidity to ensure success. A few anecdotes have been preserved, which illustrate 
very forcibly the coolness, courage, and eminent military talents of Hardin, and 
which are for that reason related. While with the northern array, he was sent 
out on a reconnoitering excursion with orders to capture a prisoner, for the pur- 
pose of obtaining information. Marching silently in advance of his party, he 
found himself on rising the abrupt summit of a hill, in the presence of three British 
soldiers and a Mohawk Indian. The moment was critical, but without manifest- 
ing the slightest hesitation he presented his rifle and ordered them to surrender. 
The British immediately threw down their arms — the Indian clubbed his gun. 
They remained motionless, while he continued to advance on them; but none of 
his men having come up to his assistance, he turned his head a little to one side 
and called to them to come on. At this time the Indian warrior observing his 



HARLAN COUNTY. 339 

eye withdrawn from him, reversed his gun with a rapid motion, with the inten- 
tion of shooting. Hardin caught the gleam of light which was reflected from the 
polished barrel of the gun, and readily devising its meaning, brought his own 
rifle to a level, and without raising his piece to his face, gained the first fire, and 
gave the Indian a mortal wound, who however was only an instant too late, send- 
ing his ball through Hardin's hair. The rest of the party were marched into 
camp, and Hardin received the thanks of General Gates. Before he left the army 
he was offered a Major's commission in a regiment about to be raised; but he 
declined, alleging that he could be of more service where he then was. In 1779 
he resigned and returned home. It appears that in 1780, the year after leaving 
the army, he was in Kentucky, and located lands on treasury warrants, for him- 
self and some of his friends. In April 1786, he removed his wife and family to 
Nelson, afterwards Washington county, in Kentucky. In the same year he vol- 
unteered under General Clark for the Wabash expedition, and was appointed 
quartermaster. In 1789, among other depredations, a considerable party of Indians 
stole all his horses, without leaving him one for the plow. They were pursued, 
but escaped, by crossing the Ohio. In the course of this year he was appointed 
county lieutenant with the rank of colonel, which gave him the command of the 
militia of the county. As the summer advanced he determined to cross the Ohio, 
and scour the country for some miles out in order to break up any bands of Indians 
that might be lurking in the neighborhood. With two hundred mounted men he 
proceeded across the river, and on one of the branches of the Wabash, fell on a 
camp of about thirty Shawanees, whom he attacked and defeated, with a loss of 
two killed and nine wounded. Two of the whites were wounded — none killed 
or taken. From these Indians Colonel Hardin recovered two of the horses and 
some colts which had been stolen in the spring; and it is worthy of remark, that 
no more horses were stolen from that neighborhood during the war. There was 
no expedition into the Indian country, after Hardin settled in Kentucky, that he 
was not engaged in; except that of General St. Clair, which he was prevented 
from joining by an accidental wound received while using a carpenter's adze. In 
the spring of the year 1792, he was sent by General Wilkinson with overtures 
of peace to the Indians. He arrived on his route towards the Miami villages 
attended by his interpreter, at an Indian camp about a day's journey from the spot 
where Fort Defiance was afterwards built. Here he encamped with the Indians 
during the night, but in the morning they shot him to death. He was a man of 
unassuming manners and great gentleness of deportment; yet of singular firm- 
ness and inflexibility. For several years previous to his death he had been a 
member of the Methodist church. 

In March, 1794, a party of Indians made an incursion into Hardin county, and 
stole a number of horses. Captain William Hardin, with his usual alacrity, 
raised a small company and pursued them. The marauders were overtaken, and 
in the skirmish which ensued, Captain Hardin was wounded, but the Indians 
dispersed and the horses were recovered. 



HARLAN COUNTY. 

Harlan county was formed in 1819, and named after Major 
Silas Harlan. It is situated in the extreme south-eastern part of 
the state, and lies on the head waters of Cumberland river. It 
is bounded on the north by Perry ; east and south by Virginia ; 
and west and northwest by Knox county. Harlan is a high, rugged 
and mountainous county. On the southern border lies the great 
Stone or Cumberland mountain, surmounted by a stupendous 
rock, one mile long, and 600 feet high. On the northern border 
lies the Pine mountain, ranging nearly east and west, and sepa- 



340 HARRISON COUNTY. 

rates this from Letcher, Perry and Owsley counties. In the eas- 
tern part of the county lies the Black mountain, which is prob- 
ably an arm of the Cumberland. 

The taxable property of Harlan in 1846, was assessed at 
$302,245 ; number of acres of land in the county, 214,990 ; aver- 
age value per acre, $1.98 ; white males over twenty-one years of 
age, 593 ; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 1,000 : population in 1840, 3,040. 

Mount Pleasant is the county seat and only town of Harlan — 
one hundred and sixty-eight miles from Frankfort. It contains a 
court house and other public buildings, — (preaching occasionally 
in the court-house by the Baptists and Methodists), — a tailor, 
hatter, blacksmith, and a tavern : population about 50. It 
received its name from the high mound or Indian grave yard on 
which it is built. From this mound have been taken a large 
quantity of human bones, pots curiously made of blue earth and 
muscle shells, and dried in the sun. 

Major Silas Harlan, in honor of whom this county received its name, was 
born in Berkley county, Virginia, near the town of Martlnsburg. He came to 
Kentucky in 1774, and took a very active part in the battles and skirmishes with 
the Indians. He commanded a company of spies under General George Rogers 
Clark, in the Illinois campaigns in 1779, and proved himself a most active, ener- 
getic and efficient officer. General Clark said of him, that "he was one of the 
bravest and most accomplished soldiers that ever fought by his side." About the 
year 1778, he built a stockade fort on Salt river, 7 miles above Harrodsburg, 
•which was called " Harlan's station." He was a major at the battle of the Blue 
Licks, and fell in that memorable contest at the head of the detachment com- 
manded by him. He was never married. In stature he was about six feet two 
inches high, of fine personal appearance, and was about thirty years old when he 
was killed. He was universally regarded as a brave, generous and active man 
— beloved by his associates, and all who knew him. 



HARRISON COUNTY. 

Harrison county was formed in 1793, and named after Colonel 
Benjamin Harrison. It is situated in the north middle section of 
the State, lies on both sides of South Licking river, and is boun- 
ded on the north by Pendleton ; east by Nicholas ; south by Bour- 
bon ; and west by Scott county. Main Licking river runs through 
the northern portion of the county ; and the principal creeks are. 
Cedar, West, Beaver and Richland, emptying into Main Licking; 
Indian, Lilas, Mill, Twin and Raven, which put into South Lick- 
ing. The face of the country is irregular. About one half of 
the county is gently undulating, rich and very productive — the 
other portion hilly and less productive — but the whole well adap- 
ted for grazing. Soil based on red clay, with limestone foun- 
dation. The principal productions are, hemp, corn, wheat, and 
live stock, consisting of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs. 

The taxable property of Harrison in 1846, was valued at 



CAPTURE OF RUDDELL'S STATION. 341 

$4,576,526; number of acres of land in the county, 202,601; 
average value of land per acre, $12.80; number of white males 
over twenty-one years old, 2,034; number of children between 
five and sixteen years old, 2,533. Population in 1830, 13,180 — 
in 1840, 12,472. 

The towns and villages of the county are Cynthiana, Broad- 
well, Claysville, Colemansville, Havelandville and Leesburg. 
Cynthiana, the county seat and chief town, is situated on the 
right bank of the south fork of Licking, thirty-seven miles from 
Frankfort. It contains the usual county buildings, three churches, 

(Methodist, Presbyterian and ), five phj-^sicians, ten lawyers, 

thirteen stores, six groceries, two taverns, one academy, two 
common schools, one drug store, one auction store, one rope 
walk and bagging factory, one wool factory, one job printing 
office, two tanneries, one masonic lodge, 30 mechanics' shops, 
market house, &c.. Population about 1,000. Incorporated in 
1802, and named after Cynthia and Anna, two daughters of Mr. 
Robert Harrison, the original proprietor. 

Claysville is situated at the mouth of Beaver creek, on Main 
Licking — contains a Republican church, two taverns, one physi- 
cian, three stores, one merchant mill, three tobacco factories, one 
woolen factory and fulling mill, two warehouses, and about fifty 
inhabitants. Formerly called Marysville, but changed in 1821 to 
its present name, in honor of Henry Clay. Colemansville is thir- 
teen miles north-west of Cynthiana — contains four stores and gro- 
ceries, one church, one tavern, four physicians, eight mechanics' 
shops, and about one hundred inhabitants. Incorporated in 1831, 
and called after Robert Coleman, the original proprietor. Have- 
landville is a small manufacturing town, owned by a gentleman 
named Haveland, containing a cotton mill, and a large number 
of small residences. Leesburg is situated ten miles west of Cyn- 
thiana, and contains three churches (Episcopal, Reformed, and Re- 
publican), five stores and groceries, one tavern, one wool factory, 
seven mechanics' shops, and one bagging factory and rope walk. 

In the summer of 1780, a formidable military force, consisting of six hundred 
Indians and Canadians, under the command of Colonel Byrd, an officer of the 
British array, accompanied by six pieces of artillery, made an incursion into Ken- 
tucky. The artillery was brought down the Big Miami, and thence up Licking 
as far as the present town of Falmouth, at the forks of Licking, where, with the 
stores and baggage, it was landed, and where Colonel Byrd ordered some huts to 
be constructed, to shelter them from the weather. From this point Colonel Byrd 
took up his line of march for Ruddell's station, with one thousand men. Such a 
force, accompanied by artillery, was resistless to the stockades of Kentucky, 
which were altogether destitute of ordnance. The approach of the enemy was 
totally undiscovered by our people until, on the 22d of June, 1780, the report of 
one of the field pieces announced their arrival before the station. This is the 
more extraordinary, as the British party were twelve days in marching from the 
Ohio river to Ruddell's station, and had cleared a wagon road the greater part of 
the way. This station had been settled the previous year, on the easterly bank 
of the south fork of Licking river, three miles below the junction of Hinkston and 
Stoner's branches of the same stream. A summons to surrender at discretion 
to his Britannic majesty's arms, was immediately made by Col. Byrd — to which 
demand Captain Ruddell answered, that he could not consent to surrender but on 



342 HARRISON COUNTY. 

certain conditions, one of which was, that the prisoners should be under the pro- 
tection of the British, and not suffered to be prisoners to the Indians. To these 
terms Colonel Byrd consented, and immediately the gates were opened to him. 
No sooner were the gates opened, than the Indians rushed into the station, and 
each Indian seized the first person they could lay their hands on, and claimed 
them as their own prisoner. In this way the members of every family were sep- 
arated from each other; the husband from the wife, and the parents from their 
children. The piercing screams of the children when torn from their moth- 
ers — the distracted throes of the mothers when forced from their tender offspring, 
are indescribable. Ruddell remonstrated with the colonel against this barbarous 
conduct of the Indians, but to no effect. He confessed that it was out of his 
power to restrain them, their numbers being so much greater than that of the 
troops over which he had control, that he himself was completely in their power. 

After the people were entirely stripped of all their property, and the prisoners 
divided among their captors, the Indians proposed to Colonel Byrd to march to 
and take Martin's station, which was about five miles from Ruddell's; but Col. 
Byrd was so affected by the conduct of the Indians to the prisoners taken, that 
he peremptorily refused, unless the chiefs would pledge themselves in behalf of 
the Indians, that all the prisoners tajien should be entirely under his control, and 
that the Indians should only be entitled to the plunder. Upon these propositions 
being agreed to by the chiefs, the army marched to Martin's station, and took it 
without opposition. The Indians divided the spoils among themselves, and 
Colonel Byrd took charge of the prisoners. 

The ease with which these two stations were taken, so animated the Indians, 
that they pressed Colonel Byrd to go forward and assist them to take Bryant's 
station and Lexington. Byrd declined going, and urged as a reason, the improb- 
ability of success ; and besides, the impossibility of procuring provisions to sup- 
port the prisoners they already had, also the impracticability of transporting their 
artillery by land, to any part of the Ohio river — therefore the necessity of de- 
scending Licking before the waters fell, which might be expected to take place in 
a very few days. 

Immediately after it was decided not to go forward to Bryant's station, the 
army commenced their retreat to the forks of Licking, where they had left their 
boats, and with all possible dispatch got their artillery and military stores on 
board and moved off. At this place the Indians separated from Byrd, and took 
with them the whole of the prisoners taken at Ruddell's station. Among the pri- 
soners was Captain John Hinkston, a brave man and an experienced woodsman. 
The second night after leaving the forks of Licking, the Indians encamped near 
the river ; every thing was very wet, in consequence of which it was difficult to 
kindle a fire, and before a fire could be made it was quite dark. A guard was 
placed over the prisoners, and whilst part of them were employed in kindling the 
fire, Hinkston sprang from among them and was immediately out of sight. An 
alarm was instantly given, and the Indians ran in every direction, not being able 
to ascertain the course he had taken. Hinkston ran but a short distance before 
he lay down by the side of a log under the dark shade of a large beech tree, 
where he remained until the stir occasioned by his escape had subsided, when he 
moved off as silently as possible. The night was cloudy, and very dark, so that 
he had no mark to steer by, and after traveling some time towards Lexington, as 
he thought, he found himself close to the camp from which he had just before 
made his escape. In this dilemma he was obliged to tax his skill as a woods- 
man, to devise a method by which he should be enabled to steer his course with- 
out light enough to see the moss on the trees, or without the aid of sun, moon, 
or stars. Captain Hinkston ultimately adopted this method : he dipped his hand 
in the water, (which almost covered the whole country), and holding it upwards 
above his head, he instantly felt one side of his hand cold ; he immediately knew 
that from that point the wind came — he therefore steered the balance of the night 
to the cold side of his hand, that being from the west he knew, and the course 
best suited to his purpose. After traveling several hours, he sat down at the 
root of a tree and fell asleep. 

A few hours before day, there came on a very heavy dense fog, so that a man 
could not be seen at twenty yards distance. This circumstance was of infinite 
advantage to Hinkston, for as soon as daylight appeared, the howling of wolves, 



HIGGINS' BLOCK-HOUSE. 343 

the gobbling of turkeys, the bleating of fawns, the cry of owls, and every other 
wild animal, was heard in almost every direction. Hinkston was too well ac- 
quainted with the customs of the Indians, not to know that it was Indians, and 
not beasts and birds that made these sounds — he therefore avoided approaching 
the places where he heard them, and notwithstanding he was several times within 
a few yards of them, with the aid of the fog he escaped, and arrived safe at Lex- 
ington, and brought the first news of that event. 

The Indians not only collected all the horses belonging to Ruddell's and Mar- 
tin's stations, but a great many from Bryant's station and Lexington, and with 
their booty crossed the Ohio river near the mouth of Licking, and there dispersed. 
The British descended Licking river to the Ohio, down the Ohio to the mouth of 
the Big Miami, and up the Miami as far as it was then navigable for their boats, 
where they hid their artillery, and marched by land to Detroit. The rains having 
ceased, and the weather being exceeding hot, the waters fell so low, that they 
were able to ascend the Miami but a short distance by water. 

The following account of an adventure at Higgins' block-house, near Cynthi- 
ana, is from the notes of Mr. E. E. Williams, of Covington, Ky., an actor in 
the events which he records : 

After the battle of the Blue Licks, and in 1786, our family removed to Hig- 
gins' block-house on Licking river, one and a half miles above Cynthiana. Be- 
tween those periods my father had been shot by the Indians, and my mother mar- 
ried Samuel Van Hook, who had been one of the party engaged in the defence at 
Ruddell's station in 1780, and on its surrender was carried with the rest of the 
prisoners to Detroit. 

Higgins' fort, or block-house, had been built at the bank of Licking, on pre- 
cipitous rocks, at least thirt)"^ feet high, which served to protect us on every side 
but one. On the morning of the 12th of June, at day light, the fort, which con- 
sisted of six or seven houses, was attacked by a party of Indians, fifteen or 
twenty in number. There was a cabin outside, below the fort, where William 
M'Combs resided, although absent at that time. His son Andrew, and a man 
hired in the family, named Joseph McFall, on making their appearance at the 
door to wash themselves, were both shot down — M'Combs through the knee, and 
McFall in the pit of the stomach. McFall ran to the block-house, and M'Combs 
fell, unable to support himself longer, just after opening the door of his cabin, 
and was dragged in by his sisters, who barricaded the door instantly. On the 
level and only accessible side, there was a corn-field, and the season being favor- 
able, and the soil rich as well as new, the corn was more than breast high. Here 
the main body of the Indians lay concealed, while three or four who made the at- 
tack attempted thereby to decoy the whites outside of the defences. Failing in 
this, they set fire to an old fence and corn-crib, and two stables, both long enough 
built to be thoroughly combustible. These had previously protected their ap- 
proach in that direction. Captain Asa Reese was in command of our little fort. 
" Boys," said he, " some of you must run over to Hinkston's or Harrison's." 
These were one and a half and two miles off, but in different directions. Every 
man declined. I objected, alleging as my reason, that he would give up the fort 
before I could bring relief; but on his assurance that he would hold out, I agreed 
to go. I jumped off the bank through the thicket of trees, which broke my fall, 
while they scratched my face and limbs. I got to the ground with a limb clenched 
in my hands, which I had grasped unawares in getting through. I recovered 
from the jar in less than a minute, crossed the Licking, and ran up a cow-path on 
the opposite side, which the cows from one of those forts had beat down in their 
visits for water. As soon as I had gained the bank, I shouted, to assure my 
friends of my safety, and to discourage the enemy. In less than an hour, I was 
back, with a relief of ten horsemen, well armed, and driving in full chase after 
the Indians. But they had decamped immediately, upon hearing my signal, well 
knowing what it meant, and it was deemed imprudent to pursue them with so 
weak a party — the whole force in Higgins' block-house hardly sufficing to guard 
the women and children there. McFall, from whom the bullet could not be ex- 
tracted, lingered two days and nights in great pain, when he died, as did 
M'Combs, on the ninth day, mortification then taking place. 



344 HART COUNTY. • 

This county was named in honor of Colonel Benjamin Harrison, who re- 
moved to Kentucky from Pennsylvania at an early day. He was a member of 
the convention which met at Danville in 1787, from Bourbon county ; was a 
member of the convention which met the succeeding year (1788) at the same 
place ; and was also a member, from Bourbon, of the convention which formed 
the first constitution of Kentucky, and which assembled at Danville in 1792. In 
the same year, after the adoption of the constitution, he was elected a senatorial 
elector from Bourbon county. In 1793, he was elected a representative from 
Bourbon county, being a member of the legislature when the county of Harrison 
was formed. 



HART COUNTY. 

, Hart county was formed in 1819, and named after Captain 
Nathaniel Hart. It is situated in the south-west middle part of 
the State, and lies on both sides of Greene river. Bounded on the 
north by Larue, east by Greene, south by Barren, and west by 
Grayson and Edmonson. The face of the country, except along 
the river bottoms, is rolling, and in some parts hilly and broken ; 
but the soil, generally, is very productive. Tobacco, cattle, horses, 
sheep, and hogs, form the principal articles of exportation ; 
though corn, wheat, and oats, are raised in great abundance. 
Greene river is navigable for steamboats as high as Munfordville, 
during a portion of the year. Nolin river, which borders a portion 
of the county, is navigable for flat boats in high water, and will 
afl^ord throughout the year fine water power for any number of 
manufacturing establishments. 

The taxable property of Hart, in 1846, was valued at $1,122,- 
265 ; number of acres of land in the county, 176,564 ; average 
value of land per acre, $3.15; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,259 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,692. Population in 1840, 7,031. 

The towns of Hart are — Munfordville, situated on the north 
bank of Greene river, 105 miles from Frankfort, and 75 miles 
from Louisville : contains the usual county buildings, and an 
academy (the court house and academy used for religious wor- 
ship), five stores, two taverns, four lawyers, four physicians, and 
twelve mechanics' shops — population three hundred: named after 
R. J. Munford, former proprietor. WoodsonviUe is a small vil- 
lage on the south side of Greene river, opposite Munfordville, con- 
taining a Baptist church, two stores, post office, &c. — population 
about fifty: named after Thomas "Woodson, sen. Monroe is a 
small village, fourteen miles east of Munfordville — population 
about thirty : named after President Monroe. Leesville is a small 
village, twelve miles north of Munfordville — population about 
twenty. The Bear Wallow is a very noted place in the Barrens, 
where there was a great resort of hunters, at an early period, in 
quest of the bears which were attracted there to wallow and 
drink at a spring. A fine tavern, with the sign of the " Bear," is 
all- that remains of the place. 



NATHANIEL G. T, HART. 345 

There are a number of natural curiosities, such as caves, sinks, springs, &c., 
in Hart county. About three and a half miles from Munfordville, near Greene 
river, there is a large spring, which possesses this remarkable singularity. A 
short distance below the head of this spring, a milldam has been erected ; and at 
certain hours in the day, the water rises to the height of twelve or fifteen inches 
above its ordinary level, flows over the dam for some time, and then falls to its 
usual stand, resembling very greatly the ebb and flow of the ocean tides. The 
flood occurs about the hour of twelve o'clock each day — recurs at the same hour 
on every day, and is marked by the utmost uniformity in the time occupied in its 
ebb and flow. Six miles east of Munfordville, in the level barrens, there is a 
hole in the earth which attracts no little attention. The hole is circular, of some 
sixty or seventy feet in diameter, and runs down in a funnel shape to the depth 
of twenty-five or thirty feet, where the diameter is diminished to ten or twelve 
feet. Below that point it has never been explored, and sinks to an unknown 
depth. On throwing a rock into this hole or pit, its ring, as it strikes the sides, 
can be heard for some time, when it gradually dies away, without being heard 
to strike anything like the bottom. It is supposed that more than a hundred cart 
loads of rocks have been thrown into this pit, by the persons visiting it. Six or 
seven miles north north-east from the county seat, is the " Frenchman's Knob," 
so called from the circumstance that a Frenchman was killed and scalped upon 
it. Near the top of this knob, there is a hole or sink which has been explored 
to the depth of 275 feet, by means of letting a man down with ropes, without 
discovering bottom ! There are also a number of caves in the county, from a 
half to two miles in length ; but being in the neighborhood of the Mammoth Cave, 
they excite but little attention. 

Captain Nathaniel G. T. Hart, (in honor of whom this county received its 
name,) was the son of Colonel Thomas Hart, who emigrated at an early day from 
Hagerstown, Maryland, to Lexington, which place became his residence, and has 
continued to be that of most of his descendants. Captain Hart was born at Ha- 
gerstown, and was but a few years old when his father came to Kentucky. The 
Hon. Henry Clay and the Hon. James Brown, so long minister at the French 
court, were his brothers-in-law, having married his sisters. Under the first named 
gentleman, Captain Hart studied the profession of law, and practiced for some 
time in Lexington. Shortly before the war of 1813, he had engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, and was rapidly making a large fortune. In the year 1812, being then 
about twenty -seven years of age, he commanded a volunteer company called the 
" Lexington Light Infantry ;" and Kentucky being in that year called upon for 
volunteers for the war in the north-west, he, with his company, enrolled them- 
selves in the service of their country. His command rendezvoused at George- 
town in the fall of 1812, and from thence proceeded to the seat of war. He served 
through the winter campaign of 1812-13, a portion of the time as a staff officer. 
At the battle of Raisin, on the 22d January, 1813, he commanded his company, 
and received a wound in the leg. When taken prisoner, he found an old acquain- 
tance among the British officers. This was a Captain Elliott, who had previously 
been in Lexington, and during a severe illness there remained at the house of 
Colonel Hart, and was attended by Captain Hart and the family. On meeting 
Captain Hart he expressed himself delighted at the opportunity to return the 
kindness he had received, and promised to send his carryall to take Captain Hart 
to Maiden. Captain Hart relied implicitly upon his promise, but the carryall 
was never sent, a.id he never saw Captain Elliott again. He started from Raisin 
on horseback under the care of an Indian, whom he employed to take him to Mai- 
den ; but had proceeded only a short distance, when they met other Indians, who 
had been excited by the hope of a general massacre of the prisoners, and Captain 
Hart was then tomahawked. 

He left a wife, who was Miss Ann Gist, (a member of one of the most respect- 
able families of the county,) and two sons. His wife died a short time after he 
did, and but one of his sons is now living. This is Henry Clay Hart, who now 
resides in Paris, Bourbon county, and who was a midshipman in the navy and 
commanded a gun in the attack made by the frigate Potomac on the fort at Qualla 
Battoo in the island of Sumatra, with great credit. The Lexington light infantry, 
commanded by Captain Hart at the Raisin, exists to this day; and its flag lately 
waved on the battle field at Buena Vista as the regimental flag of the Kentucky 
cavalry. 



346 HENDERSON COUNTY. 



HENDERSON COUNTY. 

Henderson county was formed in 1798, and named in honor of 
Colonel Richard Henderson. It is situated in the south-west part 
of the State, on the Ohio river, Greene river forming a portion of 
its eastern border, and then passing through the upper part, in 
a north-west direction, empties its waters into the Ohio, — bounded 
north by the Ohio river ; east by Daveiss ; south by Hopkins, and 
west by Union. This county is watered by the Ohio and Greene 
rivers, and inhabited by an industrious and enterprising people. 
The soil is generally very productive — adapted to the cultivation 
of corn and tobacco, which are the chief articles of production — 
between 75 and 100,000 bushels of the former, and about 7,000,- 
000 pounds of the latter being annually exported. 

About sixty thousand acres of land in this county is of the allu- 
vial kind, and remarkable for its fertility. It includes seventy 
miles of the "bottoms" on the Ohio, and forty miles on Green 
river. The grasses succeed extremely well in many places ; and 
horses, cattle and hogs are raised in great numbers. There are 
some indications of iron ore, and extensive beds of coal, of good 
quality, are found in the county. It contains, also, immense 
quantities of timber, of the best and most desirable kinds. 

Valuation of taxable property in Henderson, in 1846, $3,161,- 
640; number of acres of land lying in the county, 273,1 59; average 
value per acre, $4.79; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 1,569 ; number of children between five and seven- 
teen years old, 1,961. Population in 1840, 9,548. 

Henderson, the county seat of Henderson county, is situated on 
the Ohio river, twelve miles below the town of Evansville, and 
about one hundred and seventy miles from Frankfort. It is a 
thriving town, having a population of about fifteen hundred ; and 
from its position, is an important shipping point for the produce 
of the Greene river country. One or two packet boats ply regu- 
larly between this town and Louisville. The court-house is a 
handsome structure ; and the Baptists, Presbyterians, Cumberland 
Presbyterians, Methodists and Episcopalians, have each respect- 
able and commodious houses of worship. There are four schools, 
two male, and two female ; eight stores, three wholesale gro- 
ceries, one drug store, four taverns, eight lawyers, eight doctors, 
five large tobacco factories, employing from fifty to sixty hands 
each, with about fifty mechanics' shops, in the various branches. 
Incorporated in 1812. 

Cairo is a small village, containing one store, one doctor, one 
school, a tobacco stemmery, and four mechanics' shops. Hibbards- 
ville contains a free church, one school, two stores, one doctor, 
six mechanics' shops, and about 30 inhabitants. Steamport is a 
small village on Greene river, containing two stores, one tavern, 
one doctor, one tobacco factory, three mechanics' shops, and about 
30 inhabitants. 



RICHARD HENDERSON. 347 

General Samuel Hopkins, (see Hopkins county) who commanded one of the 
divisions of the army in the last war with England, was a citizen of Henderson. 
Audubon, the ornithologist, resided here for several years. The Rev. James 
McGready, an eminent Presbyterian minister, who greatly distinguished himself 
in what is called in the Greene river country, "the great revival of eighteen hun- 
dred," closed his earthly career in this county: and Major Barbour, who fell 
while gallantly fighting for his country, in the late battle of Monterey, was raised 
and educated here. 

Colonel Richard Henderson, from whom Henderson county received its name, 
was a native of North Carolina. The date of his birth is not known. His 
parents were poor, and young Henderson grew to maturity before he had learned 
to read or write. These rudiments of education he had to acquire by his own un- 
aided exertions. 

While yet a young man, he was appointed a constable ; and subsequently pro- 
moted to the office of under sheriff. Having devoted his leisure time to the pe- 
rusal of such law books as he could procure, he obtained a license to practice 
law in the inferior or county courts, and in due time was admitted to the bar of 
the superior court. Here he soon became distinguished for his skill as an advo- 
catCf for the uniform success which attended his efforts, and his general and 
accurate knowledge of the principles and details of his profession. He soon 
established a high reputation as a lawyer, was promoted to the bench, and received 
the appointment of associate chief judge of the province of North Carolina, with 
a salary adequate to the dignity of the office. 

A man of great ambition and somewhat ostentatious, he soon became involved 
in speculations which embarrassed him in his pecuniary relations, and cramped 
his resources. Bold, ardent and adventurous, he resolved to repair the ravages 
made in his private fortune, by engaging in the most extensive scheme of specu- 
lation ever recorded in the history of this country. Having formed a company 
for that purpose, he succeeded in negotiating with the head chiefs of the Chero- 
kee nation a treaty, (known as the treaty of Wataga,) by which all that tract of 
country lying between the Cumberland river, the mountains of the same name, 
and the Kentucky river, and situated south of the Ohio, was transferred, for a 
reasonable consideration, to the company. By this treaty Henderson and his as- 
sociates became the proprietors of all that country which now comprises more 
than one half of the state of Kentucky. This was in 1775. They immediately 
proceeded to establish a proprietory government, of which Henderson became 
the President, and which had its seat at Boonesborough. The new country received 
the name of Transylvania. The first legislature assembled at Boonesborough, 
and held its sittings under the shade of a large elm tree, near the walls of the 
fort. It was composed of Squire Boone, Daniel Boone, William Coke, Samuel 
Henderson, Richard Moore, Richard Calloway, Thomas Slaughter, John Lythe, 
Valentine Harmond, James Douglass, James Harrod, Nathan Hammond, Isaac 
Hite, Azariah Davis, John Todd, Alexander S. Dandridge, John Floyd, and 
Samuel Wood. These members formed themselves into a legislative body, by 
electing Thomas Slaughter, chairman, and Matthew Jewett, clerk. This cis- 
montane legislature, the earliest popular body that assembled on this side of the 
Apalachian mountains, was addressed by Colonel Henderson, on behalf of him- 
self and his associates, in a speech of sufficient dignity and of excellent sense. 
A compact was entered into between the proprietors and the colonists, by which 
a free, manly, liberal government was established over the territory. The most 
important parts of this Kentucky Magna Charta, were, 1st. That the election of 
delegates should be annual. 2d. Perfect freedom of opinion in matters of reli- 
gion. 3d. That Judges should be appointed by the proprietors, but answerable 
for mal-conduct to the people ; and that the convention have the sole power of 
raising and appropriating all moneys, and electing their treasurer. This epitome 
of substantial freedom and manly, rational government, was solemnly executed 
under the hands and seals of the three proprietors acting for the company, and 
Thomas Slaughter acting for the colonists. 

The purchase of Henderson from the Cherokees was afterwards annulled by 
act of the Virginia legislature, as being contrary to the chartered rights of that 
State. But, as some compensation for the services rendered in opening the wil- 



348 HENRY COUNTY. 

derness, and preparing the way for civilization, the legislature granted to the pro- 
prietors a tract of land twelve miles square, on the Ohio, below the mouth of 
Greene river. 

After the failure of his attempt to establish an independent government west of 
the mountains, little or nothing is known of the subsequent life of Henderson. 
We are even ignorant of the time of his death. He was a man of a high order 
of talents, and entitled to a distinguished place among the early pioneers. 



HENRY COUNTY. 

Henry county was formed in 1798, and called after the cele- 
brated Patrick Henry. It is situated in the north middle portion 
of the State, and lies on the Kentucky river. Bounded on the 
north by Carroll, east by Owen, separated by the Kentucky, south 
by Shelby, and west by Oldham. The surface of the county is 
generally undulating — in some portions quite hilly. South of the 
Little Kentucky creek, which empties into the Kentucky river, 
the lands (generally termed the sugar lands) are remarkably rich 
and fertile, producing as fine hemp as any lands in the State. In 
the oak lands, fine tobacco is grown, and the beech lands yield 
large quantities of corn. The staples are, wheat, corn, hemp, 
and tobacco. 

Valuation of taxable property in Henry county in 1846, 
$4,135,673 ; number of acres of land in the county, 174,680 ; aver- 
age value of land per acre, $12.45 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,827; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 2,110; population in 1840, 10,015. 

The towns of the county are. New Castle, Franklinton, Hen- 
dersonville, Lockport, Pleasuresville, and Port Royal. New Cas- 
tle, the seat of justice, is situated near Drennon's creek, about 
twenty-six miles from Frankfort : contains an excellent court 
house and other public buildings, four, churches (Baptist, Metho- 
dist, Presbyterian, and Reformed), six taverns, nine dry goods 
stores and groceries, one drug store, one shoe and boot store, four 
doctors, four lawyers, a seminary and female academy, one tan- 
nery, one oil mill, twenty mechanics' shops, and seven hundred 
inhabitants. 

Franklinton is a small village, eight miles east of New Castle 
— contains one store and grocery, one free church, one tavern, and 
four mechanics. Hende^sonville lies six miles west of New Castle, 
and contains one tavern, two stores, one church, and two me- 
chanics. Lockport is situated on the Kentucky river, at lock and 
dam number two — contains two stores, two taverns, one doctor, 
three tobacco warehouses — and is the principal landing for 
Henry county. Pleasuresville lies six miles from New Castle, and 
contains one church, two taverns, four stores, two doctors, and six 
mechanics' shops. Port Royal is ten miles north-east from New 
Castle, and one mile from the Kentucky river — contains two 



PATRICK HENRY. 349 

stores, one tavern, one doctor, one tan yard, and four mechanics' 
shops. 

Drennon's Lick, a medicinal spring of black and salt sulphur, 
is a place of considerable resort during the watering season. 
The accommodations are good. This lick was esteemed a valu- 
able hunting ground of the Indians before the settlement of Ken- 
tucky — the deer and other game resorting to it in great num- 
bers. 

Patrick Henry, from whom this county derives its name, was one of the great 
lights of the revolution, and an extended sketch of his life belongs more properly 
to the history of the American republic. He was born in Hanover county, Vir- 
ginia, on the 29th of May, 1736, and his early years gave no promise of the dis- 
tinction which he acquired in subsequent life. His education was limited, em- 
bracing the common English branches, with a smattering of Latin, and a pretty 
good knowledge of mathematics, for which he manifested some degree of fond- 
ness. He was married at the early age of eighteen, and engaged successively, 
but most unsuccessfully, in the mercantile, agricultural, and again in the mer- 
cantile business. When his family had been so reduced in circumstances, as 
to be in want of even the necessaries of life, he turned his attention to the law, and 
aftesr six weeks' study, obtained license to practice. It was then, and not till 
then, that his star arose and took position among the bright galaxy of the day. 
His genius first displayed itself in the contest between the clergy and the people 
of Virginia, in an effort of popular eloquence, to which Mr. Wirt has given im- 
mortality. His second brilliant display was before a committee of the house of 
burgesses, on a contested election case — and here the successive bursts of elo- 
quence in defence of the right of suffrage, from a man so very plain and hum- 
ble in his appearance, struck the committee with astonishment. In 1765, he was 
elected a member of the house of burgesses, and prepared and was instrumental 
in passing through that body, a series of resolutions against the stamp act, and 
the scheme of taxing America by the British parliament. It was in the midst of 
the debate which arose on these resolutions, that Mr. Henry exclaimed : " Caesar 
had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third " — " Trea- 
son ! " cried the speaker — " Treason ! treason ! " echoed from every part of the 
house. Henry faltered not for an instant; but taking a loftier attitude, and fix- 
ing on the speaker an eye of fire, he finished his sentence with the firmest empha- 
sis — '''■may profit hy their example. If this be treason, make the most of it." 
From this period, Mr. Henry became the idol of the people of Virginia, and his 
influence was felt throughout the continent, as one of the great champions of 
civil liberty. 

He continued a member of the house of burgesses till the commencement of 
the revolution — was one of the standing committee of correspondence, and a 
member of the Virginia delegation in the first general Congress which met in 
Philadelphia in September, 1774. He acted a short time in a military capacity, 
but felt that his influence in civil life was more important to his country. Re- 
signing his military command, he was chosen first governor of the common- 
wealth of Virginia, and successively elected to that office while eligible. In 
1786, he resigned the office of governor. He subsequently declined the appoint- 
ment of the legislature as a member of the convention which framed the consti- 
tution of the United States ; but was a member of the Virginia convention which 
assembled to ratify that instrument, and, as is generally known, arrayed all his 
great powers of eloquence against its ratification. He became afterwards, how- 
ever, a firm friend of the constitution, and of the federal system of government 
established by that instrument. In 1791, he retired from public life — in 1794 
from the bar, and on the 6th of June, 1797, he closed his brilliant and eventful 
career on earth, leaving a large family in affluent circumstances. 

Patrick Henry was a natural orator of the highest order, combining imagina- 
tion, acuteness, dexterity and ingenuity, with the most forcible action and extra- 
ordinary powers of utterance. As a statesman, he was bold and sagacious, and 
his name is brilliantly and lastingly connected with those great events which re- 
sulted in the emancipation of his country. 



350 HICKMAN AND HOPKINS COUNTIES. 



HICKMAN COUNTY. 

Hickman county was formed in 1821, and named in honor of 
Captain Paschal Hickman. It is situated in the extreme south- 
west part of the state, and lies on the Mississippi river: Bounded 
on the north by Ballard ; east by Graves ; south by Fulton ; and 
west by the Mississippi river. The territory embraces about 220 
square miles — the face of the country is generally level or gently 
undulating — The Iron Banks and Chalk bluffs, washed by the 
Mississippi, being the only elevations which can properly be called 
hills in the county, and their altitude does not exceed 100 to 150 feet, 
with a gradual ascent. The soil is a black mould, very rich, but 
based upon sand. Corn and tobacco are grown in abundance, 
the latter of superior quality. The timber is heavy and of good 
quality, and the county ^nely watered by many mill streams, 
together with the Bayou de Chi en. 

Valuation of taxable property in 1846, $627,820 ; number of 
acres of land in the county, 150,124 ; average value of land per 
acre, $2.78 ; number of white males over twenty-one years of 
age, 660 ; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 
986. Population in 1840, including Fulton, since stricken off, 
8,968. 

The towns of the county are Clinton and Moscow. Clinton, 
the seat of justice, was established in 1831, and is about three 
hundred miles from Frankfort. It contains four stores, two tav- 
erns, six lawyers, three doctors, one large school, one tannery, 
eight mechanics' shops, and 275 inhabitants. Moscow is a small 
village, six miles from Clinton — contains two stores, two doc- 
tors, one tobacco stemmery, one lawyer, four or five mechanics' 
shops, and a population of 100, 

This county was named in memory of Captain Paschal Hickman, a native of 
Virginia. When very young, he emigrated to Kentucky with his father, the 
Rev. William Hickman, and settled in Franklin county. He served in most of 
the campaigns against the Indians, in which he was distinguished for his activity, 
efficiency and bravery. In 1812, he was commissioned a captain, raised a volun- 
teer company, and joined Colonel John Allen, who commanded the first regiment 
of Kentucky riflemen. He was in the memorable battle of the river Raisin, 
where he was severely wounded, and like many kindred Kentucky spirits, was 
inhumanly butchered in cold blood, by the savage allies of his Britannic majesty. 



HOPKINS COUNTY. 

Hopkins county was formed in 1806, and called for General 
Samuel Hopkins. It is situated in the western part of the State, 
lying on the waters of Greene river — bounded on the north by 
Henderson ; east by Pond river, which separates it from Muh- 
lenburg ; south by Christian ; and west by Caldwell. The lar- 
gest portion of land in the county is good, producing, in great 



SAMUEL HOPKINS. 351 

abundance, tobacco, corn and oats — though tobacco is the princi- 
pal export. The hills abound in inexhaustible coal mines, and 
some iron ore has been discovered. Greene river, which forms the 
northern boundary of the county, is always navigable for steam- 
boats — and Pond river is navigable for fiat boats to vvdthin eleven 
or twelve miles of Madisonville, rendered so by locks and dams 
on Greene river. Value of taxable property in 1846, $1,633,280 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 303,302 ; average value of 
land per acre, $2.30 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 1,719 ; number of children between five and six- 
teen years old, 2,548. Population in 1840, 9,171. 

The towns of the county are, Madisonville, Ashbysburg and 
Providence. Madisonville, the seat of justice, is about two hun- 
dred miles from Frankfort : contains a handsome brick court- 
house and other public buildings, two churches, (Christian and 
Methodist, the latter worshipped in, also, by the Cumberland 
Presbyterians), one academy, one female school for small girls, 
three common schools, five stores, four taverns, six lawyers, twelve 
doctors, (including tliree of the botanical order), in and near 
the town, with a large number of mechanics — population 450. 
Incorporated in 1812, and named for James Madison. Ashbysburg 
is a small village on Greene river, containing one store, post ofiice, 
and about fifty inhabitants — named for General Stephen Ashby. 
Providence contains two stores, one tavern, post office, and 100 
inhabitants. 

About four or five miles from Madisonville. on a high and rocky hill, are the 
remains of what is supposed to be a fortification. The wall is of stone, and con- 
tains an area of ten acres. No one living can tell when or by whom it was built. 

General Samuel Hopkins (whose name this county bears) was a native of 
Albermarle county, Virginia. He was an officer of the revolutionary army, and 
bore a conspicuous part in that great struggle for freedom. Few officers of his 
rank performed more active duty, rendered more essential services, or enjoyed 
in a higher degree the respect and confidence of the commander-in-chief. He 
fought in the battles of Princeton, Trenton, Monmouth, Brandywine, and Ger- 
mantown — in the last of which he commanded a battalion of light infantry, and 
received a severe wound, after the almost entire loss of those under his command 
in killed and wounded. He was lieutenant-colonel of the tenth Virginia regi- 
ment at the siege of Charleston, and commanded that regiment after Colonel Par- 
ker was killed, to the close of the war. The following anecdote is told of him : 
At the surrender of Charleston, on the 20th of May, 1780, he was made a priso- 
ner of war. After a short detention on an island, he and his brother officers, his 
companions in misfortune, were conducted in a British vessel round the coast to 
Virginia. During the voyage, which was a protracted one, the prisoners suffered 
many privations, and much harsh treatment, being often insulted by the Captain. 
Hopkins became indignant at the cruelty and insolence of the captain of the ves- 
sel, and determined, at all hazards, to resent the harsh treatment to which himself 
and brother officers had been subjected. On receiving his day's allowance, which 
consisted of a mouldy biscuit, he deliberately crumbled it up into a wad, and 
then, presenting it to the captain, demanded of him whether he thought that was 
sufficient to keep soul and body together. The petty tyrant was taken by surprise, 
and had no reply. " Sir," continued Hopkins, " the fortune of war has frequently 
placed British soldiers in my power, and they have never had cause to complain 
of my unkindness or want of hospitality. That which 1 have extended to others, 
I have a right to demand for my companions and myself in similar circumstances. 
And now, sir, (he continued with great emphasis), unless we are hereafter 



352 HOPKINS COUNTY. 

treated as gentlemen and officers, I will raise a mutiny and take your ship." 
This determined resolution had the desired effect. His companions and himself, 
during the remainder of the voyage, were treated with kindness and respect. 

In 1797, General Hopkins removed to Kentucky and settled on Greene river. 
He served several sessions in the legislature of Kentucky, and was a member of 
Congress for the term commencing in 1813, and ending in 1815. In October, 1812, 
he led a corps of two thousand mounted volunteers against the Kickapoo villages 
upon the Illinois ; but being misled by the guides, after wandering in the prai- 
ries for some days to no purpose, the party returned to the capital of Indiana, not- 
withstanding the wishes and commands of their general officers. Chagrined at 
the result of this attempt, in the succeeding November, General Hopkins led a 
band of infantry tip the Wabash, and succeeded in destroying several deserted 
Indian villages, but lost several men in an ambuscade. His wily enemy declin- 
ing a combat, and the cold proving severe, he was forced again to retire to Vin- 
cennes, where his troops vi^ere disbanded. 

After the close of this campaign, General Hopkins served one term in Con- 
gress, and then retired to private life on his farm near the Red banks. 

About twenty miles from the town of Henderson, at a point just within the line 
of Hopkins county, where the roads from Henderson, Morganfield and Hopkins- 
ville intersect, there is a wild and>lonely spot called " Harped HeadJ'^ The place 
derived its name from a tragical circumstance, which occurred there in the early 
part of the present century. The bloody legend connected with it, has been made 
the foundation of a thrilling border romance, by Judge Hall, of Cincinnati, one of 
the most pleasing writers of the west. The narrative which follows, however, 
may be relied on for its strict historical truth and accuracy, the facts having been 
derived from one who was contemporary with the event, and personally cognizant 
of most of the circumstances. The individual to whom we allude is the ven- 
erable James Davidson, of Frankfort, the present treasurer of Kentucky. Colonel 
Davidson was a distinguished soldier in the last war with Great Britain, and has 
filled the office of treasurer for many years. His high character for veracity is a 
pledge for the truth of any statement he may make. 

In the fall of the year 1801 or 1802, a company consisting of two men and three 
women arrived in Lincoln county, and encamped about a mile from the present 
town of Stanford. The appearance of the individuals composing this party was 
wild and rude in the extreme. The one who seemed to be the leader of the band, 
was above the ordinary stature of men. His frame was bony and muscular, his 
breast broad, his limbs gigantic. His clothing was uncouth and shabby, his 
exterior weatherbeaten and dirty, indicating continual exposure to the elements 
and designating him as one who dwelt far from the habitations of men, and min- 
gled not in the courtesies of civilized life. His countenance was bold and fero- 
cious, and exceedingly repulsive, from its strongly marked expression of villainy. 
His face, which was larger than ordinary, exhibited the lines of ungovernable 
passion, and the complexion announced that the ordinary feelings of the human 
breast were in him extinguished. Instead of the healthy hue which indicates 
the social emotions, there was a livid unnatural redness, resembling that of a dried 
and lifeless skin. His eye was fearless and steady, but it was also artful and 
audacious, glaring upon the beholder with an unpleasant fixedness and brilliancy, 
like that of a ravenous animal gloating on its prey. He wore no covering on his 
head, and the natural protection of thick coarse hair, of a fiery redness, uncombed 
and matted, gave evidence of long exposure to the rudest visitations of the sun- 
beam and the tempest. He was armed with a rifle, and a broad leathern belt, 
drawn closely around his waist, supported knife and tomahawk. He seemed, in 
short, an outlaw, destitute of all the nobler sympathies of human nature, and pre- 
pared at all points for assault or defence. The other man was smaller in size 
than him who led the party, but similarly armed, having the same suspicious 
exterior, and a countenance equally fierce and sinister. The females were coarse, 
sunburnt, and wretchedly attired. 

The men stated in answer to the enquiry of the inhabitants, that their names 
were Harpe, and that they were emigrants from North Carolina. They remained 
at their encampment the greater part of two days and a night, spending the time 
in rioting, drunkenness and debauchery. When they left they took the road lead- 
ing to Greene river. The day succeeding their departure, a report reached the 



HARPE'S HEAD. 353 

neighborhood that a young gentleman of wealth from Virginia, named Lankford, 
had been robbed and murdered on what was then called, and is still known as 
the " Wilderness Road,'''' which runs through the Rock-castle hills. Suspicion 
immediately fixed upon the Harpes as the perpetrators, and Captain Ballenger, 
at the head of a few bold and resolute men, started in pursuit. They experienced 
great difficulty in following their trail, owing to a heavy fall of snow, which had 
obliterated most of the tracks, but finally came upon them while encamped in a 
bottom on Greene river, near the spot where the town of Liberty now stands. At 
first they made a show of resistance, but upon being informed that if they did not 
immediately surrender they would be shot down, they yielded themselves pris- 
oners. 

They were brought back to Stanford, and there examined. Among their effects 
were found some fine linen shirts, marked with the initials of Lankford. One had 
been pierced by a bullet and was stained with blood. They had also a consid- 
erable sum of money, in gold. It was afterwards ascertained that this was the 
kind of money Lankford had with him. The evidence against them being thus 
conclusive, they were confined in the Stanford jail, but were afterwards sent for 
trial to Danville, where the district court was in session. Here they broke jail, 
and succeeded in making their escape. 

They were next heard of in Adair county, near Columbia. In passing through 
that county, they met a small boy, the son of Colonel Trabue, with a pillow case 
of meal or flour, an article they probably needed. This boy it is supposed they 
robbed and then murdered, as he was never afterwards heard of. Many years 
afterwards human bones, answering the size of Colonel Trabue's son at the time 
of his disappearance, were found in a sink hole near the place where he was said 
to have been murdered. 

The Harpes still shaped their course towards the mouth of Greene river, mark- 
ing their path by murders and robberies of the most horrible and brutal character. 
The district of country through which they passed was at that time very thinly 
settled, and from this reason their outrages went unpunished. They seemed 
inspired with the deadliest hatred against the whole human race, and such was 
their implacable misanthropy, that they were known to kill where there was no 
temptation to rob. One of their victims was a little girl, found at some distance 
from her home, whose tender age and helplessness would have been protection 
against any but incarnate fiends. The last dreadful act of barbarity, which led 
to their punishment and expulsion from the country, exceeded in atrocity all the 
others. 

Assuming the guise of Methodist preachers, they obtained lodgings one night 
at a solitary house on the road. Mr. Stagall, the master of the house, was ab- 
sent, but they found his wife and children, and a stranger, who, like themselves, 
had stopped for the night. Here they conversed and made inquiries about the 
two noted Harpes who were represented as prowling about the country. When 
they retired to rest, they contrived to secure an axe, which they carried with 
them into their chamber. In the dead of night they crept softly down stairs, 
and assassinated the whole family, together with the stranger, in their sleep, and 
then setting fire to the house, made their escape. 

When Stagall returned, he found no wife to welcome him ; no home to receive 
him. Distracted with grief and rage, he turned his horse's head from the smoul- 
dering ruins, and repaired to the house of Captain John Leeper. Leeper was one 
of the most powerful men of his day, and fearless as powerful. Collecting four 
or five other men well armed, they mounted and started in pursuit of vengeance. 
It was agreed that Leeper should attack " Big Harpe," leaving " Little Harpe " 
to be disposed of by Stagall. The others were to hold themselves in readiness 
to assist Leeper and Stagall, as circumstances might require. 

This party found the women belonging to the Harpes attending to their little 
camp by the road side ; the men having gone aside into the woods to shoot an 
unfortunate traveler, of the name of Smith, who had fallen into their hands, and 
whom the women had begged might not be dispatched before their eyes. It was 
this halt that enabled the pursuers to overtake them. The women immediately 
gave the alarm, and the miscreants mounting their horses, which were large, 
fleet and powerful, fled in separate directions. Leeper singled out the Big Harpe, 
and being better mounted than his companions, soon left them far behind. Little 
23 



354 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

Harpe succeeded in escaping from Stagall, and he, with the rest of his compan- 
ions, turned and followed on the track of Leeper and the Big Harpe. After a 
chase of about nine miles, Leeper came within gun shot of the latter and fired. The 
ball entering his thigh, passed through it and penetrated his horse, and both fell. 
Harpe's gun escaped from his hand and rolled some eight or ten feet down the 
bank. Reloading his rifle, Leeper ran up to where the wounded outlaw lay wel- 
tering in his blood, and found him with one thigh broken, and the other crushed 
beneath his horse. Leeper rolled the horse away, and set Harpe in an easier po- 
sition. The robber begged that he might not be killed. Leeper told him that he 
had nothing to fear from him, but that Stagall was coming up, and could not 
probably be restrained. Harpe appeared very much frightened at hearing this, 
and implored Leeper to protect him. In a few moments Stagall appeared, and 
without uttering a word, raised his rifle and shot Harpe through the head. They 
then severed the head from the body, and stuck it upon a pole where the road 
crosses the creek, from which the place was then named and is yet called Harpe'it 
Head. Thus perished one of the boldest and most noted freebooters that has 
ever appeared in America. Save courage, he was without one redeeming quality, 
and his death freed the country from a terror which had long paralyzed its bold- 
est spirits. 

The Little Harpe, when next heard from, was on the road which runs 
from New Orleans, through the Choctaw grant, to Tennessee. Whilst there, 
he became acquainted with and joined the band of outlaws led by the cele- 
brated Mason. Mason and Harpe committed many depredations upon the above 
mentioned road, and upon the Mississippi river. They continued this course of life 
for several years, and accumulated great wealth. Finally, Mason and his band 
became so notorious and troublesome, that the governor of the Mississippi terri- 
tory offered a reward of five hundred dollars for his head. Harpe immediately 
determined to secure the reward for himself. Finding Mason one day in a thick 
canebreak, counting his money, he shot him, cut off his head, and carried it to 
the village of Washington, then the capital of Mississippi. A man who had 
been robbed about a year before by Mason's band, recognized Harpe, and upon 
his evidence, he was arrested, arraigned, tried, condemned, and executed. Thus 
perished the " Little Harpe," who, lacking the only good quality his brother pos- 
sessed, courage, was if any thing, more brutal and ferocious. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

Jefferson county was formed in 1780, by the Virginia legisla- 
ture, (being one of the three original counties which composed 
the district of Kentucky)^ and named in honor of Thomas Jeffer- 
son, distinguished, at that day, as the author of the declaration of 
independence, and one of the ablest and most efficient members 
of the continental Congress. This county is situated in the north- 
west middle part of the State — bounded on the north by Old- 
ham and the Ohio river, on the east by Shelby, on the south by 
Bullitt and Spencer, and on the west by the Ohio river. Louis- 
ville city is the seat of justice, about fifty miles from Frankfort. 

Besides the Ohio river, which, in an extended and beautiful 
curve, borders half of the northern and the entire southern por- 
tion of the county, Jefferson is watered by Beargrass, a stream 
noted in the early settlement of the State, which enters the Ohio 
at Louisville, and by Pond's and Floyd's creeks — the latter emp- 
tying, its waters into Salt river. The face of the country is di- 
versified, presenting, for many miles around, and including the 



LOUISVILLE. 355 

city of Louisville, an almost unbroken level plain, rich, produc- 
tive and highly cultivated ; v^^hile the up-lands are undulating or 
hilly, with a soil inferior, generally, to the bottom-lands, but pro- 
ducing fine wheat, oats and corn. The staples of Jefferson are 
hemp, wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. Horses, cattle and hogs, 
in large numbers, are also raised, and the county is dotted with 
fine gardens for the supply of the Louisville market with vege- 
tables. 

Number of acres of land in Jefferson county, 200,680 ; average 
value per acre, $28.12; value of taxable property in 1846, $22,- 
940,533 ; number of white males over twenty-one years old, 7,547 ; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 6,326. 
Population in 1830, 10,090— in 1840,36,346. 

The city of Louisville is situated at the Falls of the Ohio, im- 
mediately at the junction of Beargrass with that river. It is 
1,480 miles, by water, from New-Orleans, 607 from Pittsburgh, 
350, by land, from St. Louis, 53 miles from Frankfort : latitude 
38 deg., 3 min. north; longitude 85 deg., 30 min. west from Green- 
wich, and 8 deg., 45 min. west from Washington city. It is built 
on an elevated plain, 70 feet above low water mark, and very 
gently declining towards its southern border ; is regularly laid 
out on a plan similar to that of Philadelphia, having eight broad 
and beautiful streets, running east and west, and parallel with 
the river, from one and a half to two miles in length, and from 
sixty to one hundred and twenty feet in breadth — these are inter- 
sected at right angles by more than thirty cross streets, all sixty 
feet wide. The streets are generally well paved, and the side 
walks wide and convenient. The public buildings are a city 
hall and court-house not yet complete, a city and county jail, on 
the most approved model, a marine hospital, a medical institute, 
an asylum for the blind, an edifice for the university of Louis- 
ville, thirty churches, viz : four Baptist, one Christian, six Metho- 
dist (one of which is German), one Seamen's Bethel, four Presby- 
terian, three Episcopal, one Unitarian, two Universalist, two 
Roman Catholic (one of which is German), four churches for 
colored people (three Methodist and one Baptist), one Free 
church, one Jewish synagogue, five banking houses, four market 
houses, one city work-house, one hospital, two orphan asylums, 
one Magdalen asylum, under the care of the Sisters of the Good 
Shepherd, four large city school-houses, twenty-four schools, six 
of which are grammar schools, three for males and three for 
females. Some of these buildings are splendid structures, and 
would do credit to any city of the United States. The city hall 
is a noble building, admirably planned, and presenting a beautiful 
exterior. It is not yet complete. The first Presbyterian and 
St. Paul's (Episcopal), churches are fine specimens of architec- 
tural beauty. 

Religious and Benevolent Institutions. — ^Thirty churches, of the various 
denominations of Christians, including one of the Jews, a depository of the Ameri- 
can Sunday School Union, the Louisville Bible Society, and the Young- Men's 



356 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

Tract Society, five Masonic lodges, one Royal Arch Chapter, one Encampment 
of Knights Templars, six lodges of Odd Fellows, one grand lodge of Odd Fel- 
lows, and one grand encampment, ten divisions of the Sons of Temperance, three 
Temples of Honor, and one grand division Sons of Temperance of Kentucky. 

The Medical Institute ranks high ^mong the public institutions of Louisville. 
It was organized in 1837, by an ordinance of the city council, which appropriated 
$50,000 for the library, chemical apparatus, and suitable buildings. The first 
course of lectures was delivered to 80 students, the second to 120; the third class 
numbered 201, the fourth 208, the fifth 262, the sixth 189, the seventh 242, the 
eighth 283, the ninth 342, and the tenth 34!) students. The college edifice is a 
commodious, well arranged, and handsome building; and the professors are 
learned and able men. 

The Asylum fur the Blind is a noble institutioh, established by the State of 
Kentucky in 1842. A spacious building has been erected for this institution, by 
the joint contributions of the State and benevolent citizens of Louisville. The 
institution already embraces between forty and fifty students, of both sexes. The 
course of instruction embraces the elementary and higher branches of the English 
language, ancient and modern languages, and music, vocal and instrumental. 
The students are instructed also, in the various kinds of handicraft, by which 
they will be enabled to gain an honorable support, after leaving the institution. 

The University of Louisville is yet in its infancy ; but from the liberality of its 
endowment, and the character of the people among whom it is located, there can 
be no doubt that it is destined to take a high rank among the literary institutions 
of the west. The first course of lectures in the law department, was delivered last 
winter to about thirty students. 

The Marine Hospital is another important public institution, located at Louis- 
ville. It was established in 1820, by a grant from the State of $40,000 — and 
designed as a refuge for sick and infirm mariners. 

The Kentucky Historical Society, which has its location in Louisville, was in- 
corporated by the legislature in 1838. It is an institution of great value — the 
object of its organization being, to collect and preserve the public and private 
records which are calculated to .elucidate the history of the west, but more par- 
ticularly, of Kentucky. 

The other public institutions of Louisville, consist of — the Bank of Kentucky, 
with a capital of $5,000,000 ; Bank of Louisville, capital $2,000,000; Branch 
of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, capital $600,000; Louisville Gas Company, 
capital $1,200,000; Mechanics' Savings Institute, $100,000; ten insurance com- 
panies ; and the Mercantile Library Association, with a library of four thousand 
volumes. 

The trade of Louisville is very extensive, and to those who have not made 
themselves acquainted with statistics of this character, would appear almost in- 
credible. In the two articles of sugar and coffee, the sales, during the year 1847, 
it is believed, will amount to several millions of dollars; while the total export 
and import trade will fall but little short of $50,000,000.* The houses engaged 
in the dry goods, commission, drug, hardware, grocery, fruit, and produce busi- 
ness, number upwards of six hundred, employing a capital of about $6,000,000. 
Besides the houses engaged in the business named, there are seven book stores,! 
seven iron stores, ten lumber yards, twelve founderies for the construction of 
steamboat and mill machinery, one brass foundry, one rolling and slitting mill, 
two steam bagging factories, producing about two million yards cotton bagging 
annually, six cordage and rope factories, one cotton factory, one woolen factory, 
four flouring mills, four lard oil factories, one white lead factory, one burr mill- 
stone factory, several extensive potteries, six tobacco stemmeries, two tobacco 
inspection houses, two glass cutting establishments, one oil cloth factory, two 

•In May, 1815, the first trip of a steamboat was made from New Orleans to Louisville and Pitts- 
burgh; the second and third trips in 1817. In 1841, there were 369 steamboats on the western and 
south-western waters, measuring, in the aggregate, more than fifty thousand tons. In 184^ the number 
of boats and tonnage is believed to be double that of 1S41. In the immense trade carried ou by these 
boats, Louisville largely participates. 




ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, LOUISVILLE, KY. 



358 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

surgical instrument manufactories, two lithographic engravers, one large paper 
mill, one star candle factory, four pork houses, three piano manufactories, three 
breweries, one ivory clock manufactory, six tanneries, ten soap and candle facto- 
ries, four planing machines, city gas works, two scale beam factories, two ghie 
factories, three ship yards, one nail manufactory. There are, also, extensive 
manufactories of sheet iron, brass, copper, tin ware, silver ware, saddlery and 
harness, cabinet ware, chairs, plows, carriages, wagons, hats, boots and shoes, 
clocks, clothing, &c., &c., with a large number of building mechanics. 

The citj' is well supplied with hotels and boarding-houses of a high character. 
The professions of law, medicine, and divinity, are well filled with able and dis- 
tinguished men — there being, in the city, about one hundred lawyers, ninety 
physicians, and upwards of thirty ministers of the gospel. 

There are twelve newspapers and periodicals — political, commercial, religious, 
temperance, medical, emancipation, and agricultural — some of them old estab- 
lishments and of high repute, published in the city. The Louisville Journal,* 
published daily, tri-weekly, and weekly; the Morning Courier, daily, tri-vveekly, 
and weekly ; the Evening Express, daily ; the Louisville Democrat, daily, tri- 
weekly, and weekly; the Journal of Commerce, weekly ; the Presbyterian Herald, 
weekly; the Baptist Banner, weeWy; the Catholic Advocate, wee^Xy ; the Spirit 
of the Age, weekly; the Examiner, weekly; the fFestern Journal of Medicine and 
Surgery, monthly; and the Southern Methodist Quarterly Review, 

There are several extensive job printing offices in the city ; and the book print- 
ing establishment of Messrs. Morton & Griswold, is one of the most extensive in 
the western country. 

The want of public squares in Louisville is deeply felt. According to the origi- 
nal plan, a strip of land nearly two hundred feet in width, lying south of Greene 
street, and extending the whole length of the city, was reserved for a public 
promenade. If this plan had been followed, and some of the magnificent forest 
trees had been suffered to remain, Louisville would have presented beauties which 
the most splendid buildings in the world could not give. Health, pleasure, taste and 
even morality are improved by fine promenades and public squares. No one can 
tell how much of the literary eminence of Athens is due to the "groves of Aca- 
demus." There is yet an opportunity for Louisville to have a good promenade, 
though she can have no central public square. If Broadway were properly 
graded and set with trees, it would prove one of the most beautiful streets in the 
world. If the street were extended to " Preston's Wood" on the east, and this 
wood were properly improved, it would be a delightful place of resort. 

The population of Louisville, in 1780, comprised only thirty souls ; in 1800, 
population six hundred; in 1810, population one thousand three hundred; in 
1820, four thousand; in 1830, ten thousand and ninety; in 1840, twenty-one 
thousand; in 1843, twenty-eight thousand; in 1845, thirty-two thousand; and 
in 1847, it is estimated at forty thousand. 

Those who approach Louisville from the east, will probably arrive in the night. 
When within a few miles of the city, the boat winds round an island, and a long 
row of brilliant gas lights presents itself to the view. The effect of this is very 
fine, and a considerable time elapses before the appearance of buildings mars the 
beauty of the scene. But those who approach by daylight, have a much more 
varied and beautiful prospect. A view taken from the Kentucky shore, just above 
the city, is one of the most charming on which the eye can rest. Before you are 
the Falls, Corn Island, and, in the distance. New Albany ; on the left is a view 
of part of Louisville ; on the right, below Jeffersonville, appear some of the forest 
trees of Indiana. The river here has the appearance of a lake, for it winds around 
in such a manner that its course is concealed. The upper part of this apparent 
lake, is smooth and tranquil : while the lower part is in violent commotion from 
the dashing of the water over the rocks. In looking at the upper part, the river 
seems to you to be collecting its energies for some violent exertion. After a mo- 
ment's hesitation, after taking breath, as it were, it rushes furiously upon the im- 

* George D. Prentice, who has been for many years connected with the Journal as a proprietor 
and the principal editor, stands unrivalled as a political writer, a wit. and a satirist, and has written 
some poetical articles of exceeding beauty. Among the poets of Louisville, it is proper to mention 
the name, also, of iVIrs. Amelia AVelby. whose exquisite productions, under the signature ol 'Amelia, 
have given her a high rank among American poets. Fortunatus Cosby, aad his son, Robl.T. Co»by, 
have also written many poetical articles of great merit. 




M 



EDICAL COLLEGE, LOUISVILLE, KY. 



360 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

pediments in its way, like an army charging upon the foe. In the back-ground 
the blue hills crown the view, the long line curving itself as if to embrace the 
city. 

Three-quarters of a century have not elapsed since Louisville was selected as a 
site for a town. Captain Thomas Bullitt, of Virginia, uncle of the late Alexander 
Scott Bullitt, who was the first lieutenant-governor of Kentucky, is said to have 
laid off the town in August, 1773.* This was before the first log cabin was built 
in Kentucky. For several years after this, the silence of the forest was undis- 
turbed by the white man. The place was occasionally visited by different per- 
sons, but no settlement was made until 1778, In the spring of this year, a party, 
consisting of a small number of families, came to the Falls with George Rogers 
Clark, and were left by him on an island near the Kentucky shore, now called 
Corn island. The name is supposed to have been derived from the circumstance 
that the settlers planted their first Indian corn on this island. 

These settlers were sixty or seventy miles distant from any other settlement, 
and had nothing but their insular position to defend them from the Indians. The 
posts in the Wabash country, occupied by the British, served as points of sup- 
port for the incursions of the savages. After these had been taken by Clark, the 
settlers were inspir d with confidence, and, in the fall of 1778, removed from the 
island to the site now occupied by Louisville. Here a block house was erected, f 
and the number of settlers was increased by the arrival of other emigrants from 
Virginia. 

In 1780, the legislature of Virginia passed " an act for establishing the town of 
Louisville,:^: at the falls of Ohio." By this act, "John Todd, jr., Stephen Trigg, 
George Slaughter, John Floyd, William Pope, George Meriwether, Andrew 
Hynes, James Sullivan, gentlemen," were appointed trustees to lay off the town 
on a tract of one thousand acres of land, which had been granted to John Con- 
nolly by the British government, and which he had forfeited by adhering to the 
English monarch. Each purchaser was to build on his own lot "a dwelling 
house, sixteen feet by twenty, at least, with a brick or stone chimney, to be fin- 
ished within two years from the day of sale." On account of the interruptions 
caused by the inroads of the Indians, the time was afterwards extended. The 
state of the settlers was one of constant danger and anxiety. Their foes were 
continually prowling around, and it was risking their lives to leave the fort. 

The settlement at the Falls was more exposed than those in the interior, on 
account of the facility with which the Indians could cross and re-cross the river, 
and the difficulties in the way of pursuing them. The savages frequently crossed 
the river, and after killing some of the settlers, and committing depredations upon 
property, recrossed and escaped. In 1780, Colonel George Slaughter arrived at 
the Falls with one hundred and fifty state troops. The inhabitants were inspired 
with a feeling of security which led them frequently to expose themselves with 
too little caution. Their foes were ever on the watch, and were continually de- 
stroying valuable lives. Danger and death crouched in every path, and lurked 
behind every tree. We give here some illustrations of the incidents connected 
with Indian warfare. 

In March, 1781, several parties entered Jefferson county, and killed Colonel 
William Lynn, and Captains Tipton and Chapman. Captain Whittaker and 
fifteen men pursued and traced them to the foot of the Falls. Supposing that 
the enemy had crossed the river, they embarked in canoes to follow them. While 
they were making their way across the river, they were fired upon by the Indians, 
who were still on the Kentucky side, and nine were killed or wounded. The 
rest returned and defeated the enemy. In the next month a party that had made 

*Captniu Bullitt was a man of great energy and enterprise, as he showed on several important 
occasions. He served in the French war, and was engaged in the battle which resulted in Brad- 
dock's defeat, and in other actions. He was a captain in the regiment that was commanded by 
Washington. On one occasion, two detachments from Colonel Washington's regiment were out 
npon the frontiers to surprise a party of French troops from Fort Du Quesne. Instead of falling in 
with the French, the two detachments met each other, and. the day being very foggy, each party sup- 
posed the other to be the enemy, and a warm firing was commenced on both sides. Captain Bullitt 
was one of the first that discovered the mistake, and ran in between the two parties, waving his hat, 
and calling upon them to cease firing. 

tA larger fort was built in 1789, and called Fort Nelson, in honor of Gov. Nelson, of Virgmia. 

jThe name was given to the place in honor of the ill-fated French monarch, Louis XVI. whose 
troops were at that time assisting the Americans in the war against England. 






7} I^MMEMf^-' 





UNIVERSITY OF LOUI:>VILLE. KY 



362 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

a settlement under Squire Boone, near the place where Shelbyville now stands, 
became alarmed by the appearance of Indians, and resolved to remove to the neigh- 
borhood of Louisville. On the way, the party, consisting of men, women and 
children, encumbered with the charge of household goods and cattle, were attacked 
by a large company of Indians that had pursued them, and were defeated and dis- 
persed. Colonel John Floyd, on receiving intelligence of this event, raised a 
company of twenty-five men, and hastened to pursue the enemy. He divided 
his men and proceeded with great caution ; but this did not prevent his falling 
into an ambuscade. The Indians, whose force is said to have been three times 
as great as his, completely defeated him, killing about half his men, and losing 
nine or ten. Colonel Floyd himself lost his horse, and was retreating on foot, 
nearly exhausted, and closely pursued, when Captain Samuel Wells seeing him, 
rode up and gave him his horse, running by his side to support him. These two 
gentlemen had been unfriendly towards each other, but this noble act made them 
friends for life.* 

In 1793, a party of Indians fired on a flat boat descending the river, but with- 
but serious injury to those on board. On the succeeding day, they captured a boy 
at Eastin's mill, and conveyed him to the Ohio. Here, by a strange freak, they 
gave him a tomahawk, knife and pipe, and set him at liberty, unhurt.")- 

In those days, the dress and furniture were of the simplest kind. Many who 
are now proud of their ancestors, would be ashamed of them if they were to 
appear before them in the costliest dress of the early times. It is amusing to 
imagine the consternation of a belle at a fashionable party, if her ancestors 
should present themselves before her — the grandfather in coon-skin cap and buck- 
skin breeches, and his wife dressed out for the occasion in her best attire of 
linsey-woolsey. The very fan of the belle would tremble, as if participating in 
the shame and confusion, and the odor of the smelling-bottle would rise in indig- 
nant steam. 

In 1783, Daniel Brodhead began a new era, by exposing goods from Philadel- 
phia for sale in Louisville. The merchandise had been brought from Philadel- 
phia to Pittsburgh in wagons, and thence to Louisville in flat boats. The belles 
of our " forest-land " then began to shine in all the magnificence of calico, and 
the beaux in the luxury of wool hats. 

After the old county of Kentucky had been divided, in November, 1781, into 
three counties — Jefferson, Fayette and Lincoln — JeflTerson included all the part of 
the old county lying south of the Kentucky river, north of Greene river, and 
west of Big Benson, and Hammond's creek. The county court of each county 
was composed of the most respectable citizens of such county, and appointed its 
own clerk. The limits of its authority were rather undefined. The county court 
of Jefferson sat also as a court of oyer and terminer. In regard to capital offen- 
ces, it acted merely as an examining court when white persons were concerned, 
but tried and condemned slaves to death. " At a called court held for Jefferson 
county on the 10th day of August, 1785, for the examination of negro Peter, the 
property of Francis Vigo, committed to the jail of this county on suspicion of 
stealing, present, James F. Moore, William Oldham, Richard Taylor and David 
Meriwether, gent." — Peter was found guilty, valued at eighty pounds, current 
money, and condemned to be executed on the 24th day of that month. On the 
21st day of October, 1786, "negro Tom, a slave, the property of Robert Daniel," 
was condemned to death for stealing " two and three-fourths yards of cambric, 
and some ribbon and thread, the property of James Patten." The following 
appears on the early records of the court : 

" The court doth set the following rates to be observed by ordinary keepers in 
this county, to wit: whiskey fifteen dollars the half pint; corn at ten dollars 
the gallon; a diet at twelve dollars ; lodging in a feather bed, six dollars ; sta- 
blage or pasturage one night, four dollars." 

These seem to be very extravagant prices ; but we suppose travelers took care 
to pay in continental money. These were the times when a hat was worth five 
hundred dollars. The following is an inventory rendered to the court of the 
property of a deceased person : 

•Marshall 1, 115. See also biographical sketch of Colonel Floyd. t Ibid. II, SI. 



LOUISVILLE. 363 

"To a coat and waistcoat ^8250, an old blue do. and do. £50 . . . 300 

" To pocket book £6, part of an old shirt £3 9 

"To old blanket, 6s.; 2 bushels salt £480 . 480 6 



£789 6." 

The following is recorded May 7th, 1784 : — " George Poraeroy being brought 
before the court, charged with having been guilty of a breach of the act of 
assembly, entitled 'divulgers of false news,' on examining sundry witnesses, and 
the said Pomeroy heard in his defence, the court is of opinion that the said George 
Poraeroy is guilty of a breach of the said law, and it is therefore ordered that he 
be fined 2000 pounds of tobacco for the same. And it is further ordered that the 
said George Pomeroy give security for his good behavior, himself in £1000, with 
two securities in £500, and pay costs, &c." 

This may seem like making rather too serious a matter of divulging false news. 
It is certain that if all who are guilty of this crime in our day were punished, it 
would add very materially to the business of the courts. The history of this 
matter is rather curious. Tom Paine wrote a book ridiculing the right of Vir- 
ginia to the lands of Kentucky, and urging Congress to assume possession of the 
whole country. Two Pennsylvanians, whose names were Pomeroy and Gallo- 
way, had imbibed the principles of this production, and came to Kentucky to 
propagate them — Pomeroy to the Falls, and Galloway to Lexington. Galloway 
produced considerable disturbance at Lexington. ," Several of the good people," 
says Mr. H. Marshall, " yielded so far to his persuasions as to commence chopping 
and improving upon their neighbors' lands, with the pious intent of appropriating 
them, under an act of Congress, which, they were assured, was soon to be pro- 
mulgated." It was decided that he must be punished. After this determination 
had been made, an old law of Virginia was fortunately found which inflicted a 
penalty, in tobacco, at the discretion of the court, upon the " propagation of false 
news, to the disturbance of the good people of the colony." Galloway was fined 
one thousand pounds of tobacco. As it was impossible to procure so much tobacco 
in Kentucky at that time, he had a prospect of spending some time in prison. 
At length it was intimated to him that if he would leave the country, justice 
would be satisfied. He instantly caught at the offer. Mr. Marshall says that 
at the Falls, no one minded Paine's disciple. The extract from the records 
shows that he was mistaken, and that Pomeroy was fined twice as much tobacco 
as Galloway was ordered to pay. 

Into the original log cabins the light entered by the open door, or by any open- 
ing it could find. One of the first settlers would almost as soon have thought 
of bringing some "bright particular star" into his dwelling to illuminate it, as 
of introducing light through a glass window. In the progress of time, hovi'ever, 
the owner of a certain shop or " store " procured some glass, and inserted a few 
panes in his house. A young urchin who had seen glass spectacles on the noses 
of his elders, saw this spectacle with astonishment, and, running home to his 
mother, exclaimed, " O ma ! there is a house down here with specs on ! " This 
may be considered a very precocious manifestation of the power of generalization 
in the young Kentuckian. 

The first brick house was built in 1789, by Mr. Kaye, on the square on which 
the court house now stands. 

The beginning of the nineteenth century found Louisville with a population 
of 600 in the midst of her ponds. In 1810, the number had increased to 1,357. 

In 1811 and 1812, occurred that succession of earthquakes which shook a great 
part of our continent. The first shock was felt at Louisville, December 16, 1811, 
a few minutes after two o'clock in the morning, and continued three and a half 
or four minutes. For one minute, the shock was very severe. Several gentle- 
men of Louisville were amusing themselves at a social party, when one of their 
acquaintances burst into the room and cried out, " Gentlemen, how can you be 
engaged in this way, when the world is so near its end ! " The company rushed 
out, and from the motion of objects around them, every star seemed to be falling. 
" What a pity," exclaimed one of them, " that so beautiful a world should be 
thus destroyed ! " Almost every one of them believed that mother earth, as she 



364 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

heaved and struggled, was in her last agony. For several months, the citizens 
of Louisville were in continual alarm. The earth seemed to have no rest, except 
the uneasy rest of one disturbed by horrid dreams. Each house generally had a 
key suspended over the mantle piece, and by its oscillations the inmates were in- 
formed of the degree of danger. If the shock was violent, brick houses were im- 
mediately deserted. Under the key usually lay a bible. In the opinion of a 
distinguished citizen of Louisville, who has related to us many incidents of those 
exciting times, the earthquake had a beneficial influence upon public morals. 
Usually, we believe, times of great danger and excitement have had a contrary effect. 
Thucydides tells us that during the prevalence of the plague at Athens, men be- 
came more reckless and wicked, more eager in grasping at the pleasures which 
they saw so rapidly flitting by them. When the great plague raged in Italy, if 
we may judge from the character of the ladies and gentlemen in Boccaccio's 
Decameron, the morals were any thing but good. The plague in London, also, 
was accompanied by a corruption of morals. 

In 1812, the legislature passed an act authorising the paving of Main street 
from Third to Sixth. No city in the Union had greater need of pavements. The 
horses had to draw the wagons through the business part of the city, as Sisy- 
phus rolled " the huge round stone", up the hill, 

" With many a weary step, and many a groan." 

In 1819, Dr. McMurtrie published his " Sketches of Louisville." The num- 
ber of inhabitants was then more than four thousand, and was rapidly increasing. 
Society was becoming more refined. Dr. McMurtrie complains a good deal of 
that characteristic of all new cities, too great a devotion to the accumulation of 
wealth; and adds, with considerable rotundity of style: "There is a circle, small 
' tis true, but within whose magic round abounds every pleasure that wealth, 
regulated by taste, can bestow. There the ' red heel ' of Versailles may ima- 
gine himself in the very emporium of fashion, and, whilst leading beauty through 
the mazes of the dance, forget that he is in the wilds of America," 

In speaking of the diseases of the place, Dr. M. mentions "a bilious remitting 
fever, whose symptoms are often sufficiently aggravated to entitle it to the name 
of yellow fever,'''' and predicts the appearance of yellow fever itself, " unless greater 
attention be paid to cleanliness in every possible way." " During the months of 
July, August and September," says he, " so strongly are the inhabitants of this 
and the adjacent towns predisposed to this disease, by the joint influence of cli- 
mate and the miasm of marshes, and decayed and decaying vegetable matter, 
that they may be compared to piles of combustibles, which need but the appli- 
cation of a single spark to rouse them into flame." The yellow fever did not 
make its appearance as Dr. M. predicted, but in 1822 a fever raged which seemed 
to threaten almost the depopulation of the town. It prevailed in some degree 
over the whole western country, but in Louisville it was particularly virulent. 
Almost every house seemed to become a hospital. In a family, consisting of 
twenty persons, nineteen were sick at one time. In one family, perhaps in more, 
every individual died. 

After that visitation, Louisville began to be more healthy. At that time, where 
now stand some of the finest buildings in the city, large ponds flourished in 
perpetual green, and the croaking of frogs was not less ominous of death than had 
been the yell of the savage. That period, like all others, had its conservative 
party — " its party of the present," — who wished every thing to remain as it was, 
and were opposed to depriving the frogs of the possessions which they had held 
" time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." They vi'ould 
as soon have thought of interfering with the music of the spheres as with that of 
the ponds. But other counsels began to prevail, and the inhabitants of the waters 
were obliged to retire before advancing civilization, as the inhabitants of the woods 
had done before them. Louisville had been called " the grave yard of the west;" 
but it began to change its character. Dr. M. says — " To affirm that Louisville is a 
healthy city, would be absurd." The affirmation may now be made without any 
fear of the charge of absurdity. Louisville is now acknowledged by all who are 
acquainted with the matter, to be one of the most healthy cities in the world. 
There is nothing to make it unhealthy. There are no hills to confine the air 
until it becomes putrid. The course of the breeze is as unobstructed as is that 



LOUISVILLE. 365 

of the winds that revel over the surface of the ocean. The water is cool and 
pure and abundant. Ten years after the fever had made its dreadful ravages, the 
cholera appeared ; but so gently did the destroying angel lay his hand upon the 
city, that the appearance of this scourge of the world scarcely forms an epoch in 
her history. 

The attention of the people was directed, at a very early period, to plans for 
overcoming the obstructions to navigation presented by the " Falls." In 1804, the 
legislature of Kentucky incorporated a company to make a canal round the Falls. 
Nothing was done, however, for many years. The Louisville and Portland canal 
company was incorporated in 1825, and the canal was finished in 1833. The 
completion of the canal produced a great change in the business of the city. The 
" forwarding and commission" business, the operations in which formed so great 
a part of the mercantile transactions of Louisville, and had given employment to 
so many persons, was, in a great measure, destroyed. Much of the capital and 
industry of the city was obliged to seek new channels, and the transition state was 
one of great embarrassment. But a more healthy condition of things succeeded. 

In the latter part of April, 1784, the father of the late Judge Rowan, with his 
fiimily and five other families, set out from Louisville in two flat-bottomed boats, 
for the Long Falls of Greene river.* The intention was to descend the Ohio river 
to the mouth of Greene river, and ascend that river to the place of destination. At 
that time there were no settlements in Kentucky, within one hundred miles of the 
Long Falls of Greene river (afterwards called Vienna). The families were in 
one boat, and their cattle in the other. When the boats had descended the Ohio 
about one hundred miles, and were near the middle of it, gliding along very se- 
curely, as it was thought, about ten o'clock of the night, a prodigious yelling of 
Indians was heard, some two or three miles below, on the northern shore ; and 
they had floated but a short distance further down the river, when a number of 
fires were seen on that shore. The yelling continued, and it was concluded that 
they had captured a boat which had passed these two about mid-day, and were 
massacreing their captives. The two boats were lashed together, and the best 
practicable arrangements were made for defending them. The men were distrib- 
uted by Mr. Rowan to the best advantage, in case of an attack — they were seven 
in number, including himself. The boats were neared to the Kentucky shore, 
with as little noise by the oars as possible ; but avoided too close an approach to 
that shore, lest there might be Indians there also. The fires of the Indians were 
extended along the bank at intervals, for half a mile or more, and as the boats 
reached a point about opposite the central fire, they were discovered, and com- 
manded to come to. All on board remained silent, for Mr. Rowan had given strict 
orders that no one should utter any sound but that of his rifle, and not that until 
the Indians should come within powder burning distance. They united in a most 
terrific yell, rushed to their canoes, and gave pursuit. The boats floated on in 
silence — not an oar was pulled. The Indians approached within less than a hun- 
dred yards, with a seeming determination to board. Just at this moment, Mrs. 
Rowan rose from her seat, collected the axes, and placed one by the side of each 
man, where he stood with his gun, touching him on the knee with the handle of 
the axe, as she leaned it up by him against the side of the boat, to let him know 
it was there, and retired to her seat, retaining a hatchet for herself. The Indians 
continued hovering on the rear, and yelling, for nearly three miles, when, awed by 
the inference which they drew from the silence observed on board, they relin- 

?uished farther pursuit. None but those who have a practical acquaintance with 
ndian warfare, can form a just idea of the terror which their hideous yelling 
is calculated to inspire. Judge Rowan, who was then ten years old, states that 
he could never forget the sensations of that night, or cease to admire the fortitude 
and composure displayed by his mother on that trying occasion. There were 
seven men and three boys in the boats, with nine guns in all. Mrs. Rowan, in 
speaking of the incident afterwards, in her calm way, said — "we madeap-<wt- 
dential escape, for which we ought to feel grateful." 

Col. Richard C. Anderson (the father of the Hon. Richard C. Anderson, a 
sketch of whose life will be found under the head of Anderson county), was a, 

♦ Dr. D. Drake's Oxford Address. 



366 JEFFERSON COUNTS'. 

citizen of Jefferson — a member of tiie first electoral college, and for several years 
a member of the legislature. 

Colonel Richard Taylor, the father of General Zachary Taylor, came to Ken- 
tucky at a very early period, and settled in Jefferson county. He was a member 
of the conventions of 1792 and 1799, which formed the first and second constitu- 
tions of Kentucky, and was often a member of the legislature. 

Commodore Taylor, a distinguished officer of the American navy, resided in 
Louisville for many years before his death. 

Colonel G. R. Clark Floyd, son of Col. John Floyd, (for whom Floyd county 
was called), a native of this county, commanded the fourth regiment of infantry 
at the battle of Tippecanoe, and was highly complimented by the commanding 
general for his gallantry and good conduct on that occasion. 

Colonel John Floyd, of Virginia, also a native of Jefferson, and son of Colonel 
John Floyd. He removed to Virginia when twenty-one years of age, and is the 
only Kentuckian who ever became Governor of the Ancient Dominion. 

Colonel William Pope was an early and estimable citizen of Louisville, and 
was the ancestor or relative of the extensive connection of the same name in 
Louisville and Jefferson county. 

Judge FoRTUNATUs Cosby, also a citizen of Louisville, was an eminent lawyer, 
several times a member of the legislature, and judge of the circuit court. He 
lived to the age of eighty-one, and died in the year 1846. 

Colonel Geiger, also a citizen, was distinguished at the battle of Tippecanoe, 
and lived to an advanced age, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. 

Honorable Stephen Ormsby was a judge of the circuit court, and a member 
of Congress from 1811 to 1817. He was highly esteemed as a man and as a 
public servant, and lived to an advanced age. 

Thomas and Cuthbert Bullitt were two of the first merchants of Louisville 
— distinguished for their probity and business qualifications, and amassed large 
estates for their descendents. 

Thomas Prather was also one of the first merchants of Louisville, and a 
most remarkable man. Possessed of a strong intellect, bland and courteous man- 
ners, a chivalric and high moral bearing, with superior business qualifications, 
and an integrity and probity of character which became proverbial — riches flowed 
in upon him like water, and he distributed his wealth with a beneficent hand, in 
benefactions which will prove a perpetual memorial of his liberality. He was 
president of the old bank of Kentucky, and when that institution suspended 
specie payments, he resigned the office, with this remark : — "/ can preside over 
no institution which declines to meet its engagements promptly and to the letter ! " 

John Rowan was an able jurist and statesman, and one of the most distin- 
guished men in the western country. He was a native of Pennsylvania. His 
father, William Rowan, having sustained in the cause, of liberty heavy losses, at 
the close of the revolutionary war came to Kentucky in the hope of repairing the 
ravages made in his private fortune. Kentucky was then a wilderness, the choice 
hunting ground of many hostile tribes of savages — the field of hazardous adven- 
ture, the scene of savage outrage, the theatre of ceaseless war, an arena drench- 
ed in blood and reeking with slaughter. In the month of March, 1783, the father 
of John Rowan settled in Louisville, then an insignificant village. In the spring 
of 1784, when John was eleven years old, his father, with five other families, 
made a settlement at the Long Falls of Greene river, then about one hundred 
miles from any white settlement. This region was resorted to by a band of the 
Shawnee tribe of Indians, as a hunting ground, and Mr. Rowan and his neigh- 
bors had many encounters with their savage foes. Young Rowan was soon dis- 
tinguished for his bravery and for his remarkable energy and sprightliness. He 
spent several years of his boyhood in this wild and adventurous life, developing 



JOHN ROWAN. 367 

his physical powers in the manly and athletic sports and exercises common to 
the country, and insensibly communicating' to his mind and character, a maturity 
and firmness inseparable from the habits of self reliance and fortitude, generated 
by a continual familiarity with danger. 

At the age of seventeen, he entered a classical school kept at Bardstown, by a 
Dr. Priestly. In this school were educated many of those men who have since 
figured conspicuously in the history of Kentucky, and on the broader theatre of 
national politics. Here John Rowan was remarkable among his fellows for the 
facility with which he mastered the most difficult branches. He obtained an ac- 
curate and critical knowledge of the classical tongues, seemingly without an 
effort, and soon learned to appreciate the unrivalled beauty and sublimity of those 
wonderful productions of ancient genius, which have been the admiration of all 
ages. In his old age, he used to refer with much liveliness, to the pleasure he 
experienced at this period of his life, when he first learned to appreciate the 
beauty of the Greek writers, in retiring to the summit of a wild cliff, and there 
reading aloud to the rocks, woods and waters, the Iliad of Homer. 

At this school, he received an education much superior to what we might now 
suppose could be afforded by the institutions of the country at that early day. In 
addition to this, he enjoyed the advantage of access to instructive and well select- 
ed libraries ; and his acquirements in general information were commensurate 
with the development of his uncommon faculties, which now began to attract 
the attention of men of the best talents in the country. 

Guided by the advice of his friends he went, upon leaving this school, to Lex- 
ington, and commenced the study of the law. In 1795, he was admitted to the 
bar, and soon attained a high rank in his profession. Kentucky, even at that 
day, held many men eminent for talent, learning and eloquence ; yet he was con- 
sidered among the foremost. As an advocate, in criminal cases, he had few 
equals in the state. 

The Virginia act of 1779, constituting the basis of the celebrated land laws 
of Kentucky, though originally drawn and reported to the legislature by George 
Mason, one of Virginia's most able statesmen, was so amended before its passage, 
as to destroy all system in the procuring of patents, and the consequence was 
much litigation in Kentucky, arising out of conflicting land claims. Many of our 
most eminent lawyers acquired great wealth by buying up contested claims, and 
from contingent fees. In these things, Mr. Rowan never indulged, conceiving 
them to be inimical to the high moral tone which should be preserved by the pro- 
fession, and tempting to oppression of the occupants of lands. 

At an early age, he was called into public life, and was a member of the con- 
vention that formed the present constitution of Kentucky, in 1799. He was ap- 
pointed secretary of state in 1804, and in 1806 was elected to Congress from 
a district in which he did not reside. He took his seat in 1807, and served dur- 
ing the 11th Congress. 

He was frequently a member of the State legislature, and in 1819, was ap- 
pointed a judge of the court of appeals. While on the bench, he delivered a 
learned and forcible opinion on the power of Congress to charter the bank of the 
United States in 1816. Not relishing the close confinement of the bench, in 
1821 he resigned his seat. In 1823, he was appointed by the legislature, in con- 
junction with Henry Clay, a commissioner to defend what were called the occu- 
pying claimant laws of the State, before the supreme court of the United States. 
The uncertainty of land titles under the Virginia laws before alluded to, had led 
to the enactment of laws by the Kentucky legislature, more favorable to the oc- 
cupant than the common law of England. These statutes were attacked before 
the supreme court, upon the ground that they violated the compact between Vir- 
ginia and Kentucky. The petition of the commissioners was drawn by Judge 
Rowan, and is deemed the ablest vindication of those laws ever published. 

In 1824, he was elected to the senate of the United States, in which body he 
served for six years. On the 10th of April, 1826, he delivered a speech of great 
ability, on a bill further to amend the judiciary system of the United States. In 
1828, he made a learned and powerful speech on the subject of imprisonment for 
debt, under process issued from the courts of the United States. It had been 
abolished in Kentucky in 1821, and yet he had seen it practiced by process from 
the federal courts in this State, in defiance of public sentiment. 



368 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

The last public office Mr. Rowan filled was that of commissioner to adjust the 
claims of citizens of the United States against Mexico, under the convention of 
Washington of the 11th of April, 1839. In this office he labored with great as- 
siduity ; and when, upon an adjournment of the commission, he made a visit to 
his family in Kentucky, and from a temporary indisposition, was unable to return 
to Washington at the time appointed for the reassembling of the commissioners, 
he resigned his appointment. Upon the organization of the Kentucky Historical 
Society in 1838, he was elected president of that institution, and held the office 
until the period of his death. He died, after a short illness, at his residence in 
Louisville, on the 13th of July, 1843, in the seventieth year of his age. 

Judge Rowan was a man devoted in his friendships and exceedingly urbane in 
his manners; kind and hospitable in all his relations. He possessed an impos- 
ing person and dignified bearing. His colloquial powers were of the highest or- 
der, and made him the life of every company in which he mingled. 

Among the distinguished men, whom Jefferson county enrolls with her wor- 
thies, a prominent place belongs to Major General Zachary Taylor, of the Uni- 
ted States' army. Although not a Kentuckian by birth, he was brought by his 
parents to this State when only nine months old, and received his first impressions 
of the world amid the hardy hunters, tiie tall forests and romantic scenery of the 
dark and bloody ground. 

His father. Colonel Richard Taylor, was a Virginian, and a distinguished sol- 
dier in the continental army during the war of the revolution. He received a 
commission in the first regiment of troops raised by the " Old Dominion," on the 
breaking out of the war. He continued in the service until the army was dis- 
banded, and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was distinguished 
for his intrepid courage and imperturbable coolness in battle ; and possessed the 
faculty, so invaluable in a military leader, of inspiring his followers with the 
same dauntless spirit that animated his own terrible and resistless charge. After 
his removal to Kentucky, he was engaged in frequent contests with the Indians, 
until his name became a word of terror in every wig-wam from the Ohio to the 
lakes. 

In 1785, he removed with his family to Kentucky, and settled near the Falls of 
tlie Ohio. His son Zachary was at that time 9 months old. He was brought up 
and educated in the neighborhood, and grew up to manhood with the yell of the 
savage and the crack of the rifle almost constantly ringing in his ears. General 
Zachary Taylor may be literally said to have been cradled in war, nor have the 
deeds of his subsequent life done discredit to his early training. He is a true 
son of the " land of blood," and has proved, in many stricken fields of death, how 
pure are the ancestral currents that flow through his veins. 

He manifested, at an early age, a decided predilection for the profession of 
arms, and in 1808 was appointed a first lieutenant in the 7th regiment of U. S. 
infantry. Not long after, he joined the army at New Orleans, then under the 
command of General Wilkinson. In 1810 he was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret Smith, of Maryland, a lady in all respects worthy of his affections. In 
the following November, he was promoted to the rank of captain. In 1811, he 
was placed in command of Fort Knox on the Wabash, in the vicinity of Vin- 
cennes. From this station he was ordered to the east, a short time before the battle 
of Tippecanoe. In 1812 he received orders to take command of Fort Harrison, a 
post situated on the Wabash, seventy-five miles above Vincennes, and fifty miles 
beyond the frontier settlements. This was a most important trust for one of his 
age. But subsequent events proved the sagacity of the appointment. 

While in command of Fort Harrison, Captain Taylor became the hero of one of 
the most desperate conflicts fought during the war. This frontier post was noth- 
ing more than a slight stockade, which had been thrown up by General Harrison 
in 1811, while on his march to Tippecanoe. The defences were of the most sim- 
ple and primitive kind. The whole was built of unseasoned timber; and was 
formed on three sides by single rows of pickets; the fourth side consisting of a 
range of log huts, appropriated as barracks for the soldiers, and terminated at 
either extreme by a block house. When Captain Taylor assumed the command 
of this rude fortification, it was exceedingly ill provided either for comfort or 
defence, and was garrisoned by a single broken company of infantry. 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 369 

The situation of the fort was unhealthy, and the officers and men suffered 
greatly from disease. On the 1st of September the number of men fit for duly 
did not exceed fiftttn ; and several of these were greatly disabled from recent 
indisposition. Captain Taylor was the only officer in the fort, and he was slowly 
recovering from a severe attack of the fever. 

The Indians, in their frequent visits to the fort, had learned its weakness ; and 
from reliable information received from his spies, Captain Taylor was induced to 
expect an attack. The crisis was most momentous. The Indian force on the 
Wabash was strong and increasing; and demonstrations were visible of a hostile 
disposition in the whole north-western tribes. The frontier posts of Detroit, Mich- 
illimacinac and Chicago had already yielded to the prowess of the combined arms of 
the British and Indians, and the destruction of Fort Harrison would have removed 
the only obstacle to havoc and desolation along the whole border of Indiana. 

On the 3d of September, 1812, two men were murdered by the Indians within 
a few hundred yards of the fort. Late on the evening of the 4th, between thirty 
and forty Indians arrived from the Prophet's town, bearing a white flag. They 
were principally chiefs, and belonged to the various tribes that composed the 
Prophet's party. Captain Taylor was informed that the principal chief would 
make him a speech the next morning, and that the object of their visit was to get 
something to eat. The plot was well conceived, and boldly executed ; but it was 
instantly detected by the eagle eye of the young commander, and he redoubled his 
exertions to put the fort in a proper state defence. The arms were examined and 
found to be in good order, and each man was furnished with sixteen rounds of 
cartridges. The guard was strengthened, and a non-commissioned officer ordered 
to walk around the inside of the garden during the night. These precautions 
were not uncalled for ; the extreme darkness of the night rendering it difficult to 
discover the approach of the foe. 

The premeditated attack, so craftily arranged, was made as expected. About 
eleven o'clock. Captain Taylor was awakened by the firing of one of the senti- 
nels. He immediately ordered the men to their posts, and the firing became gen- 
eral on both sides. In the midst of the uproar, it was discovered that the Indians 
had set fire to the lower block house. Without a moment's hesitation. Captain 
Taylor directed buckets to be brought, and the fire to be extinguished. But it 
was much easier to give the order, than to have it executed. The men appeared 
to be paralyzed and stupified. The alarm of fire had thrown the garrison into 
the greatest confusion, in the midst of which all orders were unheard or disre- 
garded. Unfortunately, there was a quantity of whiskey among the contractor's 
stores deposited in the block house, which having caught fire, caused the flames 
to spread with great rapidity, and rage with irresistible fury. During this time 
the Indians were not idle, but kept up an incessant and rapid discharge of rifles 
against the picketing, accompanied by a concert of the most infernal yells that 
ever issued from the throat of man, beast or devil. The fire soon ascended to the 
roof of the block house, and threatened to wrap the whole fort in a sheet of flame. 
The men gave themselves up for lost, and ceased to pay any attention to the 
orders. Disorder was at its height, and the scene became terrific. The fire raged 
and surged, and roared — the Indians howled and yelled — dogs barked — the woun- 
ded groaned ; and high above all, arose the shriek of woman in her terror, sending 
its keen and thrilling accents through the mingled sounds of battle — the surround- 
ing forest, bathed in bloody light, returned a fiery glare, yet more appalling from 
the intense darkness of the night; and all combined made up a time of awful 
terror, before which the stoutest heart quailed and quaked. In the midst of this 
pandemonium stood the youthful hero, like a living rock, firm and collected, rapid 
and decisive, at a single glance intuitively determining the order of the defence, 
animating his comrades to confidence and constancy, and by the irresistible force 
of example, imparted a spirit of determined and courageous perseverance even to 
the weaker sex. The roof of the block house was thrown off; the other buildings 
were kept wet, and by the greatest exertions the flames kept under. The opening 
made in the line of the defences by the burning of the block house, was supplied 
by a temporary breastwork ; and after keeping up a constant fire until about six 
o'clock in the morning, the Indians retired. The loss of the garrison, in this 
affair, was only one man killed, and two wounded. That of the Indians was very 
considerable. 
24 



370 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

The brilliant and successful defence of Fort Harrison, made such an impres- 
sion on the spirits of the tribes, that it arrested the march of the Indian forces, 
and preserved the lives of hundreds of women and children. The demonstrations 
of joy in Kentucky, upon the receipt of the intelligence, were universal. Cap- 
tain Taylor, for this affair, was promoted to the rank of Major by brevet. It was 
the first brevet conferred during the war; and never was similar reward more 
justly merited. 

Major Taylor continued actively engaged in various departments of service in 
the west, constantly extending the sphere of his reputation and influence, until 
1814, when he was placed temporarily at the head of the troops in Missouri, 
until the arrival of General Howard, the commanding officer; and was busily 
employed on that frontier till the month of August. The territory of Missouri, 
at that time, had been almost entirely abandoned by the government, and was 
consequently peculiarly exposed to Indian depredations. This rendered the ser- 
vice in which Captain Taylor was engaged, one of peculiar hardship and hazard. 
The British having taken Fort Shelby, at Prairie du Chien, had concentrated on 
the Upper Mississippi a combined force of regulars and Indians, preparatory to a 
descent on the American settlements. To encounter this force and protect the 
extensive frontier of Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, and keep in order the wes- 
tern and north-western tribes. General Howard had only ten companies of ran- 
gers, badly organised, and one hundred and twenty efficient regular troops. 

The crisis was important and the urgency pressing. No time was to be lost ; 
and on the 22d of August, Major Taylor was sent with a detachment of three 
hundred and twenty men and a few pieces of artillery to the Indian villages at 
the mouth of Rock river, with instructions to destroy the villages, cut up the 
corn, disperse the inhabitants, and erect a fort in a situation to command the Mis- 
sissippi. If he should find it impracticable to reach his point of destination, he 
had orders to take up a position at the junction of the Des Moines and Missis- 
sippi rivers, and there establish a fortification. 

When Major Taylor arrived at the mouth of Rock river, after a difficult voy- 
age up the Mississippi against a strong and rapid current, and through a region 
swarming with hostile savages, he found a detachment of British troops, well 
supplied with artillery, and an immense body of Indians armed and equipped 
for war, ready to receive him. Unable to return the fire of the British artillery 
with effect, and finding it impossible to accomplish the main purpose of his expe- 
dition, the American commander, after skirmishing some time with the Indians, 
dropped his boats down to the rapids of the Des Moines, and there, in pursuance 
of his orders, proceeded to erect a fort on a scite to command the Mississippi 
and the mouth of the Des Moines. This was attended with peculiar hazard, and 
almost incredible privation and toil; but the resolution and skill of the comman- 
der surmounted every obstacle, and enabled him to complete the work. It received 
the name of Fort Johnson, and from its position in the heart of the Indian coun- 
try, became a post of great importance to the safety and tranquillity of the frontier. 

In October, Major Taylor was recalled to St. Louis by the sudden death of 
General Howard ; and in November, accompanied Colonel Russell several hun- 
dred miles up the Missouri, to relieve a small settlement much exposed to Indian 
depredations. In December he was transferred to Vincennes, and assumed the 
command of the troops in Indiana, where he remained until the termination of 
the war. A short time before the conclusion of peace, he had been promoted to 
a majority in the 26th regiment of infantry, and ordered to join the regiment at 
Plattsburg: but when the army was disbanded, he was retained on the peace es- 
tablishment with only the rank of captain. Declining to come into this arrange- 
ment, he resigned his commission, and retired to his farm near Louisville. 

In 1816, he was reinstated in the army with his original rank, and placed in 
command of Fort Crawford, at the mouth of Fox river, which empties in Green 
Bay. He continued in the command of various posts in the west until the 
breaking out of the Black Hawk war in 1833, when he was again called into ac- 
tive service. In 1832 he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and served under 
General Atkinson in his various campaigns against the Indians. It is scarcely 
necessary to say that, in this service, he fully sustained his high military reputa- 
tion. He commanded the regulars in the bloody and decisive battle of the Wis- 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 371 

consin, which resulted in the capture of Black Hawk and the Prophet, and termi- 
nated the war. 

In 1836, Colonel Taylor was ordered to Florida, at that time the scene of a 
bloody war between the United States and the Seminole and other tribes of south- 
ern Indians. This war, perhaps, was the most extraordinary in which the United 
States was ever engaged. It had been protracted from year to year at an immense 
expense of blood and treasure, unsignalized by any decided advantage ; and 
when Colonel Taylor was transferred to that theatre, there appeared no better 
prospect of its termination than at its first commencement. Our best and bravest 
officers had sunk under the hardships of a service in which no glory was to be 
won, and which presented no inducement to skill and courage, but patriotism. 
In this vexatious and exhausting service, Colonel Taylor soon became distin- 
guished for zeal, energy, activity and indomitable hardihood. The uniform poli- 
cy of the Indians had been to avoid battle; directing their operations against 
small detachments and isolated individuals, thus destroying our force in detail, 
without incurring the hazard of a defeat. This plan of carrying on the war. Col- 
onel Taylor resolved to terminate, and bring the Indians to a battle at all hazards. 

On the 19th of December, 1836, he learned that the savages under the noted 
chiefs Alligator and Sam Jones, had selected a situation deemed impregnable, 
where they had determined to await an attack. Upon the receipt of this intelli- 
gence, he struck into the wilderness, with about a thousand men, and twelve 
days' rations, with the intention of assailing the enemy in their strong hold. On 
the 25th of December, he arrived at the place where the Indians were posted, on 
the lake Okeechobee. The Indian line was formed in a dense hammock, the only 
approach to which was by a swamp three-quarters of a mile wide, covered with 
a growth of grass five feet high, and knee deep in mud and water. Undismayed 
by the obstacles which opposed his advance, Colonel Taylor resolved to make 
the attack without delay. The boldness and hardihood of the man, were never 
more signally displayed than on this occasion. The advantages were all against 
him ; and any man of less nerve would have hesitated long before ordering an 
attack on such a position under such circumstances. But it is one of the peculiar 
characteristics of this officer never to yield to difficulties, however formidable. 
He had marched his troops for five days through an almost impassable wilder- 
ness, and encountered incredible privation and toil, to bring his enemy to battle ; 
and now that he had found him, he was not the man to abandon the design of his 
expedition. A large portion of his troops were raw volunteers, untried in battle, 
and upon whom he could place only a precarious dependence. But he had with 
him a body of five hundred regulars, with whom he was well acquainted, and 
upon whom he knew he could rely. 

At half past twelve o'clock the troops were formed in order of battle and ad- 
vanced to the attack. To the volunteers, at their own request, the post of honor 
was assigned in front. Before the men could close with the enemy, they had to 
pass the swamp spoken of above, and struggle through the tangled morass, within 
point blank shot of seven hundred concealed and practiced Indian marksmen. 
Upon receiving the fire of the Indians, the volunteers broke their line and fled with 
precipitation. Opening their ranks to let the retreating soldiers pass through, the 
regulars immediately closed up, and pressed forward firmly in the face of the 
tempest of balls which hailed from the thicket in front, and cheered on by their 
officers, faltered not until they had passed the swamp, and drove the Indians from 
their coverts at the point of the bayonet. The savages fought with desperation, 
and contested every inch of ground with a cool, determined bravery, worthy of 
trained soldiers. Slowly and sullenly they retired, step by step, before the steady 
and overwhelming charge of the regulars, and when their line was broken and the 
battle lost, they still continued to pour upon the advancing troops, from every bush 
and thicket and covert, a shower of balls which loaded the earth with heaps of 
dead. The struggle lasted from half past twelve o'clock until three, P. M., and 
was terribly severe throughout the whole time. The slaughter among the officers 
was immense. Colonel Taylor himself was constantly exposed to the most immi- 
nent danger; but refusing to dismount from his horse, which rendered him a con- 
spicuous mark for the enemy's rifles, he continued to ride through that tornado of 
balls, which hurtled in the air like hail stones, as calmly as if on parade. This 
battle was the most successful of the war. The victory was complete, and con- 




JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

tributed more than any other event, to subdue the spirit of the tribes and dispose 
them for peace. The Indian force in this engagement was seven hundred strong, 
while the detachment commanded by Colonel Taylor numbered only about five 
hundred effective men. The loss was very severe ; more than one-fourth of the 
■whole number engaged being killed and wounded. 

For this affair, Colonel Taylor was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General 
by brevet, and made his head quarters at Tampa Bay. The Indians were so much 
broken in spirit by their defeat, that they did not afford him another opportunity 
of meeting them in a general battle, and the residue of his time in Florida passed 
without his being engaged in any affair of striking interest. 

In 1841, General Taylor was transferred to the command of the second depart- 
ment on the Arkansas, where he remained until the difficulties with Mexico pre- 
sented a new and broader field for the display of those powers which had been 
developed by a long career of arduous and devoted service, and were now matured. 
The battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista, fought 
since the commencement of this war, while they have given new lustre to the 
American arms, have made General Taylor known to the civilized world as one 
of the first commanders of the age. 

Government having determined to establish an army of observation on the south- 
western frontier. General Taylor was selected for that command. He was directed 
to take a position between the Nueces and the Rio Grande; and in August, 1845, 
established his camp at Corpus Christi. Here he remained until the 11th of 
March, 1846, when he was instructed to march his force to the east bank of the 
Rio Grande. At the Rio Colorado, he was encountered by the Mexican authorities, 
and informed that an attempt to cross that river would be followed by actual hos- 
tilities. He crossed, nevertheless; and leaving his army on its march, advanced 
with a body of dragoons to Point Isabel, near the mouth of the Rio Grande, where 
he established a camp, and received supplies for his army. Having rejoined the 
main body of his army. General Taylor proceeded to take up a position on the 
eastern bank of the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras, which he fortified. This 
post subsequently received the name of Fort Brown. 

The communication between Fort Brown and Point Isabel, having been inter- 
rupted by the interposition of large forces of Mexicans between those points. Gen- 
eral Taylor, on the 1st of May, leaving a small but determined force in possession 
of Fort Brown, marched the main body of his army to Point Isabel, determined 
to open the communication. On the 3d of May, he reached Point Isabel without 
interruption ; and on the 7th of the same month started again for Fort Brown. 
He had with him a force of less than 2,300 men ; two eighteen pounders, drawn 
by oxen; and Ringgold's and Duncan's batteries of light artillery. 

At a place called Palo Alto, about twelve miles from Point Isabel, he encoun- 
tered, on the 8t.h of May, a force of 6000 Mexican regulars, provided with ten 
pieces of artillery, and supported by a considerable body of rancheros. 

The Mexicans were drawn up in a line of battle, extending a mile and a half 
across the plain, and outflanking the American army at either extreme. The lan- 
cers were posted in advance on the left, their arms glittering in the meridian sun, 
and presenting a most brilliant and martial appearance. The rest of the line was 
formed by the infantry and artillery. 

The right of the American line of battle was composed of the third, fourth 
and fifth regiments of regular infantry, and Ringgold's artillery, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Twiggs. The two eighteen pounders, under Lieutenant Chur- 
chill, occupied the centre ; while the left of the line was formed by the eighth 
infantry and Duncan's artillery, under Colonel Belknap. 

The action was commenced by the Mexican artillery, which opened its fire 
while the American army was yet at some distance. The engagement soon be- 
came general, and was fought almost entirely by the artillery. Ringgold's bat- 
tery opened with terrible effect on the Mexican left, scattering that brave array 
of cavalry as if it had been smitten by the thunder of heaven. They soon re- 
covered, however, and making a detour, attempted to fall on the American rear, 
but were met by the infantry, in squares, and repelled with immense slaughter. 
While Ringgold's battery, supported by the infantry, was sweeping every thing 
before it on the right, Duncan, on the left, was hurling his fierce volleys into the 
reeling columns of the foe, who melted away at every discharge, as the Alpine 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 373 

forest is swept before the terrible path of the avalanche ; and in the centre, the 
two eighteen pounders kept up a steady and destructive fire. And now, while 
the ground quaked and trembled under the incessant roar of the artillery, and the 
air was all a flame from the unremitting flashes of the guns, ihe prairie took fire, 
and the flames, gathering force and fury as they flew, rolled their devouring bil- 
lows over the field, and wrapped the two armies in an impervious canopy of smoke. 
This, for a time, stayed the contest. But Duncan and his men, dasiiing through 
the flames, which curled ten feet high, showed themselves like spirits from the 
infernal deep, on the Mexican flank, and opening a furious fire, scattered the ter- 
ror stricken columns in every direction. This terminated the contest. The Mexi- 
cans retreated to the chapparal, and the Americans encamped on the field of bat- 
tle. The Mexican loss in this aflfair was two hundred killed and four hundred 
wounded : that of the Americans was four killed and thirty-seven wounded. Of 
the killed, three were oflScers, among whom were Major Ringgold and Captain 

That night the enemy retired four miles, and having received a reinforcement 
of two thousand men, selected a strong position at Resaca de la Palma, with a 
ravine in front, guarded by a pond on one flank and a chapparal on the other ; and 
having placed eight pieces of artillery in a situation to command the approaches, 
determined to await the advance of the Americans. Contrary to the advice of 
his officers. General Taylor, notwithstanding the immense superiority of the force 
opposed to him, determined to continue his march to Fort Brown, and early the 
next morning the army again advanced against the foe. 

As soon as the presence of the enemy was ascertained, the artillery of Lieuten- 
ant Ridgely was moved to the front, and opened its fire upon that of the Mexi- 
cans. The infantry was pressed forward on the right, and after a desperate 
struggle, succeeded in penetrating through the chapparal, and gaining the flank ; 
while on the left, our troops gained a decided advantage. But, in the meantime, 
the enemy's centre kept up a deadly and destructive fire, which arrested the ad- 
vance of the Americans, and rendered the fortunes of the day for some time 
doubtful. Though Ridgely's artillery continued to make terrible havoc in the 
ranks of the foe, the Mexicans still kept up a well directed fire, which swept our 
lines and did fearful execution. At this crisis. General Taylor ordered Captain 
May to charge the battery with his dragoons. Without a moment's hesitation, 
the gallant May and his fearless horsemen dashed forward through the tempest 
of fire and iron which the well worked artillery of the Mexicans hurled in one 
unbroken torrent over the plain, and though he lost many of his followers by the 
discharge with which his advance was met, he faltered not, but, with trumpets 
ringing merrily, and gleaming sabres, swept on like a tornado, before which the 
firm lines of the enemy wavered and broke, and fled. This advantage was fol- 
lowed up by a fierce onslaught from the infantry, at the point of the bayonet. 
The enemy's centre was broken, and the fortune of the day decided. The vic- 
tory was complete as it was wonderful. General Taylor brought into action but 
seventeen hundred wearied men, against a force of at least six thousand, well 
'disciplined, officered and conditioned. The enemy had every advantage of posi- 
tion, and maintained it valiantly and well, and nothing but hard fighting wrested 
the victory from them. Our loss in the battle was one hundred and ten killed 
and wounded. That of the enemy was probably ten fold, though never precisely 
ascertained. On the 18th of May, General Taylor took possession of Matamo- 
ras without resistance. 

Though his instructions required his advance into the interior of the country, 
General Taylor was forced to delay his operations for some time, from having no 
supplies and no adequate means of transportation. At length, these obstacles 
being removed, the army was set in motion and advanced upon Monterey. This 
was a place strong by nature, amply fortified, and maintained by an army of 
7,000 troops of the line and 3,000 irregulars. To reduce this strong-hold, Gen- 
eral Taylor had a force, comprising 425 officers and 6,220 men. Against the 
forty-two pieces of cannon of the Mexicans, he arrayed but one ten inch mortar, 
two twenty-four pound howitzers, and four light field batteries of four guns each, 
the mortar being the only piece suitable to the operations of a siege. With these 
fearful odds against him, he invested the city. 

Having established his camp three miles from the defences of the city, recon- 



374 JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

noissances were made, and it was found possible to turn the enemy's position, and 
gain the heights in his rear. General Worth was detached upon this duty, which, 
having been performed, he was to carry the enemy's works on that side of the 
town. The operations soon became two-fold — the assailing party of Worth being 
independent of the command of Taylor, whose principal efforts were to divert the 
attention of the enemy, while Worth proceeded to the execution of his orders. 

The order was issued on the 19th of September, and the next day, at two 
o'clock. Worth commenced his advance, and succeeded in reaching a position 
above the Bishop's palace. The next morning, the battle commenced in earnest. 
Pressing forward. Worth encountered the enemy in force, and drove them before 
him with slaughter. Gaining the Saltillo road, he cut off the communications, 
and carrying two heights west of the Saltillo road, from one of them he was en- 
abled, with his guns, to command the Bishop's palace. In the meantime, a de- 
termined assault was made upon the town from below, by the force under Gen- 
eral Taylor. It would be useless to attempt a description, in the narrow limits 
of this sketch, of the series of terrific and bloody contests which ensued. Our 
loss was very heavy, from the character of the enemy's defences, and the daring 
ardor of our troops. General Taylor's purpose of diverting attention from Worth, 
was, however, attained ; one of their advanced works was carried at the point of 
the bayonet, and a strong footing secured in the town. This was on the third 
day after the commencement of active operations. On the fourth, Worth was 
victorious at every point. The Bishop's palace was taken, while the troops un- 
der Taylor pressed upon the city, the lower part of which was evacuated that 
night. On the fifth day of the siege, the troops under Taylor advanced from 
square to square, every inch of ground desperately disputed, until they reached 
within a square of the Plaza; while Worth pressed onward, on the opposite side 
of the city, carrying all before him. At length, matters being ripe for such a 
movement, preparations were made for a concerted storm of the enemy's position 
on the next day. The morning, however, brought an offer of capitulation, which 
resulted in the surrender of the city. Our loss in the affair was about five hun- 
dred killed and wounded ; but the victory secured the possession of an immense 
territory and a vast amount of military spoils. 

Making his head quarters at Monterey, General Taylor proceeded to occupy 
Saltillo and Paras, while the Mexicans fell back upon San Luis Potosi. — 
Santa Anna was recalled to Mexico, and placed at the head of the government 
and army. Before December he had 20,000 men under his command, well or- 
ganized ; and with this force, he determined to crush Taylor at a blow, and re- 
deem the conquered provinces. While these preparations were going on, the 
government of the United States, for the purpose of an attack on Vera Cruz, 
withdrew from General Taylor the most effective portion of his forces, leaving 
him with an extended line of territory to defend, a formidable foe in front, and 
with only a small force, principally untried volunteers, to encounter the enemy. 
Rejecting the advice of the department, to retire to Monterey, and there defend 
himself. General Taylor determined to encounter Santa Anna at an advanced po- 
sition, and selected Buena Vista for that purpose. This field was admirably cho- 
sen, and the hero, with his little band, there awaited the shock of his powerful 
adversary. Santa Anna brought into the field 20,000 men, to encounter which 
General Taylor had a force of 334 officers, and 4,425 men. 

On the 22d of February, the Mexicans arrived in sight of the American posi- 
tion, and made immediate preparations for the attack. Vaunting his immense 
superiority, and the impossibility of a successful resistance, Santa Anna sum- 
moned General Taylor to surrender. This was politely but firmly declined. It 
was followed by an attack, late in the evening, upon the extreme right of the 
Americans, and an attempt to gain our flank. The skirmishing was continued 
until dark. During the night the enemy threw a body of light troops on the 
mountain side, with the intention of outflanking the American left ; and at an 
early hour the next morning, the engagement commenced at this point. It con- 
tinued, without intermission, through the day, until night separated the combat- 
ants. Well and nobly did the little band sustain itself against the overwhelming 
numbers opposed to them. Our limits, however, will not permit us to give the 
details of this battle, the most desperate ever fought on the American continent. 
On the part of the Mexicans, it was conducted with consummate skill, and main- 



JESSAMINE COUNTY. 375 

tained with courage and obstinacy. Overpowering masses of troops were poured 
upon our weakest points, and at several periods of the battle, their success 
seemed almost inevitable. But the American commander was found equal to every 
crisis. Calm, collected, and resolved, he rose superior to the danger of his situa- 
tion, and wrested victory from defeat. It is admitted by all who were present, 
that no man but General Taylor could have won the victory of Buena Vista. The 
battle raged with variable fortunes for ten hours. At length night put an end to 
the conflict. The Americans slept upon the field of victory, and the foe, shattered 
and disheartened, retired, and the next day were in full retreat for San Luis Po- 
tosi. Our loss was 267 killed, and 456 wounded ; that of the enemy was 2,000. 

The battle of Buena Vista closed the war in that quarter of Mexico ; and since 
that period. General Taylor has found no enemy able or willing to encounter him. 

The prominent qualities of General Taylor's mind and character may be gath- 
ered from the preceding narrative of the events of his life. He owes nothing to 
the patronage of the great, or the partiality of the powerful, but independent and 
self-reliant, has fought his way up to the lofty eminence which he now occupies 
in the minds and hearts of his countrymen. His own counsels have directed, his 
own energies sustained him. His vigor of character, his power of will, and fer- 
tility of resources, have swept every obstacle from before him, and he will here- 
after live in the most cherished affections of our people, and on the brightest pa- 
ges of our country's history. 

Jefferson county received its name from Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, the 
distinguished author of the Declaration of Independence, and the Virginia Bill 
of Rights. He entered public life at a very early age ; was a distinguished 
patriot and statesman of the revolution ; and was foremost in the assertion of his 
country's liberties against the usurpations of Great Britain. He was elected 
Vice President of the United States under Mr. Adams — was secretary of state 
under Washington, and twice elected President of the United States. He was 
for many years abroad as Minister to France, and left a reputation in that country 
second only to Franklin. For forty years no man filled a larger space in the pub- 
lic eye, and his memory is still cherished with fond veneration by a large portion 
of the American people. 



JESSAMINE COUNTY. 

Jessamine county, which was formed in 1798, is situated in the 
middle section of the State, and lies on the Kentucky river, which 
borders its territory on the south-east, south, and south-west. 
Bounded on the north by Fayette ; east by Madison ; south by 
Garrard ; and west by Mercer and Woodford. That portion of 
Jessamine which is comprised within the boundary appropriately 
termed the "garden of Kentucky," presents a slightly undulating 
surface, and a black, friable, and remarkably rich soil — produ- 
cing luxuriant crops of hemp, corn, and grass. Hemp is the sta- 
ple, but large numbers of horses, mules, cattle and hogs are an- 
nually exported. A part of the county is hilly, but is also pro- 
ductive. The whole is in a high state of cultivation, indicating 
a rapid advance in agricultural improvement. 

Value of taxable property in Jessamine in 1846, $4,275,384; 
number of acres of land in the county, 102,324; average value 
of lands per acre, $22.52 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 1,353; number of children between five and 
sixteen years old, 1,515. Population in 1840, 10,015. 



376 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

NicHOLAsviLLE, the county seat, is situated twenty miles south- 
west of Lexington, thirty seven miles from Frankfort, and five 
hundred and forty-six miles from Washington city : contains a 
fine court-house, and clerks' offices and prison ; four churches, 
(Methodist, Baptist, Reformed and Presbyterian,) one male and 
one female academy, two schools, four taverns, eight lawyers, six 
physicians, eight stores and groceries, four bagging factories, 
twenty mechanics' shops, and about 700 inhabitants. Established 
in 1812, and named in honor of Colonel George Nicholas. Sit- 
uated in the heart of a fine country, and surrounded by a rich 
and intelligent population, Nicholasville is necessarily a place of 
considerable business. Noi'tli Liberty is a small village, estab- 
lished in 1813. 

The county of Jessamine derived its name from Jessamine creek, which rises in 
the northern part of the county, and flows through it southwardly to the Ken- 
tucky river. The creek has been generally supposed to have obtained its name 
from the profusion of flowers which grew upon its banks at an early day ; but 
such is not the fact. It was called in honor of a young lady named Jessamine 
Douglass, whose father settled at the head of the creek, and entered a quantity of 
land, including the land of Jessamine creek. In honor of his beautiful but unfor- 
tunate daughter, he gave the creek the name of Jessamine. This creek is of good 
size, and as large at its source as at its termination. It rises at two points about 
ten feet from each other. At one point, it gushes from between two large smooth 
rocks, and is very deep ; at the other point it boils up from a bed of gravel. 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Johnson county was formed in 1842, and named in honor of 
Colonel Richard M. Johnson. It is situated in the extreme eas- 
tern portion of the state, on the waters of Sandy river : Bounded 
on the north by Lawrence ; east by Pike, and Sandy river ; south 
by Floyd; and west by Morgan county. The surface of the 
county is hilly, interspersed with fertile vallies — the soil sandy, 
based upon sand-stone.' Exports — horses, cattle, hogs, lumber of 
various kinds, and coal. Several mineral springs are found in 
the county. The south fork of Big Sandy is navigable for flat 
boats and small steam boats several months in the year. 

Number of acres of land in Johnson county, 89,669 ; average 
value per acre, $1 .84 ; taxable property in 1846, valued $266,074 ; 
white males over twenty-one years of age, 506 ; children between 
five and seventeen years old, 920. Organized since the census 
of 1840. 

Paintville, the county seat, is situated on Paint creek, about 
140 miles from Frankfort — contains a handsome brick court-house, 
five stores, two taverns, two lawyers, two doctors, twelve mechan- 
ics' shops, and manufacturing establishments. Population, 125. 

A copper cross, about one inch and a half long, with an image extended on it, 
and also a crescent about an inch in diameter, made of copper, and having either 



RICHARD M. JOHNSON. 377 

pearl or imitation of pearl on it, was found at the mouth of Paint creek, in this 
county, about seven years ago, by a gentleman when plowing his corn. On 
the cross were the letters " Santa Maria." 

Colonel Richard M. Johnson, the third son of Colonel Robert Johnson, of 
Scott county,* was born in Kentucky in the autumn of 1781. The literary insti- 
tutions of Kentucky were then in their infancy, and the facilities for thorough 
education, exceedingly limited. Richard remained with his father until the age 
of fifteen, receiving only such instruction as the nature of circumstances would 
allow. At this age he left his father's house, intent upon advantages superior to 
those afforded in that vicinity, and entered a country school, where he acquired a 
knowledge of grammar, and the rudiments of the Latin language. Afterwards 
he entered Transylvania University, where, by unremitted industry, he made rapid 
progress in the acquisition of classic and scientific knowledge. 

Upon quitting the university, he entered upon the study of the law, under the 
guidance and instruction of that celebrated jurist and statesman, Colonel George 
Nicholas. On the decease of this gentleman, which took place a few weeks af- 
ter his young student had entered his office, the subject of this biography placed 
himself under the instruction of the Hon. James Brown, late a senator in Con- 
gress from Louisiana, and subsequently a minister from the United States to the 
court of France, but then a distinguished member of the Kentucky bar. With 
this eminent citizen he finished his preparatory studies, and at the early age of 
nineteen entered upon the arduous duties of his profession. 

In his vocation as a lawyer, he was eminently successful, and displayed the 
same active energy of mind and benevolence of heart, which have since so emi- 
nently distinguished him in higher and more responsible stations. He despised 
injustice and oppression, and never omitted an occasion to render his services, 
without prospect of reward, where honest poverty or injured innocence was found 
struggling against the oppressions of wealth. The inability of a client to pay a 
fee, never deterred him from attending sedulously to his cause, no matter how 
intricate and laborious were the services. By these means, even at so early 
an age, he secured to himself the just reward of his virtues, and the approbation 
and esteem of the public. 

Scarcely had he been fairly installed in the duties of his profession, before an 
opportunity was afforded for the development of that high and chivalrous patriot- 
ism which has since identified him with some of the noblest feats of American 
valor, and given his name to immortality. In 1802, the port of New Orleans, in 
violation of an existing treaty, was closed against the United States by the Span- 
ish intendant. The occurrence gave rise to immense excitement throughout 
America, especially in the valley of the Ohio and Mississippi, and a rupture be- 
tween Spain and the United States, likely to end in war, was the consequence. 
Richard M. Johnson, then only in his twentieth year, with many other young 
men of his neighborhood, promptly volunteered his services to pass down the 
western waters and make a descent on New Orleans, in the event of war. In a 
few days, chiefly through his exertions, a large company was enrolled, and he 
was chosen to the command. The speedy adjustment of the dispute with Spain, 
deprived him and the brave youths under his command, of the opportunity of 
signalizing themselves and the State upon the field of battle. 

Before he had attained the age of twenty-one, at which period the constitution 
of Kentucky fixes the eligibility of the citizen to a seat in the legislature, the 
citizens of Scott county elected him, by acclamation, to a seat in that body. As 
a member of the legislature, he acquitted himself with great credit, and to the 
entire satisfaction of his constituents. Having served two years in that station, 
at the age of twenty-four he was elected a representative in the Congress of the 
United States ; and in October, 1807, being then just twenty-five, took his seat 
in that body. 

He entered upon the theatre of national politics, at a period when party excite- 
ment ran high, and attached himself to the republican party, more from a uniform 
and fixed devotion to the principles of democracy, than from any purely selfish 
policy. He was immediately placed upon some of the most important commit- 
tees, and at the second session of the term for which he was elected, was ap- 

* See a sketch of Colonel Robert Johnson, under the head of Scott county. 



378 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

pointed chairman of the committee of claims, at that time among the most impor- 
tant of the house committees. His zealous and faithful devotion to business, 
and the distinction which he had acquired in Congress and throughout the Union, 
as a genuine friend of the liberty and happiness of his country, increased his 
popularity at home, and insured his re-election by his constituents, who from that 
period to the present time, have never failed to manifest their devoted attachment 
to him, whenever he was a candidate for office, either under the State or national 
government. 

In 1811, our relations with Great Britain were such as, in the opinion of many, 
to render an appeal to arms inevitable. Richard M. Johnson was among those 
who were convinced that no other alternative remained to the people of the Uni- 
ted States; and accordingly, after supporting, with great energy, all the prepara- 
tory measures which the crisis demanded, in June, 1812, gave his vote for the 
declaration of war. This important measure was shortly afterwards followed by 
an adjournment of Congress, when he hastened home, raised the standard of his 
country, and called around him many of the best citizens of his neighborhood, 
some of whom, schooled in the stormy period of the early settlement of the 
State, were veteran warriors, well suited for the service for which they were in- 
tended. With this battalion, composed of three companies, he hastened to the 
frontier, and when arrived at St. Miry's on the 13th of September, his force, by 
general order, was augmented by a battalion of mounted volunteers, and he elec- 
ted to the command of the regiment thus formed. A portion of the regiment 
only, during that season, had any opportunity of an engagement ; and this was a 
party of the mounted battalion, under Major Suggett, which, in communicating 
with Fort Wayne, besieged by a superior force, encountered an equal number of 
the enemy, whom it routed, killing an Indian chief of some distinction. After an 
active campaign of about ten months. Colonel Johnson returned home for the 
purpose of proceeding to Washington to re-enter Congress, having added to his 
reputation as a statesman, that of an energetic and patriotic soldier. 

In the winter following while in attendance upon Congress, he rendered mate- 
rial aid to the president, in arranging the plan of campaign for the ensuing sum- 
mer, and his views being adopted, were subsequently carried out, and contributed 
essentially to the successes which followed upon the frontier. Colonel Johnson 
was authorized by the secretary of war to raise, organize and hold in readiness, 
a regiment of mounted volunteers, to consist of one thousand men. Accordingly 
upon the adjournment of Congress in March, he hastened home, and in a few 
weeks secured from among the most respectable and patriotic citizens of the state, 
the full complement of volunteers, to the organization and discipline of whom he 
gave his most sedulous attention. In this important part of his military duty, he 
had the valuable aid of his skillful and intrepid brother, Lt. Col. James Johnson, 
whose military talents, decision and courage in the hour of battle, have entitled 
him to a full share of the glory acquired by the regiment. Colonel Johnson, with 
his accustomed energy, lost no time in repairing with his command to the frontier 
of Ohio, then the theatre of operations. His regiment soon acquired a name that 
attracted the admiration of the country. Never did soldiers perform their arduous 
duties with more alacrity and cheerfulness, nor were the services of any more 
useful and extensive. In making inroads upon the enemy, and in various skir- 
mishes, their success was always complete. 

In October, 1813, the decisive crisis in the operations of the north-western army 
arrived — the battle of the Thames, which led to a termination of hostilities in that 
quarter, was fought and won. The distinguished services of Colonel Johnson,' 
and his brave regiment, in that sanguinary engagement, have scarcely a parallel 
in the heroic annals of our country. The British and Indians, the former under 
the command of General Proctor, and the latter under that of Tecumseh, the cele- 
brated Indian warrior, had taken an advantageous position, the British in line 
between the river Thames and a narrow swamp, and the Indians in ambush on 
their right, and west of the swamp, ready to fall upon the rear of Colonel John- 
son, should he force a retreat of the British. Colonel Johnson, under the orders 
of the commander in chief, divided his regiment into two battalions, one under the 
command of his gallant brother James, and the other to be led by himself. Col. 
Johnson with his battalion passed the swamp and attacked the Indians, at the 
same moment that his brother James fell upon and routed the British regulars. 



RICHARD M. JOHNSON. 379 

The contest for a while between Colonel Johnson's battalion and the Indians, 
was obstinate and bloody, the slaughter great, but success complete. The gallant 
Colonel was in the very midst and thickest of the fight, inspiring by his presence 
and courage the utmost confidence of his brave followers, and though perforated 
with balls, his bridle arm shattered, and bleeding profusely, he continued to fight 
nntil he encountered and slew an Indian chief who formed the rallying point 
of the savages. This chief was supposed to be the famous Tecumseh himself, 
upon whose fall the Indians raised a yell and retreated. The heroic Colonel, 
covered with wounds, twenty-five balls having been shot into him, his clothes, 
and his horse, was borne from the battle ground, faint from exertion and loss of 
blood, and almost lifeless. Never was victory so complete or its achievement so 

florious. Fifteen hundred Indians were engaged against the battallion of Col. 
ohnson, and eight hundred British regulars against that of his brother. Both 
forces were completely routed, and an effectual end put to the war upon the north- 
ern frontier, distinguished as it had been by so many murderous cruelties upon 
the part of the savage allies of the British. 

The war in that quarter being now ended, in a short time the army took up its 
march homeward ; but Colonel Johnson being unable to continue with his regi- 
ment, was carried to Detroit, from whence after a short confinement he departed 
for home. After a distressing journey, during which he endured the most painful 
suffering, he reached his home in Kentucky early in November. In February 
1814, still unable to walk, he reached Washington city, and resumed his seat in 
Congress. Every where upon the route, and at the metropolis, he was met with 
the most enthusiastic and cordial greetings of a grateful people. Even his polit- 
ical opponents, deeply sensible of his sincerity, his patriotism and his valor, cor- 
dially united in doing honor to the man who had at so much sacrifice, rendered 
such glorious service to the country. Congress by joint resolution, made appro- 
priate acknowledgment of his gallant deeds, and directed him to be presented with 
a suitable testimonial of his services. 

He continued to serve his constituents in Congress until the year 1819, when 
he voluntarily retired, carrying with him the esteem of the whole nation. But 
his native state, of which he was justly the idol, would not suffer him to remain 
in retirement. The people of Scott county immediately returned him to the state 
legislature, and that body elected him to the United States' senate. An honor so 
exalted, from a source so honored, he could not resist; and accordingly in De- 
cember 1819 he took his seat in the United States' senate, and after serving his 
terra was unanimously re-elected, a circumstance which serves to show how well 
he preserved the confidence of the people of his native state, and how deeply he 
was enshrined in their affections. 

His career as a legislator, was scarcely less brilliant and useful, than that in 
which he distinguished himself as a warrior. His speeches and reports, are mon- 
uments of his wisdom and liberality as a statesman. The whole nation will bear 
evidence to his zeal and industry in support of all measures calculated to promote 
the end of free government — the happiness of the people. No man labored more 
indefatigably, in behalf of private claimants, than did Colonel Johnson; and so 
scrupulously faithful was he in the discharge of his duty towards all who applied 
for his services, that he never failed while in congress to attend to a single appli- 
cation that was made to him. The old soldiers of the revolution, the invalids of 
the last war, and thousands of other persons, all over the Union, who had claims 
to urge upon the government, had no truer or surer friend in Congress than Col. 
Johnson, as many of them now enjoying the bounty of the government through 
his instrumentality, can bear most grateful testimony. 

In 1836 he was made Vice President of the United States, and presided over 
the senate with great dignity for the term of four years, at the expiration of which, 
he retired to his farm in Scott county, Kentucky, where he has with the exception 
of a single term in the legislature, remained in private life ever since, devoting 
himself with praiseworthy assiduity to the reparation of his private fortune, some- 
what impaired by a too liberal hospitality and constant attention for so long a 
period to public affairs. 



380 KENTON COUNTY. 



KENTON COUNTY. 

Kenton county was formed in 1840, by a division of Campbell 
county, and named in honor of the distinguished pioneer, Gen- 
eral Smon Kenton. It is situated in the northern part of the 
State, and lies on the Ohio and Licking rivers : Bounded on the 
north by the Ohio river; east by Licking river and Campbell 
county ; south by Pendleton ; and west by Boone. Covington is 
the principal town, and Independence the seat of justice, the for- 
mer about eighty and the latter seventy-four miles from Frank- 
fort. The bottom lands of Kenton county are rich and very pro- 
ductive. The up-lands are undulating or hilly, but grow fine 
wheat, corn and tobacco, which are the principal products of the 
county. The county is dotted with fine gardens, which the mar- 
kets of Cincinnati and Covington render very profitable to the 
owners. The lands along the Lexington road, and between it 
and Dry creek, are of a very superior quality — and many of the 
farmers have engaged in the dairy business, more or less exten- 
sively. 

Number of acres of land in Kenton county, 92,402 ; average 
value of lands per acre in 1846, $14.95 ; number of white males 
over twenty-one years of age, 2,429 ; number of children between 
five and sixteen years old, 2,050. Total valuation of taxable prop- 
erty in 1846, $2,882,155. 

The city of Covington is situated on the Ohio river, opposite 
the city of Cincinnati, and immediately below the mouth of 
Licking river, separated from Newport by that river. It is built 
upon a beautiful plain, several miles in extent, and the streets 
have been so planned as to present the appearance of a contin- 
uation of those of Cincinnati. The public buildings are, — a 
large city hall, two Methodist, one Presbyterian, one Baptist, one 
Reformed or Christian, one Episcopal, and two Catholic churches 
— two female academies, one common and two classical schools, 
and the Western Baptist Theological college. There are two 
printing offices in the city, which publish weekly papers — the 
" Licking Valley Register" and the "Covington Intelligencer." Cov- 
ington also contains sixteen lawyers, ten physicians, twenty dry 
goods stores, fifty produce and grocery stores, thirty-five tobacco 
manufactories, one rolling mill, employing one hundred hands 
and manufacturing two thousand tons of iron annually, one large 
cotton manufactory, one silk factory, one hemp factory with eigh- 
teen looms and one hundred and twenty hands, one steam flour- 
ing mill, one printing ink manufactory, three coverlet manufac- 
tories, one saw mill, three rope walks, and a large number of 
other manufacturing establishments and mechanics' shops. The 
population of Covington, amounting now to upwards of six 
thousand, is increasing with great rapidity. 

The Western Baptist Theological College is a richly endowed 
institution, and is now in a flourishing condition. The Rev. Dr. 
Pattison is the president. 




ORR'S FEMALE ACADEMY, COVINGTON, KY. 




BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL, SEMINARY, COVINGTON, KY. 



382 KENTON COUNTY. 

The Female Seminary of the Rev. Mr. Orr, has steadily grown 
in public favor, and is now one of the best literary institutions 
of the kind in the State. It is located near the Licking river, in 
a retired and pleasant situation — the building spacious and well 
arranged, and the grounds very tastefully ornamented. 

Covington is destined to be the second city of Kentucky in 
population and wealth. Although separated from Cincinnati by 
the Ohio river, the facilities of communication by steam ferry 
boats are such as to induce many business men in that place to 
make Covington their residence. This disposition will increase 
as Cincinnati grows, and the difficulty of obtaining private resi- 
dences near the centre of trade becomes greater. 

Independence, the county seat, is situated ten miles from Cov- 
ington — contains the county buildings, one church, a post-office, 
and several dwellings, stores and shops. 

There is a well on the farm of Ellison Williams, which was formerly called 
the Ilyarean well, and was once kept asa waterinjj place, but not much resorted 
to. Mr. Williams was a pioneer of Kentucky and a companion of Boone. He 
is a sprightly old man, and relates many interesting anecdotes of pioneer life. 
When the remains of Boone were brought to Kentucky, and re-interred in the 
public cemetery at Frankfort, this venerable pioneer was one of the pall-bcarers. 

The Lettonian Springs, a weak sulphur, is situated four miles from Covington, 
on the Bank Lick road. The springs are well kept, and being a pleasant ride 
from Covington, they have become a place of considerable resort in the watering 
season. 

Dry Creek, in this county, is remarkable for the fact, that, after a heavy rain, 
it is so flush and high, that it cannot be forded, but in a few hours it runs dryy 
or so nearly so, that hogs will be seen where it was deepest, turning up the 
rocks in search of craw-fish. 

Captain Cruise encamped with his company (belonging to Wayne's army) on 
the creek bearing his name, in 1784. He strayed from camp, and was found 
dead, the next day, in the creek, bearing marks of savage violence. He was 
buried by his company on this creek, which rises in Boone, and running across 
Kenton, empties into Licking, about twenty miles above its mouth. The old 
residents disagree about the spot " where they buried Cruise." The testimony, 
as to his grave, is so contradictory, that gentlemen land-jobbers have several 
times gone there in order to find it, but without success. Their patents called 
for Cruise's grave as a beginning. The old settlers, it is thought, may have had 
some design in making it uncertain "where they buried Cruise." 

Kenton county takes its name from one of the most celebrated pioneers of the 
west. General Simon Kenton was born of obscure parents, in Fauquier county, 
Virginia, May 15th, 1755. His father was an Irishman; his mother of Scotch 
descent. The poverty of his parents caused his education to be neglected, most 
unfortunately for his future prosperity. His life, until he was sixteen years of 
age, appears to have run smoothly enough, distinguished by no uncommon events 
from that of the neighboring boys. About that age, however, a calamity befell 
him, which, apart from its irreparable nature, in the opinion of all young gentle- 
men of sixteen, gave a direction to his whole future life. He lost his sweetheart ; 
not by death, or anything of that kind — for that could have been endured — but by 
means of a more favored rival. The successful lover's name was William Veach. 
Kenton, in utter despair and recklessness, having gone uninvited to the wedding, 
and thrust himself between the happy pair (whom he found seated cosily on a 
bed), was pounced upon by Veach and his brothers, who gave him, in the lan- 
guage of such affairs, "what he wanted." They, however, had mistaken his 
wants, for, meeting with William Veach a short time afterwards, in a retired 



SIMON KENTON. 383 

place, he informed him that he was not satisfied. A severe fight ensued, which, 
after varied success, terminated in the complete discomfiture of Veach. In the 
course of the contest, Kenton succeeded in entangling his antagonist's long hair 
in a bush, which put him entirely in his power. The desperate young man beat 
his rival with a severity altogether foreign to his subsequent amiable character. 
His violence appeared to be fatal ; the unhappy man, bleeding at mouth and nose, 
attempted to rise, and fell back insensible. Kenton was alarmed; he raised him 
tip, spoke kindly to him, and receiving no answer, believed him dead ! He 
dropped his lifeless body and fled to the woods. Now, indeed, he thought him- 
self ruined beyond redemption. He had lost the girl he loved, and had killed his 
former friend and companion, and therefore the society of civilized man must be 
not only repulsive, but dangerous. The Alleghanies, and the wilderness of the 
unexplored west offered him a secure asylum, and he plunged at once into the 
woods. Traveling by night, and lying concealed by day, after many sufferings 
he arrived at Ise's ford, on Cheat river, some time in April 1771. Here he 
changed his name to •' Simon Butler." Thus, at the age of sixteen, this man, 
who, in the hands of the Almighty, was so instrumental in redeeming the great 
west from the savage, and opening the way for the stream of civilization which 
has since poured over its fertile plains, desolate in heart, and burdened with 
crime, was thrown upon his own resources, to struggle with the dangers and 
privations of the wilderness. 

After some months' stay on Cheat river, Kenton, having earned a good rifle by 
his labor, joined a party, with whom he proceeded to Fort Pitt. Here, while 
hunting in the employ of the small garrison at that place, he made the acquaint- 
ance and formed a friendship with Simon Girty, afterwards so infamous as a rene- 
gado. In the fall of 1771, he fell in with George Yeager and John Strader. 
Yeager it was who first mentioned to Kenton the "cane land," called by the 
Indians, Kain-tuck-ee, and fired his imagination with his descriptions of its soil 
and scenery, and the numbers and extent of the game. 

In company with Yeager and Strader, Kenton proceeded down the Ohio river 
as far as the mouth of the Kentucky river, looking for the cane, which, according 
to Yeager, covered the country. It is a remarkable fact, that cane nowhere grew 
on the banks of the Ohio, above the mouth of the Kentucky river, although the 
interior was covered with it. The party, not finding land answering the descrip- 
tion of Yeager, returned up the Ohio to the mouth of Big Kenawha; examining 
the creeks and rivers on the southern shore without success. Abandoning the 
search, in the winters of 1771-2, they built a camp on a branch of the great Ke- 
nawha, and hunted and trapped with considerable success. Here they lived a 
free and unrestrained life, and a very happy one, engaged in the pursuits of the 
hunter, until the spring of 1773. The troubles with the mother country beginning 
to thicken about this time, the Indians were excited against the colonists. One 
evening in March, while the three hunters were quietly reposing in their rude 
camp, they were fired upon by the Indians. Yeager was killed, and Kenton and 
Strader fled to the woods. Night setting in, they effected their escape, though 
barefooted and naked, having on nothing but their shirts, and without food ; they 
suffered dreadfully, during the six days they wandered, famished, and torn by the 
briars through the wilderness. On the sixth day they often laid down to die, so 
completely were they exhausted. Their feet had become so sore that they were 
unable to perform but six miles during the, day. At last they reached the Ohio, 
where they found a party of hunters, who fed and clothed them. With this party 
Kenton returned up to the mouth of Little Kenawha. Here he employed himself 
with Dr. Briscoe, until he had bought a rifle, and other necessaries. In the sum- 
mer, he joined a party going down the Ohio in search of Captain Bullitt. The 
party, not finding Bullitt, and alarmed by the Indians, abandoned their canoes at 
the Three Islands, and under the guidance of Kenton proceeded by land through 
Kentucky to Virginia. 

Kenton spent the winters of 1773-4, on the Big Sandy, with a hunting-party, 
and in the spring, when the war broke out with the Indians, he retreated into Fort 
Pitt, with the other settlers. When Lord Dunmore raised an army to punish the 
Indians, Kenton volunteered, and was actively employed as a spy, both under the 
expedition of Dunmore and that of Colonel Lewis. In the fall, he was discharged 
from the array, and relumed, with Thonaas Williams, to his old hunting-ground, 



384 KENTON COUNTY. 

on Big Sandy river, where they passed the winter. In the spring of 1775, having 
disposed of their peltries to a French trader, whom they met on the Ohio, for such 
necessaries as their mode of life required, they descended the Ohio in search, once 
more, of the "cane land." Although Yeager was now dead, the impressions left 
upon the mind of Kenton, by his glowing descriptions of Kain-tuck-ee, which 
Yeager had visited with the Indians, when a boy and a prisoner, were still fresh 
and strong; and he determined to make another effort to find the country. For 
this purpose, he and Williams were now descending the Ohio. Accident at last 
favored them. While gliding along down " la belle riviere" (as the French had 
christened it), night overtook the young adventurers, and they were compelled to 
land. They put in with their canoe, at the mouth of Cabin creek, situated in the 
present county of Mason, and about six miles above Maysville. Next morning, 
while hunting some miles back in the country, the ardently-sought "cane" burst 
upon Kenton's view, covering land richer than any he had ever seen before. 
Overjoyed at this piece of good fortune, he returned, in haste, to communicate the 
joyful intelligence to W^illiams. Sinking their canoe, the pioneers, par excel- 
lence, of north Kentucky, struck into their new domain. In the month of May, 
1775, within a mile of the present town of Washington, in Mason county, having 
built their camp, and finished a small clearing, they planted about an acre of land, 
with the remains of the corn bought from the French trader. The spot chosen 
by them, for their agricultural attempt, was one of the most beautiful and fertile 
in the State of Kentucky. Here, in due season, they ate the first roasting ears, 
that ever grew by the care of a white man, on the north side of the Kentucky 
river. 

Before this they had discovered the upper and lower Blue Licks, and the im- 
mense herds of buffalo, elk, &c., that frequented those places, covering the hills 
and valleys of the Licking. The land was a hunters' paradise, and our adven- 
turers were completely happy in their new and undisputed home. They soon 
had cause, however, to apprehend that others would contend with them for the 
mastership of the soil. Happening one day at the lower Blue Licks, they dis- 
covered two white men. Approaching them with due caution, they found them 
friendly, and learned that they had wandered without guns and food thus far into 
the country, their canoe having been upset in a squall on the Ohio. Fitzpat- 
rick and Hendricks (so these strangers were named) were invited by Kenton to 
join his station near Washington. Hendricks acceded to the proposal, but Fitz- 
patrick insisted upon returning to Virginia. Accordingly Kenton and Williama 
(having left Hendricks at ihe Licks) accompanied Fitzpatrick to the Ohio, gave 
him a gun, and took leave of him on the other side from where Maysville now 
stands. Returning quickly as possible, they were surprised and not a little 
alarmed to find the camp where they had left Hendricks abandoned and in dis- 
order. Looking around they observed a smoke in a low ravine, and at once com- 
prehended the whole affair. They were satisfied that a party of Indians had cap- 
tured their friend, and they at once fled to the woods. Next morning cautiously 
approaching the still smoking fire, they discovered that the savages had departed, 
and with feelings that may be easily imagined, they found, what they did not 
doubt were the skull and bones of the unfortunate Hendricks. He had been 
burned to death, while they were so cowardly flying. Filled with shame and re- 
morse that they had so basely abandoned him to his fate without an effort to res- 
cue him, they went back to their camp near Washington. They had the good 
fortune themselves to escape the notice of the Indians who prowled through the 
country. In the fall, Kenton, leaving Williams at the camp, took a ramble through 
his rich domain. Every where he saw abundance of game, and the richest and 
most beautiful land. At the lower Blue Licks he met with Michael Stoner, who 
had come to Kentucky with Boone the year before. He now learned that him- 
self and Williams were not the only whites inhabiting the cane land. Taking 
Stoner to his camp, and gathering up his properly, he and Williams accompanied 
him to the settlements already formed in the interior. Kenton passed the winter 
of '75— Gat Hinckston's station, in the present county of Bourbon, about forty miles 
from his corn patch. In 1776, the Indians enraged at the encroachments made 
upon their hunting grounds, and urged on by the British, made frequent incur- 
sions into Kentucky, and became so troublesome that the weaker stations were 
abandoned. The settlers at Hinckston's station took shelter in McClelland's fort, 



SIMON KENTON. 

situated where Georgetown now stands, Kenton accompanying them. Major 
George Rogers Clark having prevailed upon the Virginia legislature to afford the 
pioneers some assistance, arrived in company with a lawyer named Jones, at the 
Three Islands, late in the winter, with a considerable quantity of powder and 
lead. They concealed it on the lower island and proceeded to McClelland's sta- 
tion, in order to obtain a party to bring it off to the settlements. McClelland 'a 
station being too weak to furnish a sufficient escort, Clark, piloted by Kenton, set 
out for Harrodsburg. Unfortunately, during their absence, Jones prevailed on 
ten men to accompany him to the place where the ammunition was concealed. 
They set out, and on Christmas day, 1776, they were encountered by the Indian 
chief Pluo-o-ey and defeated. Jones and William Grayson were killed, and two 
of the party taken prisoners. The remainder escaped into the station, where Clark 
and Kenton soon arrived with some men from Harrodsburgh, who immediately 
returned on the news of this disaster. On the morning of January 1st, 1777, 
Pluo-o-ey and his warriors appeared before the fort. McClelland and his men 
sallied out and were repulsed by the Indians. McClelland himself and two of 
his men being slain and four wounded. The Indians immediately withdrew, and 
in a few days the ammunition was safely brought away from its concealment. 
McClelland's was immediately afterwards abandoned, and the settlers in great 
gloom, and amidst the lamentations of the women and children, departed for 
Harrod's station. Here Kenton also took up his abode. In the spring. Major 
Clark, who now had command of the settlements, sent Kenton, John Haggin, 
and four others to Hinckston's to break out some flax and hemp. Haggin was in 
front, and observed a party of Indians encamped around Hinckston's. He rode 
back and informed the party of the fact. Kenton, who was as prudent as he was 
brave, counseled a retreat. Haggin swore that nobody but a coward would run 
without one fire. Kenton immediately dismounted from his horse, and all the 
party followed his example but a young Dutchman, who appeared to have more 
sense than any of his companions. In the meantime the Indians, always wide 
awake, had seen Haggin, and following him, now opened a fire on the whites, 
who quickly took to their heels, Haggin valiantly leading the van, and abandoned 
their horses to the Indians, all but the sensible Dutchman, who having kept his 
seat, cantered off much at his ease. Kenton directed his party to retreat into 
Harrodsburgh, while he put the garrison at Boone's station on their guard. 
Arriving before the fort, he determined not to attempt to enter it before dark, 
knowing the custom of the wily savage to ambush the stations, and thus shoot 
whoever might attempt to enter or depart. Accident befriends many a man, but 
the due exercise of one's five wits, is a much more safe reliance. When he did 
enter the fort, he found the men carrying in the bodies of two of their friends, who 
had been killed two or three hours before, on the very same path by which he 
entered. His caution had saved his life. The red man was now furious at the 
occupation of his beloved Kain-tuck-ee by the long knife. The incursions into 
the country by the exasperated foe were frequent and bloody, and every station 
was hotly besieged, Boonesborough sustaining three. To watch the Indians and 
give timely notice of their approach, six spies were appointed, for the payment of 
whom Major Clark pledged the faith of Virginia. Boone appointed Kenton 
and Thos. Brooks ; Harrod, Samuel Moore, and Bates Collier; and Logan, John 
Conrad and John Martin. These spies performed good service. It was the cus- 
tom for two each week, by turns, to range up and down the Ohio, and about the 
deserted stations, looking for Indian signs, &c. By this means, the settlers had 
timely notice during the year of the approach of the enemy, but once. On this 
occasion, Kenton and two others, early one morning, having loaded their guns for 
a hunt, were standing in the gate of Boonesborough, when two men in the fields 
were fired on by the Indians. They immediately fled, not being hurt. The Indians 
pursued them, and a warrior overtook and tomahawked one of the men within 
seventy yards of the fort, and proceeded leisurely to scalp him. Kenton shot the 
daring savage dead and immediately with his hunting companions gave chase to 
the others. Boone, hearing the noise, with ten men hastened out to the assist- 
ance of his spies. Kenton turned and observed an Indian taking aim at the party 
of Boone — quick as thought he brought his rifle to his shoulder, pulled the trig- 
ger first, and the red man bit the dust. Boone, having advanced some distance, 
now discovered that his small party, consisting of fourteen men, was cut off 
25 



386 KENTON COUNTY. 

from the fort by a large body of the foe,which had got between him and the gate. 
There was no time to be lost ; Boone gave the word — " right-about — fire — 
charge I " and the intrepid hunters dashed in among their adversaries, in a despe- 
rate endeavor to reach the fort. At the first fire from the Indians, seven of the 
fourteen whites were wounded, among the number the gallant Boone, whose leg 
was broken, which stretched him on the ground. An Indian sprang on him with 
uplifted tomahawk, but before the blow descended, Kenton, every where present, 
rushed on the warrior, discharged his gun into his breast, and bore his leader into 
the fort. When the gate was closed and all things secure, Boone sent for Ken- 
ton : — "Well, Simon," said the old pioneer, "you have behaved yourself like a 
man to-day — indeed you are a fine fellow." This was great praise from Boone, 
who was a silent man, little given to compliment. Kenton had deserved the eu- 
logium : he had saved the life of his captain and killed three Indians, without 
having time to scalp any one of them. There was little time to spare, we may well 
believe, when Kenton could not stop to take a scalp. 

The enemy, after keeping up the siege for three days, retired. Boonesborough 
sustained two other sieges this year, (1777), in all of which the youthful Kentoa 
bore a gallant and conspicuous part. 

Kenton continued to range the country as a spy until June, 1778, when Major 
Clark came down the Ohio from Virginia with a small force, and landed at the 
Falls. Clark was organizing an expedition against Okaw or Kaskaskia, and in- 
vited as many of the settlers at Boonesborough and Harrodsburgh as desired, to 
join him. The times were so dangerous that the women, especially, in the sta- 
tions objected to the men going on such a distant expedition. Consequently, to 
the great mortification of Clark, only Kenton and Haggin left the stations to ac- 
company him. This expedition, so honorable to the enterprise of Virginia and 
the great captain and soldiers composing it, and so successful and happy in its 
results, is elsewhere fully described (see Clark county — life of General Clark). 
After the fall of Kaskaskia, Kenton returned to Harrodsburgh, by way of Vin- 
cennes, an accurate description of which, obtained by three days' secret observa- 
tion, he sent to Clark, who subsequently took that post. 

Kenton, finding Boone about to undertake an expedition against a small town 
on Paint creek, readily joined him. Inaction was irksome to the hardy youth in 
8uch stirring times ; besides, he had some melancholy reflections that he could 
only escape from in the excitement of danger and adventure. 

The party, consisting of nineteen men, and commanded by Boone, arrived in 
the neighborhood of the Indian village. Kenton, who, as usual, was in ad- 
vance, was startled by hearing loud peals of laughter from a cane brake just be- 
fore him. He scarcely had time to tree, before two Indians, mounted upon a 
small pony, one facing the animal's tail and the other his head, totally unsuspi- 
cious of danger and in excellent spirits, made their appearance. He pulled trigger, 
and both Indians fell, one killed and the other severely wounded. He hastened 
up to scalp his adversaries, and was immediately surrounded by about forty Indi- 
ans. His situation, dodging from tree to tree, was uncomfortable enough, until 
Boone and his party coming up, furiously attacked and defeated the savages. 
Boone immediately returned to the succor of his fort, having ascertained that a 
large war party had gone against it. Kenton and Montgomery, however, resol- 
ved to proceed to the village to get 'a shot' and steal horses. They lay within 
good rifle distance of the village for two days and a night without seeing a single 
warrior ; on the second night, they each mounted a fine horse and put off to Ken- 
tucky, and the day after the Indians raised the siege of Boonesborough, they can- 
tered into the fort on their stolen property. 

This little speculation, unfortunately, appears to have whetted the appetite of 
Kenton and Montgomery for horse flesh. Accordingly, in September of the same 
year, (1778), in company with George Clark, they proceeded to Chillicothe on 
a similar expedition. Arriving in the night, they found a pound of horses, and 
succeeded in haltering seven, not without much noise. They mounted in haste, 
hotly pursued by the enraged savages. Riding all night and next day, they 
struck the Ohio at the mouth of Eagle creek, a few miles below Maysville. The 
wind was high and the river exceedingly rough, so that the frightened horses re- 
fused to cross, after several ineffectual efforts to compel them. Here they rashly 
waited until the next day, hoping that the wind would abate ; but, although th« 



SIMON KENTON. 88T 

next day the wind did subside, the horses could by no means be forced into the 
river, owing to the fright they had received the day before. Satisfied that longer 
delay would be dangerous, they each mounted a horse, abandoning the remaining 
four. But after turning them loose, with an indecision unworthy of the leader at 
least, it was determined that they would have all or none. They now separated 
to hunt up the horses they had just unhaltered. Kenton had not ridden far before 
he heard a whoop behind him. Instead of putting spurs to his horse and gallop- 
ing off like a sensible man, he deliberately dismounted from his horse, tied him, 
and crept back in the direction of the noise. At the top of the bank he saw two 
Indians and a white man, all mounted. It was too late to retreat — he raised his 
rifle, took aim, and — it flashed ! Now, at last, he took to his heels, the Indians 
dashing after him with a yell. He gained some fallen timber, and thus was in 
a fair way to elude his mounted pursuers, when, upon emerging into the open 
woods, he beheld an Indian galloping around the brush within a few rods of him. 
The game was up, and for the first time he was a prisoner in the hands of the 
savages, furious at the attempt to steal their property. 

While the Indians were yet beating and upbraiding him as a " boss steal," 
Montgomery very foolishly came to his assistance, fired without effect, and fled. 
Two of the Indians gave chase, and in a few moments returned with his bleeding 
scalp. Clark, the only one of the three having his five wits in a healthy con- 
dition, laid whip and escaped. 

Bitterly now did Kenton expiate his horse stealing oflfences. It was a crime 
not easily to be pardoned by the very virtuous tribe into whose hands he had 
fallen. After beating him until their arms were too tired to indulge that gratify- 
ing recreation any longer, they secured him for the night. This was done by 
first placing him upon his back on the ground. They next drew his legs apart, 
and lashed each foot firmly to two saplings or stakes driven in the earth. A pole 
was then laid across his breast, and his hands tied to each end, and his arms 
lashed with thongs around it, the thongs passing under his body so as to keep 
the pole stationary. After all this, another thong was tied around his neck, and 
the end of it secured to a stake in the ground, his head being stretched back so 
as not entirely to choke him. In this original manner he passed the night, unable 
to sleep, and filled with the most gloomy forebodings of the future. In the morn- 
ing he was driven forward to the village. 

The plan of this work forbids a particular account of Kenton's adventures during 
his long captivity, running through a period of more than eight months. The cru- 
elties he suffered at the hands of the Indians — his narrow escapes from death in 
an hundred forms — his alternate good and bad fortune, and his final successful 
flight, form one of the most romantic adventures anywhere furnished by the inci- 
dents of real life, seeming more like an invention of the novelist, than a veracious 
narrative. He was eight times compelled to run the gauntlet, three times tied to 
the stake, once brought to the brink of the grave by a blow from an axe ; and 
throughout the whole time, with brief intervals, subjected to great hardship and 
privations. Once his old friend, Simon Girty, the infamous hater of his race, 
interposed and saved him for a short space from the flames. Being again con- 
demned to the stake in spite of the influence of Girty, Logan the celebrated Mingo, 
(whose wrongs had not obliterated the nobility of his nature,) exerted his influence 
in his behalf, and prevailed upon a Canadian trader, named Druyer to purchase 
him from his owners. Druyer succeeded in obtaining him as a prisoner of war, 
upon a promise of returning him, which he of course never intended to fulfil. 
Kenton was now taken by his new friend and delivered over to the British com- 
mander at Detroit. Here he remained working for the garrison, on half pay, until 
the summer of 1779, when he effected his escape, by the assistance of Mrs. Har- 
vey, the wife of an Indian trader. Kenton, at this time but twenty-four years of 
age, according to one who served with him, "was fine looking, with a dignified 
and manly deportment, and a soft, pleasing voice, and was wherever he went a 
favorite among the ladies." This lady had become interested in him, and upon 
his solicitation, promised to assist him and two other Kentuckians, prisoners with 
him, to procure rifles, ammunition, &c., without which a journey through the wil- 
derness could not be performed. Engaging in their cause with all the enthusiasm 
of her sex, she only awaited an opportunity to perform her promise. She had not 
long to wait. On the 3d of June, 1779, a large concourse of Indians assembled 



388 KENTON COUNTY. 

at Detroit to take "a spree." Preparatory to getting drunk, they stacked their 
guns near Mrs. Harvey's house, who as soon as it was dark stole silently out to 
the guns, selected three of the best looking, and quickly hid them in her garden 
in a patch of peas. Avoiding all observation, she hastened to Kenton's lodgings 
and informed him of her success. She told him, at midnight to come to the back 
of her garden, where he would find a ladder, by means of which he could climb 
over and get the guns. She had previously collected such articles of food, cloth- 
ing, ammunition, &c., as would be necessary in their adventure. These she had 
hid in a hollow tree well known to Kenton, some distance out of town. No time 
was now to be lost, and the prisoners at once set about getting things in order for 
their flight. At the appointed hour Kenton with his companions appeared at the de- 
signated spot, discovered the ladder and climbed into the garden, where he found 
Mrs. Harvey sitting by the guns awaiting his arrival. To the eyes of the grate- 
ful young hunter, no woman ever looked so beautiful. There was little time how- 
ever for compliments, for all around could be heard the yells of the drunken sav- 
ages, the night was far advanced, and in the morning both guns and prisoners 
would be missed. Taking an affectionate leave of him, with many tender wishes 
for his safety, she now urged him to be gone. Heaping thanks and blessings on 
her, he left her and re-joined his companions. Kenton never saw her afterwards, 
but he never forgot her; for, more than half a century afterwards, when the wil- 
derness and the savages who peopled it, were alike exterminated before the civi- 
lizing march of the Anglo Saxon, the old pioneer, in words that glowed with 
gratitude and admiration, delighted to dwell on the kindness, and expatiate on the 
courage and virtue of his benefactress, the fair trader's wife. In his reveries, he 
said he had seen her "a thousand times sitting by the guns in the garden." 

After leaving Detroit the fugitives, departing from the usual line of travel, struck 
out in a western direction towards the prairies of the Wabash. At the end of 
thirty-three days, having suffered incredible hardships, the three adventurers, 
Kenton, Bullitt and Coffer, safely arrived at Louisville some time in July '79. 

Here he stayed but a short time to recruit his strength. He had been long a 
prisoner and thirsted for action and adventure. Shouldering his rifle he set out 
through the unbroken wilderness to visit his old companion in arms, Major Clark, 
then at Vincennes. This post he found entirely quiet, too much so for him. He 
had been treading the wilderness and fighting the savages since his sixteenth 
year, and was yet too young and strong to be contented with a life of inaction. 
He had no family or connection to bind him to a particular spot here in the west, 
and by a deed utterly repugnant to his generous nature, he was exiled as he yet 
believed, from his home and friends in the east ; it was therefore his destiny, as 
it was his wish, to rove. Striking again into the pathless wilderness then lying 
between Vincennes and the falls of the Ohio, he soon reached the latter place, 
whence he immediately proceeded to Harrod's station, where he was joyfully wel- 
comed by his old companions. 

The winter of 1779-80 was a peaceful one to the Kentuckians, but in the spring 
the Indians and British invaded the country, having with them two pieces of can- 
non, by means of which two stations, Martin's and Ruddell's, fell into their hands ; 
whereupon the allied savages immediately retreated. 

When General Clark heard of the disaster, he hastened from Vincennes to 
concert measures for present retaliation and the future safety of the settlements. 
Clark was no doubt one of the greatest men ever furnished by the west, of no 
ordinary military capacity. He believed the best way to prevent the depreda- 
tions of the Indians, was to carry the war into their own country, burning down 
their villages and destroying their corn, and thus give them sufficient employ- 
ment to prevent their incursions among the settlements on the south side of the 
river. Accordingly an expedition consisting of 1100 of the hardiest and most 
courageous men that the most adventurous age of our history could furnish, inured 
to hardships and accustomed to the Indian mode of fighting, assembled at the 
mouth of the Licking. Kenton commanded a company of volunteers from Har- 
rod's station, and shared in all the dangers and success of this little army. Com- 
manded by Clark, and piloted by one of the most expert woodsmen and the great- 
est spy of the west, Simon Kenton, the Kentuckians assailed the savages in 
their dens with complete success. Chillicothe, Pickaway and many other towns 
were burnt, and the crops around them destroyed. At Pickaway, the Indians 



SIMON KENTON. 389 

were brought to a stand. Here where he had run the gauntlet and afforded the 
Indian squaws and warriors so much fun, two years before, Kenton now at the 
head of his gallant company, had the satisfaction of dashing into the thickest of 
the fight and repaying with usury the blows he had received at their hands. Af- 
ter an obstinate resistance the savages were defeated and fled in all directions, 
leaving their killed and wounded on the field. (See life of Clark.) 

This was the first invasion of Ohio by the Kentuckians in any force, and the 
red man long remembered it. For two years the stations enjoyed comparative 
peace, and Kenton passed away his time as a hunter, or spy, or with surveying par- 
ties, heavily enough until the fall of 1782. Then for the first time he heard that 
his old father yet lived, and learned the joyful intelligence that he had not killed 
his old playmate and friend William Veach. It is impossible to describe his 
feelings upon hearing this news. For eleven years he wandered in the wilder- 
ness filled with remorse for his rash, though unpremeditated crime, the brand of 
murder upon his heart if not upon his brow, isolated from his home and friends, 
about whom he dare not even inquire, and his very name forbidden to him. At 
length after expiating his crime by these long sufferings, unexpectedly the weight 
of murder is removed from his mind — his banishment from home and family 
revoked, and his long abandoned name restored. Kenton was Simon Butler now 
no longer, and he felt like a new man. 

In the fall of 1782 General Clark, to revenge the disaster of the Blue Licks, 
led another army 1500 strong against the Indian towns, which spread destruction 
far and wide through their country. (See life of Clark.) Kenton again com- 
manded a company on this occasion, and was again the pilot for the army, as his 
knowledge of the country was unsurpassed, and his skill in woodcraft unequalled. 
It was upon the return of this expedition opposite the mouth of the Licking, Nov. 
4th, 1782, that the pioneers composing it, entered into the romantic engagement, 
that fifty years thereafter, the survivors "should meet and talk over the affairs of 
the campaign," and the dangers and hardships of the past. It was first suggested 
by Captain M'Cracken of the Kentucky light horse, who was then dying* from 
the mortification of a slight wound received in the arm while fighting, immediately 
by the side of Kenton in the attack on Piqua town. To carry out the request of 
the dying soldier, Colonel Floyd, from the Falls of the Ohio, brought forward a 
resolution, and the semi-centennial meeting was determined upon. All around 
was the unbroken wilderness ; but as they bore the dying M'Cracken down the 
hill above Cincinnati, the future stood revealed to his fast closing eyes, the cities 
and villas peopled with tens of thousands, crowning the valley and the hill tops, 
the noise of abounding commerce in the streets and on the rivers — building rising 
upon building — palace and temple and all the magnificent panorama of fifty years, 
passed in review before him. The desire to link one's name with all this great- 
ness was pardonable in him who had shed his blood in the struggle to achieve it. 
The interesting day that was to witness the re-union of the surviving heroes of 
'82, fell upon the 4th of November, 1832. At that time many were still survi- 
ving, among the rest General Simon Kenton. As the day drew near, the old hero 
was deeply affected at the prospect of meeting his old brothers in arms, as well 
as solicitous to keep the solemn appointment. To encourage a large attendance 
he published an interesting and feeling "address to the citizens of the western 
country." It is a fair type of his kind heart, dictated to a friend who wrote it for 
him, and signed with his own hand. The following is the only extract the limits 
of this work will permit us to make. 

" Fellow citizens ! — Being one of the first, after Colonel Daniel Boone, who aided in the 
conquest of Kentucky, and the west, I am called upon to address you. My heart melts on 
such an occasion ; I look forward to the contemplated meeting with melancholy pleasure ; it 
has caused tears to flow in copious showers. I wish to see once more before I die, my few 
surviving friends. My solemn promise, made fifty years ago, binds me to meet them. I 
ask not for myself; but you may find in our assembly some who have never received any 
pay or pension, who have sustained the cause of their country, equal to any other service ; 
who in the decline of life are poor. Then, you prosperous sons of the west, forget not those 
old and gray-headed veterans on this occasion ; let them return to their families with some 

* He died as the troops descended the hill where Cincinnati now stands, and was buried near the 
block-house at the mouth of the Licking, on the Kentucky side. 



390 KENTON COUNTY. 

little manifestation of your kindness to cheer their hearts, I add my prayer : may kind 
heaven grant us a clear sky, fair and pleasant weather — a safe journey £uid a happy meeting, 
and smile upon us and our families, and bless us and our nation on the approaching occasion. 



/ 



f.Yr^% 



zy^yx 




Urbakta, Ohio, 1832. 



The day at last came so long looked for by our "old fathers of the west," and 
the terrible cholera, more barbarous than the savages, who fifty years before bat- 
tled the pioneers, spread death far and wide over the west, sparing neither age 
nor sex. Cincinnati was wrapt in gloom, yet many of the veteran patriots assem- 
bled, and the corporation voted them a dinner. General Kenton, in spite of his 
ardent desire, was unable from sickness and old age, to attend. He met his beloved 
companions no more until he met them in the spirit land. 

After the volunteers disbanded at the mouth of Licking, Kenton returned to 
Harrod's station. He had acquired many valuable tracts of land, now becoming 
of importance, as population began to flow into the country with a rapid in- 
crease, as the sounds of savage warfare grew fainter in the distance. He set- 
tled on his lands on Salt river, and being joined by a few families in 1782-3, he 
built some rude block-houses, cleared land, and planted corn. His settlement 
thrived wonderfully. In the fall, having gathered his corn, he determined to visit 
his father, ascertain his circumstances, and bring him to Kentucky. He had not 
seen his family for thirteen years, a period to him full of dangers, sufferings and 
triumphs. Who can paint the joy of the returning adventurer, young in years, 
but old in deeds and reputation, on reaching home, to find that his aged father 
"yet lived." The reunion was joyful to all, especially so to his friends, who 
had long considered him dead. He visited with delight the friends and the scenes 
of his early childhood, so different from his boisterous manhood, and the gaunt- 
let, the stake, and the fierce foray, and the wild war-whoop were to him as the 
confused image of some uneasy dream. Veach and the ungracious fair one, his 
first love, were still living ; he saw them, and each forgot the old feud. 

He gathered up his father and family and proceeded as far as Red Stone Fort, 
journeying to Kain-tuck-ee, where his old father died, and was buried on the 
winding banks of the Monongahela, without marble or inscription to mark the last 
resting place of the father of the great pioneer. Kenton, with the remainder of his 
father's family, reached his settlement in safety in the winter of 1784. 

Kentucky was now a flourishing territory, and emigrants came flocking in to 
appropriate her fertile lands. Kenton determined to occupy his lands, around his 
old camp, near Maysville, remarkable for their beauty and fertility. This part 
of Kentucky was still uninhabited, and infested by the Indians. In July, 1784, 
collecting a small party of adventurers, he went to his old camp, one mile from 
Washington, in Mason county. The Indians being too troublesome, the party 
returned to Salt river. In the fall of the same year Kenton returned, built some 
block-houses, and was speedily joined by a few families. In the spring of '85, 
many new settlements were made around Kenton's station, and that part of the 
country soon assumed a thriving appearance, in spite of the incursions of the 
savages. In 1786, Kenton sold (or according to M'Donald), gave Arthur Fox 
and William Wood one thousand acres of land, on which they laid out the towTi 
of Washington ; " Old Ned Waller" had settled at Limestone (Maysville) the 
year before. 

The Indians were too badly crippled, by Clark's last expedition, to offer any 
considerable opposition to the settlers ; nevertheless, they were exceedingly trou- 
blesome, during their many small predatory incursions, and plied the fashionable 
trade of horse-stealing with praiseworthy activity. To put a stop to such pro- 
ceedings, on the part of their red neighbors, an expedition, seven hundred strong, 
composed of volunteers from all the surrounding stations, assembled at Washing- 
ton under the command of Colonel Logan. Fighting, in those days, cost our 
affectionate "Uncle Sam" very little, as every man paid his own war expenses. 



SIMON KENTON. 391 

Kenton commanded a company from his settlement, and, as usual, piloted the 
way into the enemy's country. The expedition fell upon Mochacheek and Pick- 
away very suddenly, defeated the Indians with considerable loss, burnt four other 
towns, without resistance, and returned to Washington with only ten men killed 
and wounded. 

Notwithstanding this successful blow, the Indians, all next year, kept the 
inhabitants around Kenton's station in perpetual alarm. Kenton again called on 
the stations to rendezvous at Washington, for the purpose of punishing the In- 
dians, by " carrying the war into Africa ;" a trick he had learned from his old 
commander. General Clark. It was essentially to the interest of the interior 
stations to see Kenton's well sustained, as thereby the savages were kept at a 
distance from them. They were, consequently, always ready to render their 
more exposed brethren any assistance required. Several hundred hardy hunters, 
under Colonel Todd, assembled again at Washington. Kenton again commanded 
his company, a gallant set of young men, trained by himself, and piloted the 
expedition. Near Chillicothe a detachment, led by majors Hinkston and Kenton, 
fell upon a large body of Indians, about day-break, and defeated them before Todd 
came up. Chillicothe was burned down, and the expedition returned without 
losing a man. 

The pioneers had now become formidable to the Indians, and kept them at bay. 
Kenton's station was a frontier for the interior settlements, and manfully beat 
back the foe, in his incursions into the State. The country around Washington 
was fast filling up, and bid fair soon to be in a condition to set the Indian at 
defiance. Kenton, universally esteemed and beloved, was acknowledged to be 
the chief man in the community. His great experience and reputation as a fron- 
tier man ; his superior courage and skill in the fight, as well as the extent of his 
possessions, rendered him conspicuous. In all the incursions made into the 
country of the enemy, and the many local contests that took place with the Indi- 
ans, Captain Kenton was invariably the leader selected by the settlers. 

From 1788 to 1793, many small but bloody conflicts came oflf around the set- 
tlements in Mason county, in which the Indians were severely punished by Cap- 
tain Kenton and his volunteers. In 1793 the Indians made the last incursion into 
this, or perhaps any other part of Kentucky. On that occasion (see Mason 
county) Kenton ambushed them at the place where they crossed the Ohio, killed 
six of the party, and dispersed the remainder. They never afterwards invaded 
the long contested shore of their beloved hunting ground. After a desperate and 
sanguinary struggle of more than twenty years, Kain-tuck-ee, " the dark and 
bloody ground," was lost to the red man forever. The Saxon, in his insatiable 
thirst for land, had felled her forests, driven out her elk and buifalo, ploughed up 
her virgin sod, polluted her soil with the unfamiliar city and village, and in the 
blood of the red man written his title to the country, which he held with a grasp 
of iron. Cornstalk, Blackfish, Logan, Little Turtle, Elinipsico, Meshawah, the 
young Tecumseh, and the thousand north-western braves, bled in vain. Equal 
courage, superior intellect, and the destiny of the Saxon, overthrew the heroism, 
the perseverance, and the despair of the sons of the forest. 

In 1793, General Wayne came down the Ohio to prepare for his successful ex- 
pedition. Kenton, at that time a major, joined Wayne with his battalion, and 
proceeded to Greenville, where he was conspicuous among the hardy hunters 
composing the army, on account of his superior reputation, courage, skill, and 
activity. He was not in the battle of the Fallen Timber, having been discharged 
with his battalion the winter previous. The Indians, being defeated by Wayne, 
and their power completely broken, sued for peace, which was granted, and the 
war was over. 

Kentucky and the west, after the peace of Greenville, rushed forward with 
rapid strides in the career of population and wealth. Emigrants came pouring 
over the AUeghanies into the fertile valley of the Ohio, to occupy the beautiful 
" land of the cane." These lands rose rapidly in price and importance, and Ken- 
ton was now thought to be one of the wealthiest men in his State, and deserved 
to be so, for he had purchased his wealth by many a bloody conflict, and by many 
incredible hardships. But behold the gratitude of his countrymen ! 

The crafty offsprings of peace, who slept in the lap of eastern ease and secu- 
rity, while this noble pioneer was enduring the hardships of the wilderness, and 



392 KENTON COUNTY. 

braving the gauntlet, and stake, and tomahawk of the Indian to redeem the soil 
of the west, creep in when the fight, and toil, and danger are past, and by dis- 
honorable trick, miserable technicality, and cunning procedure, wrest the pos- 
sessions bought at such a terrible price from the gallant, unlettered, simple hearted 
man, unversed in the rascality of civilization. He lost his lands acre after acre, 
the superior skill of the speculator prevailing over the simplicity and ignorance 
of the hunter. What a burning, deep disgrace to the west, that the hero who 
had suffered so much and fought so well to win the soil of his glorious " cane 
land " from the savage, should, when the contest was ended, be compelled to 
leave it to those who never struck a blow in its defence! Together with Boone 
and numerous other brave old frontier men, who bore " the heat and burden of 
the day," Kenton, like an old shoe, was kicked aside when he was no longer of 
any use, or had become too antiquated for the fashion of the times. Kentucky 
treated her earliest and staunchest defenders scarcely so well as Ihey treated their 
dogs — after running down the game, she denied them the very otfal. 

The fate of General Simon Kenton was still more hard than that of the other 
simple hearted fathers of the west. His body was taken for debt upon the cov- 
enants in deeds to lands, which he had, in effect, given away, and for twelve 
months he was imprisoned, upon the very spot where he first built his cabin in 
'75 — where he planted the first corn ever planted on the north of the Kentucky 
river by the hand of any white man — where he ranged the pathless forest in free- 
dom and safety — where he subsequently erected his foremost station house, and 
battled the Indians in an hundred encounters, and, nearly alone, endured the 
hardships of the wilderness, while those who then reaped the fruits of his for- 
mer sufferings were yet unborn, or dwelt afar in the lap of peace and plenty. 

In 1802, beggared by law-suits and losses, he moved into Ohio, and settled in 
Urbana. He was no longer young, and the prospect of spending his old age in 
independence, surrounded by plenty and comfort, which lightened the toils and 
sufferings of his youth, was now succeeded by cheerless anticipations of poverty 
and neglect. Thus, after thirty years of the prime of his life, spent faithfully in 
the cause of Kentucky and the west, all that remained to him was the recollec- 
tion of his services, and a cabin in the wilderness of Ohio. He himself never 
repined, and such was his exalted patriotism, that he would not suffer others to 
upbraid his country in his presence, without expressing a degree of anger alto- 
gether foreign from his usual mild and amiable manner. It never occurred to his 
ingenuous mind that his country could treat any body, much less him, with neg- 
lect, and his devotion and patriotism continued to the last unimpaired. 

In 1805, he was elected a brigadier general in the Ohio militia, and in 1810 he 
joined the Methodist Episcopal church. It is a consoling fact, that nearly all 
the "old fathers of the west" devoted the evening of their stormy lives to the 
service of their Maker, and died in the triumphs of the Christian faith. In 1813, 
the gallant old man joined the Kentucky troops under Governor Shelby, into 
whose family he was admitted as a privileged member, and was in the battle of 
the Thames. This was his last battle, and from it the old hero returned to ob- 
scurit}' and poverty in his humble cabin in the woods. He remained in Urbana 
till 1820, when he moved to the head of Mad river, Logan county, Ohio, in sight 
of Wapatomika, where he had been tied to the stake by the Indians when a prisoner 
in their hands. Here he was harassed by judgments and executions from Ken- 
tucky, and to prevent being driven from his cabin by his white brethren, (as for- 
merly by the savages) to the forest for a shelter, he was compelled to have some 
land entered in the name of his wife and children. He still had many tracts of 
mountain land in Kentucky of little value, which, however, were forfeited to the 
State for taxes. In 1824, then seventy years of age, he undertook a journey to 
Frankfort, in tattered garments and on a sorry horse, to endeavor to get the legis- 
lature, then in session, to release the claim of the State on his mountain lands. 

Here, where he had roved in an unbroken wilderness in the early day, now stood 
a flourishing city, but he walked up and down its streets, an object of curiosity 
to the boys, a stranger, recognized by no one. A new generation had arisen to 
people and possess the land which he had defended, and his old friends and com- 
panions were gone. At length General Thomas Fletcher, from Bath county, saw 
and knew him, and by his means the old pioneer was clothed in a decent suit, 
and entertained in a kind and becoming manner. When it became known that 



SIMON KENTON.' B9S 

Simon Kenton was in the town, numbers speedily assembled to see the celebra- 
ted warrior and hunter, and testify their regard for him. He was taken to the 
capitol and placed in the speaker's chair, " and then was introduced the second 
great adventurer of the west, to a crowded assembly of legislators, judges, offi- 
cers of the government, and citizens generally." This the simple hearted old 
man was wont to call " the proudest day" of his life. His lands were at once 
released, and shortly afterwards, by the exertions of Judge Burnet and General 
Vance of Congress, a pension of two hundred and forty dollars a year was ob- 
tained for him, securing his old age from absolute want. 

Without any further revi^ard from his government, or particular notice from his 
fellow-citizens and contemporaries. General Kenton lived in his quiet and obscure 
home to the age of eighty-one, beloved and respected by all who knew him. In 
April, 1836, in sight of the place where the Indians, fifty-eight years before, pro- 
posed to torture him to death, he breathed his last, surrounded by his family and 
neighbors, and supported by the consolations of the gospel. 

The following is a description of the appearance and character of this remark- 
able man, by one who often shared with him in the dangers of the forest and the 
fight: 

" General Kenton was of fair complexion, six feet one inch in height. He stood and 
walked very erect ; and, in the prime of life, weighed about one hundred and ninety pounds. 
He never was inclined to be corpulent, although of sufficient fullness to form a graceful per- 
son. He had a soft, tremulous voice, very pleasing to the hearer. He had laughing, gray 
eyes, which appeared to fascinate the beholder, and dark auburn hair. He was a pleasant, 
good-humored, and obliging companion. When excited, or provoked to anger, (which was 
seldom the case), the fiery glance of his eye would almost curdle the blood of those with 
whom he came in contact. His rage, when roused, was a tornado. In his dealing, he was 
perfectly honest ; his confidence in man, and his credulity, were such, that the same man 
might cheat him twenty times ; and if he professed friendship, he might cheat him still." 

The thing which strikes us most forcibly, in contemplating the lives of the 
great leading men, who pioneered the march of civilization to the west, is their 
complete simplicity of character. Some have not hesitated to pronounce this 
stupidity, but we can not agree with them. The pioneers of the west, in addi- 
tion to a plentiful lack of education and mental discipline, were certainly chil- 
dren in their knowledge of the great book of human nature. Still the courage, 
skill, sagacity, perseverance and endurance exhibited in their life of privation 
and danger, prove them to have been men of no ordinary mould, and the same 
intellectual and physical forces called into action in any other sphere of life, 
expressed with the same energy, would have rendered their possessors distin- 
guished. 

We can easily see how unfit for civilized life, were Boone and Kenton, sud- 
denly transposed from an almost primitive and savage state of society, unsophis- 
ticated and simple-minded as they were. The great questions of property, regu- 
lated by law, and liberty, regulated by policy, in their profound mysteries, were 
to them as sealed books : they had not studied them ; but for more than twenty 
years, battling with the savages, and enduring bitter privations with constant and 
necessary activity, they lived in the free wilderness, where action was unfettered 
by law, and where property was not controlled by form and technicality, but rest- 
ed on the natural and broader foundation of justice and convenience. They knew 
how to beat back the invader of their soil, or repel the aggression of the private 
wrong-doer — they knew how to bear down a foe in the open field, or circumvent 
him by stratagem, or destroy him by ambush. But they knew not how to swindle 
a neighbor out of his acres, by declaration, demurrer, plea and replication, and all 
the scientific pomp of chicanery — they knew not how danmges could salve a pri- 
vate injury or personal wrong, or how the verdict of a jury could remove the 
poison from the tongue of the slanderer, or medicine the incurable wounds 
inflicted by the seducer.* Hence, in the broad and glorious light of civilization, 
they were stupid. Their confidence in men, their simplicity, their stupidity, by 
whatever name proper to call it, rendered them an easy prey to selfish and un- 
principled speculators. Certain it is, that hundreds arose to prey upon the sim- 
ple Fathers of the West ; and they were driven out in their old age yet farther into 
the wilderness. Instead of seeing their children possess and people the beauti- 
ful land won by their fathers, after so long and terrible a conflict, we see them, 



394 



KENTON COUNTY. 



like their sires, on the borders of civilization, beating back the savage, them- 
selves ever driven back by that wave of population which follows on their steps, 
by a strange decree, the exterminators of the red man, soon thereafter, them- 
selves to be exterminated. 

It is now perhaps too late, to repair the injustice done to these old heroes by 
the west ; yet one act remains to Kentucky, demanded alike by gratitude and a 
just sense of honor. It is to gather up the sacred remains of Simon Kenton, from 
their last, obscure resting place, and placing them in the cemetery of her capi- 
tal, in the bosom of that beloved soil which he was among the first and stoutest 
to defend ; to erect a monument over his grave, commemorating throughout 
all succeeding years the services and virtues of her Great Pioneer. Will it ever 
be done ] 

Bank Lick is a beautiful stream, emptying into the Licking river, five miles 
from its confluence with the Ohio, in Kenton county. This stream received it8 
name from the early settlers, and its banks have, doubtless, been trodden by 
Boone and Kenton. The engraving represents a scene on this stream, about a 
mile above its junction with the Licking. The picture is by Frankenstein, a 
young artist of Cincinnati. 




VIEW OF BANK LICK, KENTON CO., KY. 



KNOX COUNTY. 395 

Among the prominent citizens of Kenton county, is the Honorable James T. 
MoREHEAD, late Senator in the Congress of the United States. He enjoys a rep- 
utation for ability and eloquence, which is co-extensive with the limits of the Un- 
ion, and ranks among the first public men of the State. He was born on the 24th 
May, 1797, near Shepherdsville, in the county of Bullitt. When he was three or 
four years old, his father removed to Russell ville, Logan county, where he enjoyed 
the advantages of the village schools. In the spring of 1813, he was sent to 
Transylvania University, where he continued until 1815. The University was 
then under the charge of Dr. Blythe, as principal, Rev. Mr. Bishop, professor of 
moral philosophy, and Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, professor of languages. On his 
return to Russellville, Mr. Morehead commenced the study of the law under the 
Honorable H. P. Brodnax, then one of the circuit court judges ; and he contin- 
ued it in the office of the Honorable J. J. Crittenden, who was then living at 
Russellville. In the spring of 1818, Mr. Morehead settled at Bowling Green, 
and commenced the practice of law. In August, 1828, he was elected to the 
legislature from the county of Warren, and was re-elected in 1829-1830. In 
the winter of 1831-2, while attending the convention at Baltimore which nomina- 
ted Mr. Clay for the presidency and John Sergeant for vice president, he was 
nominated by the state convention that met at Frankfort as candidate for lieu- 
tenant governor. He was elected to this office in August, 1832. He presided 
over the senate until the death of Governor Breathitt, in February, 1834, and 
succeeded that gentleman in the administration of the government. In his first 
message to the legislature, he recommended an enlarged system of internal im- 
provements, which the legislature, on the 28th of February, 1835, provided for 
by " an act for the internal improvement of the State of Kentucky," creating a 
board of internal improvement, of which Mr. Morehead was made ex-officio the 
president. In the fall of 1836, he resumed the practice of the law in Frankfort. 
In March, 1837, he was commissioned by Governor Clark, as the agent of the 
State, for the sale of the bonds for internal improvement purposes. In August, 
1837, he was elected to the legislature in Franklin county. In the spring of 1838, 
he was appointed by Governor Clark, president of the board of internal improve- 
ments. In the winter of the next year, he was selected by the legislature, in 
conjunction with Colonel J. Speed Smith, of Madison, as a commissioner to the 
State of Ohio, to obtain the passage of a law for the protection of the property 
of the citizens of Kentucky in their slaves. The mission was entirely successful. 
Mr. Morehead remained in the board of internal improvement until the latter part 
of February, 1841, when he was elected to the senate of the United States for 
the term of six years. In the senate, as a debater, ievf men ranked higher than 
Governor Morehead. An announcement that he was to speak, never failed to fill 
the lobbies and galleries with spectators. As a speaker, he is remarkably fluent 
and energetic, with a manner eminently graceful and dignified. His political 
information is extensive, and his opinions as a statesman, sound and conserva- 
tive. Governor Morehead is now living in Covington, engaged in the practice of 
bis profession. 



KNOX COUNTY. 

Knox county was formed in 1799, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral Henry I^ox. It is situated in the southeastern part of the 
State, and lies on both sides of the Cumberland river : Bounded 
on the north by Laurel and Clay ; northeast by Clay ; southeast 
by Harlan ; south by Tennessee line ; and west by Whitley. 
The Pine mountain, a spur of the great Cumberland, skirts this 
county on the southeast. The face of the country, except on the 
river bottoms, is hilly and mountainous — the staple products, corn 



396 KNOX COUNTY. 

and oats, though other grains are produced, and horses, cattle, 
hogs and sheep are raised in considerable numbers. 

Valuation of taxable property in 1846, $767,326; number of 
acres of land in the county, 150,308 ; average value of land per 
acre, $2.74 ; number of white males over twenty-one years of 
age, 1,027 ; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 
1,688. Population in 1840, 5,722. 

Barboursville, the county seat and only town, is situated on the 
right bank of the Cumberland river, about one hundred and fifty 
miles from Frankfort. It contains three churches, one school, 
court-house, five stores and groceries, one tavern, three lawyers, 
two physicians and six mechanical trades — population 225. Es- 
tablished in 1812. 

The State road from Frankfort to the State of Tennessee, crosses at the Cum- 
berland ford in this county, thence- passes out of the State at the Cumberland 
Gap. The Pine mountain, which is situated on the border of this county, presents 
to the eye all the grandeur and sublimity of nature in her wildest and most 
romantic aspect, through which the Cumberland river seems to have forced its 
way, the cliffs on either side, consisting of almost interminable heaps of lime- 
stone, rising to the height of thirteen hundred feet. In the vicinity of this cliff, 
there is a cave of considerable magnitude. 

Three miles from Barboursville, on the north bank of the Cumberland, there 
are the remains of an ancient fortress, around which a circular ditch is discerni- 
ble, enclosing about four acres of ground. 

It was through the Cumberland Gap, in this county, that the distinguished pi- 
oneer, Daniel Boone, first penetrated Kentucky. 

General Henry Knox, in honor of whom this county received its name, was a 
native of Massachusetts, having been born at Boston, on the 25th July, 1750. 
He received a good education, and at an early period of his life was a booksel- 
ler. At the age of eighteen, he was chosen one of the officers of a company of 
grenadiers, and evinced a fondness and ability for the military profession. At 
the battle of Bunker Hill he served as a volunteer ; and soon after undertook the 
perilous task of procuring from the Canada frontier some pieces of ordnance, 
greatly needed by the American army, which he successfully accomplished. For 
this daring feat, he received the most flattering testimonials from the commander- 
in-chief and congress, and was soon after entrusted with the command of the 
artillery department, with the rank of a brigadier general. In the battles of 
Trenton and Princeton, Germantown and Monmouth, he displayed peculiar skill 
and bravery ; and subsequently contributed greatly to the capture of Cornwallis 
at Yorktown. Immediately after this event, he was created a major-general. He 
was subsequently one of the commissioners to adjust the terms of peace — was 
deputed to receive the surrender of New York from the English forces — and af- 
terwards appointed commander at West Point, where he executed the delicate 
and difficult task of disbanding the army, which he executed with extraordinary 
address. In 1785, he was appointed secretary at war, the duties of which office 
he discharged with general approbation until the year 1794, when he retired to 
his estate, in the then district, but now State of Maine. In 1798, when the state 
of our affairs with France indicated a rupture, he was again appointed to a com- 
mand in the army ; but the re-establishment of amicable relations with that power, 
enabled him soon to return to his retirement. He died October 25, 1806, at his 
seat in Thomaston, Maine, at the age of 56. General Knox was as amiable in 
private, as he was eminent in public life. But few men in the stirring times in 
which he lived, possessed in a higher degree those traits of character which dig- 
nify and ennoble human nature. 



LARUE COUNTY, 397 



LARUE COUNTY. 

Larue county was formed in 1843, and named for John Larue. 
It lies on Salt river, in the middle portion of the State : Boun- 
ded on the north by Hardin and Nelson ; east by Nelson and 
- Washington ; south by Hart and Greene ; and southwest and 
northwest by Hart and Hardin. The surface is generally undu- 
lating, a portion rolling or hilly — the celebrated Muldrow's hill 
skirting the county on the north. The soil is good in the more 
level portion — the hills producing fine grasses, and well adapted 
for sheep culture. Principal products, corn, tobacco and hogs. 
The Rolling fork of Salt river, and Nolin and Otter creeks, are 
the principal streams. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $727,344; number of acres 
of land in the county, 123,157 ; average value of land per acre, 
$3.58; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 
872 ; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,207. 

The towns of the county are — Hodgenville, the county seat, 
and Levelwood. Hodgenville is about ninety miles from Frank- 
fort, and is a pleasant place, of some business — containing a neat 
court-house vi^ith the usual county buildings, and has five law- 
yers, two physicians, six stores, with a number of mechanics' shops. 

About one mile above Hodgenville on the south side of Nolin creek, there is a 
knoll which may be appropriately termed a natural curiosity. It is about thirty 
feef above the level of the creek, and contains about two acres of ground, the top 
of which is level, and a comfortable house has been erected upon it. Benjamin 
Lynn and others, early pioneers of the county, encamped on this knoll. In a 
hunting excursion, shortly after they made their encampment, Lynn got lost. 
The remainder of the company returned to camp, and not finding their companion, 
some one remarked, " Here is the Note (knoll) but No Lynn, from which circum- 
stance the creek which runs near the knoll took its name — Nolin. They imme- 
diately started in search of Lynn, and traveled a south course about fifteen miles, 
and found where he had encamped on a creek, from which circumstance they 
called the creek Lynn-camp creek. [The creek lies within the present county of 
Hart.] Philip Phillips erected a fort about one fourth of a mile from the knoll, 
on the north side of Nolin, about the year 1780 or '81, where the first settlement 
of the county was made. Phillips was from Pennsylvania, and a surveyor. 

John Larue, for whom the county was named, emigrated with a considerable 
company, from Virginia, and settled in Phillips' fort. When they left the fort, 
Larue bought and settled the land which includes the knoll. Robert Hodgen, 
his brother-in-law, bought and settled the land on which Hodgenville has been 
erected. They were both noted for their uprightness and sterling moral worth — 
both of them members of the Baptist church, and beloved, for their unobtrusive 
and devoted piety. Benjamin Lynn was a minister of the same church, and also 
distinguished for his zeal and piety. 

On the farm of Mr. John Duncan, about five miles from Hodgenville, on the 
Big South fork of Nolin, there are several mounds. Two of these have been 
opened, and found to contain human bones, beads of ivory or bone, and a quantity 
of sea shells. Near the mounds, there appear to be the remains of a town or 
fortification, and within the area covered by this relic of antiquity, several curl- 




398 LAUREL AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES. 

ous articles have been found, among them the image of a 
J bird, cut out of a rock, with several holes drilled through it. 
"^ On one of the bluffs of the Rolling Fork, where the creek 
makes a short elbow, is to be seen a stone wall, now three or 
four feet high. The wall at the elbow extends across the 
level land, from cliff to cliff, somewhat in the shape of the 
annexed drawing, and must have constituted, at the time of 
its construction, an impregnable fortress. The cliff is about 
two hundred feet high, and so precipitous that an invading 
army could not possibly scale it, where there was any show of 
resistance. 



LAUREL COUNTY. 

Laurel county was formed in 1825, and derived its name from 
the river Laurel, wrhich runs partly through the county — and the 
river is supposed to derive its name from the quantity of laurel 
growing upon its banks. The face of the country is elevated 
and generally rolling — the staple products corn and oats. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $333,099; number of acres 
of land in the county, 184,595; average value of land per acre, 
$1.10; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 714; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,133. 
Population in 1840,3,079. 

The towns of the county are London and Hazlepatch. London, 
the seat of justice, is one hundred and two miles from Frankfort 
— contains a court-house and jail, post-office, tavern, one physi- 
cian, two lawyers, a store, and a few mechanics' shops. Hade- 
patch is a small village, containing a post office and a few houses. 

Boone's old trace, which ran through this county, is yet perceivable, passing 
immediately over the spot where the court-house is built. A quantity of iron ore 
has been discovered in the county, and some appearances of lead. Swift's old 
mine is supposed to be in this county. Coal is found in great abundance, and 
several fine chalybeate springs have been discovered. The water power is un- 
surpassed. There are the remains of some old Indian towns in the county, 
among which vessels apparently used for cooking, and other implements, have 
been found. 



LAWRENCE COUNTY. 

Lawrence county was formed in 1821, and named after Captain 
James Lawrence, of the United States' navy. It is situated in the 
eastern portion of the State, lying on the waters of Big Sandy 
river — bounded on the north by Carter, west by Morgan, south by 
Johnson, and on the east by Big Sandy river, the separating line 
between Virginia and Kentucky. The surface is hilly and bro- 
ken, but the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats, rye, and all 
kinds of vegetables, in abundance. The county is well watered 



JAMES LAWRENCE. 899 

and the timber fine, such as beech, poplar, chesnut, black and 
white walnut, and oak of various kinds. Steamboats have as- 
cended the Big Sandy as far as Piketon, in Pike county. The 
soil along the whole valley of the Big Sandy is remsirkably rich, 
while the hills abound in coal and iron ore. The county con- 
tains many natural curiosities, a description of which, it is to be 
regretted, has not been received. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $394,535; number of acres 
of land in the county, 131,587 ; average value of land per acre, 
$1.75; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 
850; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,- 
467. Population in 1840, 3,079. 

Louisa, the county seat and only town in Lawrence, is located 
at the forks of Big Sandy, about one hundred miles from Frank- 
fort. It contains a court-house, church, post-office, four stores, 
two doctors, two lawyers, and several mechanics' shops. Estab- 
lished in 1822. 

Richard Apperson, Esq. of Mount Sterling, has in his possession one of the 
oldest patents probably now in Kentucky. It was issued by the crown of Great 
Britain in 1772, to John Fry, for 2084 acres of land, embracing the town of Louisa, 
in this county. Nearly one-third of the land lies on the Virginia side of Big 
Sandy river. The survey upon which the patent issued was made by General 
Washington between 1767 and 1770, inclusive, and upon the beginning corner 
he cut the initials of his name. Nearly every corner was found well marked. It 
has not heretofore been generally known that George Washington was ever in 
Kentucky. Another survey was made by him for John Fry, on Little Sandy 
river, eleven miles from its mouth, and in the present county of Greenup. The 
town of Louisa, and the whole of the lands included in the patent, are held under 
the title of Fry. 

In the year 1789, Charles Vancouver settled in the forks of Big Sandy, and 
employed ten men to build a fort and cultivate some corn. This settlement lasted 
but a year, as the Indians in a few weeks after Vancouver took possession, stole 
all the horses, and continued to be troublesome. 

James Lawrence, (in honor of whom this county received its name,) a distin- 
guished American naval commander, was born in New Jersey in 1781. In 1798, 
he entered the navy as a midshipman. In 1801 he was promoted, and in 1803, 
during the Tripoli war, was sent out to the Mediterranean as first lieutenant of 
the schooner Enterprise. While there, he performed a conspicuous part in the 
destruction of the Philadelphia frigate, which had been captured by the Tripoli- 
tans — and took an active part in the subsequent bombardment of the city of Tri- 
poli. In 1806, he returned to the United States as first lieutenant of the John 
Adams. In 1812, after war was declared between Great Britain and the United 
States, Lawrence was appointed to the command of the sloop of war, Hornet. In 
February 1813, off the Brazil coast, the Hornet fell in with the fine British sloop 
Peacock, which she captured after a furious action of fifteen minutes. The Pea- 
cock was so much cut up in the short action, that she sunk before all the pris- 
oners could be removed. For this gallant action, Lawrence received the thanks 
of Congress, with the present of a sword ; and his return to the United States 
was welcomed with the applause due to his conduct. Shortly after his return, 
he was ordered to Boston, to take command of the frigate Chesapeake, confess- 
edly one of the worst ships in the navy. He had been but a short time there, 
when the British frigate Shannon, Captain Brooke, appeared before the harbor 
and challenged the Chesapeake to combat. Lawrence did not refuse the chal- 
lenge, although his ship was not in condition for action. On the 1st of June, 
1813, he sailed out of the harbor and engaged his opponent. After the ships had 
exchanged several broadsides, and Lawrence had been wounded in the leg, he 



400 LETCHER COUNTY. 

called his boarders, when he received a musket ball in his body. At the same 
time the enemy boarded, and after a desperate resistance, succeeded in taking pos- 
session of the ship. Almost all the officers of the Chesapeake were either killed 
or wounded. The last exclamation of Lawrence, as they were carrying him below, 
after the fatal wound, was, " Don't give up the ship." He died on the fourth day 
after the action, and was buried with naval honors at Halifax. 



LETCHER COUNTY. 

Letcher county was formed in 1842, and named after Governor 
Robert P. Letcher. It is situated in the extreme eastern section 
of the State, on the head waters of the Kentucky river — bounded 
north by Floyd ; east by Pike and the Virginia line ; south by 
Harlan, and west by Perry. The face of the country is hilly and 
mountainous — the Cumberland and Black mountains bordering 
the south-east, while the Pine mountain passes through a portion 
of the county. The principal articles of export are, cattle, horses, 
hogs, ginseng and wool. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $126,989 ; number of acres 
of land in the county, 52,507 ; average value of land per acre, 
$1 .71 ; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 320 ; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 590. 

Whitesburg, the county seat, is about one hundred and fifty miles 
from Frankfort — contains a Methodist and a Baptist church, court 
house and jail, one school, three stores and groceries, one tavern, 
one lawyer, one doctor, and three or four mechanics' shops, and 
about fifty inhabitants. Named after Mr. C. White, a member of 
the legislature. 

Robert P. Letcher, in honor of whom this county was named, is a native of 
Garrard county. In his youth he received a good education, and studied law. He 
represented his native county frequently in the legislature of Kentucky, and in" 
1822 was elected to Congress. He continued a member of Congress from 1823 
to 1833. He was always a firm and consistent whig, and the last term he served 
in Congress, he received the vote of the entire whig party for speaker. Returning 
to Kentucky, he devoted his attention to the practice of his profession, and was 
subsequently elected to the legislature, of which body he was long a useful and 
influential member. In 1838 he was chosen speaker of the house of represen- 
tatives, in whicTi office he was distinguished for the energy, promptitude and 
ability with which he discharged its various duties. In 1840 he was selected as 
the whig candidate for governor, and when the election came on, received the 
largest majority ever obtained by any candidate for that office. Upon retiring 
from the gubernatorial chair, Governor Letcher resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession in Frankfort, where he now resides. As a popular electioneerer. Governor 
Letcher has no superior in the State. He has a pleasing manner and fine address, 
tells an anecdote with inimitable grace and humor, and is a general favorite with 
the people as a stump orator. In his domestic and social relations, he is kind, 
hospitable, and generous — a man of stern integrity, and uniformly correct in all 
his business transactions. 



LEWIS COUNTY. 401 



LEWIS COUNTY. 

Lewis county was formed in 1806, and named after Captain 
Meriwether Lewis. It is situated in the north-eastern section of 
the State, lying upon the Ohio river — bounded north by the Ohio ; 
east by Greenup ; south by Fleming, and west by Mason. The 
surface of the county is generally hilly ; but the western portion 
is fertile and productive, while the vallies of the Ohio river, and 
Kinnoekonnick and Cabin creeks, are very rich. The products 
are, corn, wheat, rye and oats. The exports, horses, cattle and 
hogs, principally. 

Value of taxable property in 1846, $967,740 ; number of acres 
of land in the county, 191,789 ; average value of land per acre, 
$3.70 ; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 
1,229 ; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 
1,417. Population in 1840, 6,306. 

The towns of Lewis, are Clarksburg, Concord, Vanceburg, Mid- 
dleburg and Poplar Flat. Clarksburg, the county seat, is about 
ninety miles from Frankfort — contains a good brick court-house 
and public offices, two lawjxrs, one physician, one tavern, one 
blacksmith, tan-yard and shoe-shop. Population about fifty, — 
called for General George Rogers Clark. Vanceburg is situated on 
the Ohio river, twenty miles above Maysville, and three miles from 
Clarksburg: contains three taverns, three stores, two physicians, 
and five or six mechanical trades. Population 150. Incorpo- 
rated in 1827. Concord is situated, also, on the Ohio, about 14 
miles below Vanceburg — contains four stores, two taverns, two 
doctors, post office, one school, one free church, and six or eight 
mechanical trades. Population 125. Middleburg and Poplar Flat 
are very small places, with post offices. 

Near Vanceburg, in this county, is a large quarry of slate stone ; and immedi- 
ately at the water's edge at a common stage of the river, at the same place, is a 
quarry of white limestone rock, which produces remarkably white lime, and is 
said to contain from fifty to sixty per cent, of magnesia. Free white or sand 
stone is found in great abundance on the Ohio, a few miles above Vanceburg, 
where there is also a large quarry of alum rock. On Salt Lick creek, near Vance- 
burg, there is a copperas bed, from which the people of the county supply them- 
selves with that article; and one mile distant, there is an extensive blue clay 
bank, suitable for stone ware and fire brick. There are also in the neighborhood, 
two salt wells, three hundred feet deep, which afford a large quantity of water, 
from which this part of the state was formerly supplied with salt. 

Esculapia or Sulphur Sprins;s. — This celebrated watering place in Lewis county, 
is situated in a romantic valley, surrounded by tall hills of easy ascent, from 
which the view is picturesque and enchanting. The improvements have been 
greatly extended within a few years, and now afford ample accommodations for 
two hundred visitors. There are two springs, one of white sulphur, the other 
chalybeate, said to be equal, if not superior, to the waters of a similar kind in 
Virginia. 

This county was named in honor of Captain Meriwether Lewis, the compan- 
ion of Clark in the celebrated exploring expedition over the Rocky Mountains. 
He was born near Charlottesville, in Virginia, in 1774. At twenty years of age, 
26 



402 LINCOLN COUNTY. 

he acted as a volunteer, in the suppression of the whisky insurrection, and after- 
wards received an appointment in the regular service. In 1801, Mr. Jefferson 
appointed him his private secretary, which situation he held till 1803, when, with 
William Clark, he started on his exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains. 
Mr. .lefferson, in recommending him for this service, gave him a high character 
for courage, firmness and perseverance, an intimate knowledge of the Indian 
character, fidelity, intelligence, and all those peculiar combinations of qualities that 
eminently fitted him for so arduous an undertaking. They were absent three years, 
and were highly successful in accomplishing the objects contemplated in their tour. 
Shortly after iiis return, in 180G, he was appointed governor of the territory of 
Louisiana. On his arrival at St. Louis, the seat of administration, he found the 
country torn by dissension ; but his moderation, impartiality and firmness soon 
brought matters into a regular train. He was subject to constitutional hypochon- 
dria, and while under the influence of a severe attack, shot himself on the bor- 
ders of Tennessee, in 1809, at the age of 3G. The account of the expedition, 
written by him, was published in 1811. 



LINCOLN COUNTY. 

Lincoln county was formed in 1780, and was one of the three 
original counties organized in the district of Kentucky by the 
legislature of Virginia. It was named in honor of General Ben- 
jamin Lincoln, a distingushed officer of the revolutionary army. 
The original territory of Lincoln, which comprised nearly one- 
third of the State, has been reduced, b}' the formation of new 
counties, to comparatively small dimensions ; but it is still a com- 
pact and well-formed county : Bounded on the north by Boyle 
and Garrard ; east by Garrard and Ilockcastle ; south by Pulaski; 
and west by Casey. The exports of the county are, horses, mules, 
cattle, hogs and wool ; while wheat, corn, oats and rye are exten- 
sively cultivated. 

Number of acres of land in Lincoln county, 178,557 ; average 
value per acre, $9.26 ; total valuation of taxable property in 
1840, $3,490,144 ; number of white males over twenty-one years 
of age, 338; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 1,079. Population in 1830, 11,012— in 1840, 10,187. 

The towns of the county are — Stanford, Crab Orchard, Hus- 
tonville, Waynesburg and Walnut Flat. Stanford, the county 
seat, is fifty-one miles from Frankfort — and contains a court-house, 
one Presbyterian and one Christian church, one academy, seven 
stores and groceries, three taverns, eight lawyers, four physi- 
cians and twelve mechanics' shops: population 400. Crab Or- 
chard has one church, one academy, eight stores and groceries, 
two taverns, two physicians and eight mechanics' shops : popu- 
lation 350. Hustonville contains one church, one school, four 
stores, one tavern, two physicians and six mechanics' shops : pop- 
ulation, 200. Waiincsbursj; is a small village, with three stores, 
three mechanics' shops, and one doctor: population 40. Walnut 
Flat has a republican church, one tavern and five mechanics' 
shops : population 00. 



BENJAMIN LOGAN. 403 

The Knob Licks, in this county, is a locality of some curiosity. What are 
called Knobs, are detached hills of a soft clay slate formation, in some instances 
the slate having been decomposed and abraded to a considerable depth by the ac- 
tion of the elements, leaving large hollows on the side of the hills, intersected in 
every direction with ravines, and entirely destitute of vegetation. The greatest 
height of these knobs is about two hundred feet, and the highest has a base of 
some one hundred and fil'ty yards in diameter. 

In the year 1775, Col. Benjamin Logan, a sketch of whose life will be found 
under the head of " Logan county," arrived at 8t. Asaph's, about a mile west of 
the present town of Stanford, and established a fort, called Logan's fort. On the 
20th of May, 1777, this fort was invested by a force of a hundred Indians; and, 
on the morning of that day, as some of the females belonging to it were engaged, 
outside of the gate, in milking the cows, the men who acted as the guard for the 
occasion were fired upon by a party of the Indians, who had concealed themselves 
in a thick canebrake. One man was shot dead, another mortally wounded, and 
a third so badly, as to be disabled from making his escape; the remainder made 
good their retreat into the fort, and closed the gate. Harrison, one of the wound- 
ed men, by a violent exertion, ran a few paces and fell. His struggles and ex- 
clamations attracted the notice, and awakened the sympathies, of the inmates of 
the station. The frantic grief of his wife gave additional interest to the scene. 
The enemy forbore to fire upon him, doubtless from the supposition that some of 
the garrison would attempt to save him, in which event they were prepared to fire 
upon them from the canebrake. The case was a trying one ; and there was a 
strong conflict between sympathy and duty, on the part of the garrison. The 
number of effective men had been reduced from fifteen to twelve, and it was ex- 
ceedingly hazardous to put the lives of any of this small number in jeopardy; 
yet the lamentations of his family were so distressing, and the scene altogether 
so moving, as to call forth a resolute determination to save him, if possible. Lo- 
gan, always alive to the impulses of humanity, and insensible to fear, volunteered 
his services, and appealed to some of his men to accompany him. But so appal- 
ling was the danger, that all, at first, refused. At length, John Martin consented, 
and rushed, with Logan, from the fort; but he had not gone far, before he shrunk 
from the imminence of the danger, and sprung back within the gate. Logan 
paused for a moment, then dashed on, alone and undaunted — reached, unhurt, the 
spot where Harrison lay — threw him on his shoulders, and, amidst a tremendous 
shower of rifle balls, made a safe and triumphant retreat into the fort. 

The fort was now vigorously assailed by the Indian force, and as vigorously 
defended by the garrison. The men were constantly at their posts, whilst the 
women were actively engaged in moulding bullets. But the weakness of the 
garrison was not their only grievance. The scarcity of powder and ball, one of 
the greatest inconveniences to which the settlers were not unfrequently exposed, 
began now to be seriously felt. There were no indications that the siege would 
be speedily abandoned ; and a protracted resistance seemed impracticable, with- 
out an additional supply of the munitions of war. The settlements on Ilolston 
could furnish a supply — but how was it to be obtained ? And, even if men could 
be found rash and desperate enough to undertake the journey, how improbable 
was it that the trip could be accomplished in time for the relief to be available. 
Logan stepped forward, in this extremity, determined to take the dangerous office 
upon himself. Encouraging his men with the prospect of a safe and speedy re- 
turn, he left the fort under cover of the night, and, attended by two faithful com- 
panions of his own selection, crept cautiously through the Indian lines without 
discovery. Shunning the ordinary route through Cumberland Gap, he moved, 
with incredible rapidity, over mountain and valley — arrived at the settlement on 
the Holston — procured the necessary supply of powder and lead — immediately 
retraced his steps, and was again in the fort in ten days from the time of his de- 
parture. He returned alone. The necessary delay in the transportation of the 
stores, induced him to entrust them to the charge of his companions ; and his 
presence at St. Asaph's was all-important to the safety of its inhabitants. His 
return inspired them with fresh courage; and, in a few days, the appearance of 
Col. Bowman's party compelled the Indians to retire. 

In the fall of the year 1779, Samuel Daviess, who resided in Bedford county, 



404 LINCOLN COUNTY. 

Virginia, moved witii his family to Kentucky, and lived for a time at Whitley's 
station, in Lincoln. He subsequently moved to a place called Gilmer's Lick, 
some six or seven miles distant from said station, where he built a cabin, cleared 
some land, vv^hich he put in corn next season, not apprehending any danger from 
the Indians, although he was considered a frontier settler. But this imaginary 
state of security did not last long; for on a morning in the month of August, in 
the year 1782, having stepped a few paces from his door, he was suddenly sur- 
prised by an Indian's appearing between him and the door, with tomahawk up- 
lifted, almost within striking distance. In this unexpected condition, and being 
entirely unarmed, his first thought was, that by running around the house, he 
could enter the door in safety ; but, to his surprise, in attempting to effect this 
object, as he approached the door he found the house full of Indians. Being 
closely pursued by the Indian first mentioned, he made his way into the corn 
field, where he concealed himself, with much difficulty, until the pursuing Indian 
had returned to the house. 

Unable as he was to render any relief to his family, (there being five Indians), 
he ran with the utmost speed to the station of his brother James Daviess — a dis- 
tance of five miles. As he approached the station — his undressed condition told 
the tale of his distress, before he was able to tell it himself. Almost breathless, 
and with a faltering voice, he could only say, his wife and children were in the 
hands of the Indians. Scarcely was the communication made, when he obtained 
a spare gun, and the five men in the station, well armed, followed him to his resi- 
dence. When they arrived at the house, the Indians, as well as the family, were 
found to be gone, and no evidence appeared that any of the family had been 
killed. A search was made to find the direction the Indians had taken ; but ow- 
ing to the dryness of the ground, and the adroit manner in which they had 
departed, no discovery could be made. In this state of perplexity, the party, be- 
ing all good woodsmen, took that direction in pursuit of the Indians, which they 
thought it most probable they would take. After going a few miles, their atten- 
tion was arrested by the howling of a dog, which afterwards turned out to be a 
house-dog that had followed the family, and which the Indians had undertaken 
to kill, so as to avoid detection, which might happen from his occasionally bark- 
ing. In attempting to kill the dog, he was only wounded, which produced the 
howling that was heard. The noise thus heard satisfied them that they were 
near the Indians, and enabled them to rush forward with the utmost impetuosity. 
Two of the Indians being in the rear as spies, discovering the approach of the 
party, ran forward where the other Indians w^ere with the family — one of them 
knocked down the oldest boy, about eleven years old, and while in the act of 
scalping him, was fired at, but without eff'ect. Mrs. Daviess, seeing the agita- 
tation and alarm of'the Indians, saved herself and sucking child by jumping into 
a sink hole. The Indians did not stand to make fight, but fled in the most pre- 
cipitate manner. In that way the family was rescued by nine o'clock in the 
morning, without the loss of a single life, and without any injury but that above 
mentioned. So soon as the boy had risen on his feet, the first word he spoke 
was, " curse that Indian, he has got my scalp.^'' 

After the family had been rescued, Mrs. Daviess gave the following account 
of the manner in which the Indians had acted. A few minutes after her husband 
had opened the door and stepped out of the house, four Indians rushed in, whilst 
the fifth, as she afterwards found out, was in pursuit of her husband. Herself 
and children were in bed when the Indians entered the house. One of the Indi- 
ans immediately made signs, by which she understood him to enquire how far it 
was to the next house. With an unusual presence of mind, knowing how im- 
portant it would be to make the distance as far as possible, she raised both hands, 
first counting the fingers of one hand then of the other — making a distance of 
eight miles. The Indian then signed to her that she must rise; she immediately 
got up, and as soon as sfie could dress herself, commenced showing the Indians 
one article of clothing and then another, which pleased them very much : and in 
that way delayed them at the house nearly two hours. In the mean time, the In- 
dian who had been in pursuit of her husband returned, with his hands stained 
with poke berries, which he held up, and with some violent gestures and waving 
of his tomahawk, attempted to induce the belief, that the stain on his hands was 
the blood of her husband, and that he had killed him. She was enabled at once 



A COURAGEOUS WOMAN. 405 

to discover the deception, and instead of producing any alarm on her part, she 
was satisfied that her husband had escaped uninjured. 

After the savages had plundered the house of every thing that they could con- 
veniently carry off with ihem, they started, taking Mrs. Daviess and her chil- 
dren — seven in number — as prisoners, along with them. Some of the children 
were too young to travel as fast as the Indians wished, and discovering, as she 
believed, their intention to kill such of them as could not conveniently travel, she 
made the two oldest boys carry them on their backs. The Indians, in starting 
from the house, were very careful to leave no signs of the direction they had ta- 
ken, not even permitting the children to break a twig or weed as they passed 
along. They had not gone far, before an Indian drew his knife and cut off a few 
inches of Mrs. Daviess' dress, so that she would not be interrupted in traveling. 

Mrs. Daviess was a woman of cool deliberate courage, and accustomed to han- 
dle the gun, so that she could shoot well, as many of the women were in the 
habit of doing in those days. She had contemplated, as a last resort, that if not 
rescued in the course of the day, when night came on and the Indians had fallen 
asleep, she would deliver herself and children by killing as many of the Indians 
as she could — thinking that in a night attack as many of them as remained would 
most probably run off. Such an attempt would now seem a species of madness ; 
but to those who were acquainted with Mrs. Daviess, little doubt was entertained, 
that if the attempt had been made, it would have proved successful. 

The boy who had been scalped was greatly disfigured, as the hair never after 
grew upon that part of his head. He often wished for an opportunity to avenge 
himself upon the Indians for the injury he had received. Unfortunately for him- 
self, ten years afterwards, the Indians came to the neighborhood of his father and 
stole a number of horses. Himself and a party of men went in pursuit of them, 
and after following them for some days, the Indians finding that they were likely 
to be overtaken, placed themselves in ambush, and when their pursuers came up, 
killed young Daviess and one other man ; so that he ultimately fell into their 
hands when about twenty-one years old. 

The next year after, the father died ; his death being caused, as it was sup- 
posed, by the extraordinary efforts he made to release his family from the Indians. 

An act of courage subsequently displayed by Mrs. Daviess is calculated to ex- 
hibit her character in its true point of view. 

Kentucky, in its early days, like most new countries, was occasionally troubled 
by men of abandoned character, who lived by stealing the property of others, and 
after committing their depredations, retired to their hiding places, thereby eluding 
the operation of the law. One of these marauders, a man of desperate character, 
who had committed extensive thefts from Mr. Daviess as well as from his neigh- 
bors, was pursued by Daviess and a party whose property he had taken, in order 
to bring him to justice. While the party were in pursuit, the suspected individ- 
ual, not knowing any one was pursuing him, came to the house of Daviess, 
armed with his gun and tomahawk — no person being at home but Mrs. Daviess 
and her children. After he had stepped in the house, Mrs. Daviess asked him if 
he would drink something — and having set a bottle of whisky upon the table, 
requested him to help himself. The fellow, not suspecting any danger, set his 
gun up by the door, and while drinking, Mrs. Daviess picked up his gun, and 
placing herself in the door, had the gun cocked and levelled upon him by the 
time he turned around, and in a peremptory manner ordered him to take a seat, 
or she would shoot him. Struck with terror and alarm, he asked what he had 
done. She told him he had stolen her husband's property, and thai she intended 
to take care of him herself. In that condition, she held him a prisoner, until the 
party of men returned and took him into their possession. 

Sal lust says : " The actions of the Athenians doubtless were great, yet I believe 
they are somewhat less than fame would have us conceive them." Not so with 
the pioneers of Kentucky. But we may say of their exploits, as this author says 
of the actions of the Romans : "History has left a thousand of their more brilliant 
actions unrecorded, which would have done them great honor, but for want of 
eloquent historians." 

In the fall of 1779, William Montgomery the elder, the father-in-law of Gen- 
eral Logan, with his family, and son-in-law, Joseph Russell, and his family, 
moved from Virginia to Kentucky, and took refuge in Logan's fort. Here they 



406 LINCOLN COUNTY. 

remained but a few months, when, apprehending no danger from Indians, the old 
man, with his sons, William, John, Thomas and Robert, and his son-in-law, Rus- 
sell, built four log cabins on the head waters of Greene river, about twelve miles 
in a south-west direction from Logan's fort, to which they removed in the latter 
part of the winter or early in the spring of 1780. They had, however, been there 
but a short time, when the savages discovered and attacked the cabins. In one 
of the cabins lived William Montgomery the elder and wife, and his sons Thomas 
and Robert, and daughters Jane and Betsey, with two younger children, James 
and Flora. Mrs. Montgomery with her youngest child, Flora, were then at Lo- 
gan's fort ; and Thomas and Robert were absent spying. William Montgomery, 
jr., his wife and one child, the late Judge Thomas Montgomery, son of a former 
wife, and a bound boy, occupied another. John Montgomery, then but lately 
married, occupied a third ; and Joseph Russell, his wife and three children, the 
fourth. These were all the white persons, but there were, besides, several slaves. 

In the month of March, 1780, at night, a small body of Indians surrounded the 
cabins, which were built close to each other, and rather in a square. On the suc- 
ceeding morning, between daylight and sunrise, William Montgomery the elder, 
followed by a negro boy, stepped out at the door of his cabin. They were imme- 
diately fired at and both killed by tl^e Indians, the boy's head falling back on the 
door-sill. Jane, the daughter, then a young woman, afterwards the wife of Col. 
William Casey, late of Adair county, sprang to the door, pushed out the negro's 
head, shut the door and called for her brother Thomas' gun. Betsey, her sister, 
about twelve years of age, clambered out at the chimney, which was not higher 
than a man's head, and took the path to Pettit's station, distant about two and a 
half miles. An Indian pursued her for some distance, but being quite active, she 
was too fleet for him, and reached the station in safety. From Pettit's a mes- 
senger was immediately dispatched to Logan's fort. 

From some cause or other, probably the call of Jane for her brother's rifle, which 
was doubtless overheard by the Indians, they did not attempt to break into the 
cabin. William Montgomery, jr., on hearing the first crack of a gun, sprang to 
his feet, seized a large trough which had been placed in his cabin to hold sugar- 
water, placed it against the door, and directing the apprentice boy to hold it, 
grasped his rifle, and through a crevice over the door, fired twice at the Indians, 
in rapid succession, before they left the ground, killing one and severely wound- 
ing another. John Montgomery was in bed, and in attempting to rise, was fired 
upon through a crack, and mortally wounded, his door forced open, and his wife 
made prisoner. Joseph Russell made his escape from his cabin, leaving his wife 
and three children to the mercy of the savages. They, with a mulatto girl, were 
also made prisoners. 

The Indians commenced an early retreat, bearing off their wounded companion, 
and taking with them their captives. A few minutes after their departure, and 
when they were barely out of sight, the Indian who had pursued Betsey Mont- 
gomery returned, and being ignorant of what had occurred in his absence, mounted 
a large beech log in front of the younger William Montgomery's door, and com- 
menced hallooing. Montgomery, who had not yet ventured to open his door, 
again fired through the crevice, and shot him dead. 

As soon as the messenger reached Logan's fort. General Logan, with his horn, 
sounded the well known note of alarm, when, in a few minutes, as if by magic, 
a company of some twelve or fifteen men, armed and equipped for battle, were at 
his side. They instantly commenced their march, passed the cabins where the 
attack had been made, and took the trail of the Indians. By the aid of some signs 
which Mrs. Russell had the presence of mind to make, by occasionally breaking 
a twig and scattering along their route pieces of a white handkerchief which she 
had torn in fragments, Logan's party found no difficulty in the pursuit. After 
traveling some distance, they came upon the yellow girl, who had been toma- 
hawked, scalped and left for dead; but who, on hearing the well-known voice of 
General Logan, sprang to her feet, and afterwards recovered. 

The Indians, as was known to be their habit when expecting to be pursued, 
had a spy in the rear, who was discovered by Logan's party at the same instant 
he got his eyes upon them, and a rapid march ensued. In a few minutes they 
came in sight of the savages, when Logan ordered a charge, which was made 
with a shout, and the Indians fled with great precipitancy, leaving their wounded 



FIGHT WITH INDIANS. 40? 

companion, who was quickly dispatched. A daughter of Mrs. Russell, about 
twelve years of age, upon hearing Logan's voice, exclaimed in ecstacy, ^^ there y 
uncle Ben," when the savage who had her in charge struck her dead with his 
tomahawk. The remainder of the prisoners were recaptured without injury. As 
the force of the Indians was about equal to that of the whites. Gen. Logan, now 
encumbered with the recaptured women and children, wisely determined to return 
immediately ; and reached the cabins, in safety, before dark on the same day. 

The particulars of the foregoing narrative have been received from the Mont- 
gomery family — but principally from Mrs. Jane Casey, who was an actor in the 
drama. 

In the spring of the year 1784, three young men — Davis, Caffree and M'Clure 

pursued a party of southern Indians, who had stolen horses from Lincoln county ; 

and were resolved, if they could not previously overtake them, to proceed as far 
as their towns on the Tennessee river, and make reprisals. They had reached, 
as they supposed, within a few miles of the Indian town called Chickamongo, 
when they fell in with three Indians, traveling in the same direction with them- 
selves. By signs the two parties agreed to travel together ; but each was evi- 
dently suspicious of the other. The Indians walked upon one side of the road 
and the whites upon the other, watching each other attentively. At length, the 
Indians spoke together in tones so low and earnest, that the whites became satis- 
fied of their treacherous intentions, and determined to anticipate them. Caffree 
being a very powerful man, proposed that he himself should seize one Indian, 
while Davis and McClure should shoot the other two. He accordingly sprung upon 
the nearest Indian, grasped his throat firmly, hurled him to the ground, and, draw- 
ing a cord from his pocket, attempted to tie him. At the same instant, Davis and 
McClure leveled their rifles at the others. McClure fired and killed his man, 
but Davis' gun missed fire. Davis, McClure, and the Indian at whom the former 
had flashed, immediately took trees, and prepared for a skirmish, while Caffree 
remained upon the ground with the captured Indian, both exposed to the fire of 
the others. In a few seconds, the savage at whom Davis had flashed, shot Caf- 
free as he lay upon the ground, and gave him a mortal wound, and was instantly 
shot in turn by McClure, who had reloaded his gun. Caffree, becoming very 
weak, called upon Davis to come and assist him in tying the Indian, and instantly 
afterwards expired. As Davis was running up to the assistance of his friend, the 
Indian, now released by the death of his captor, sprung to his feet, and seizing 
Caffree's rifle, presented it menacingly at Davis, whose gun was not in order for 
service, and who ran off into the forest, closely pursued by the Indian. McClure 
hastily reloaded his gun, and taking up the rifle which Davis had dropped, fol- 
lowed them for some distance into the forest, making all those signals which had 
been concerted between them, in case of separation. All, however, was vain ; 
he saw nothing more of Davis, nor could he ever afterwards learn his fate. As 
he never returned to Kentucky, however, he probably perished. 

McClure, finding himself alone in the enemy's country, and surrounded by 
dead bodies, thought it prudent to abandon the object of the expedition and re- 
turn to Kentucky. He accordingly retraced his steps, still bearing Davis' rifle in 
addition to his own. He had scarcely marched a mile, before he saw advancing, 
from the opposite direction, an Indian warrior, riding a horse with a bell around 
its neck, and accompanied by a boy on foot. Dropping one of the rifles, which 
might have created suspicion, McClure advanced with an air of confidence, ex- 
tending his hand and making other signs of peace. The opposite party appeared 
frankly to receive his overtures, and dismounting, seated himself upon a log, and 
drawing out his pipe, gave a few puffs himself, and then handed it to McClure. 

In a few minutes another bell was heard, at the distance of half a mile, and a 
second party of Indians appeared upon horseback. The Indian with McClure 
now coolly informed him by signs, that when the horsemen arrived, he (McClure) 
was to be bound and carried off as a prisoner, with his feet tied under the horse's 
belly. In order to explain it more fully, the Indian got astride of the log, and 
locked his legs together underneath it. McClure, internally thanking the fellow 
for his excess of candor, determined to disappoint him, and while his enemy was 
busily engaged in riding the log and mimicking the actions of a prisoner, he very 



408 LINCOLN COUNTY. 

quietly blew liis brains out, and ran off into the woods. The Indian boy instantly 
mounted the belled horse, and rode off in an opposite direction. 

McClure was fiercely pursued by several small Indian dogs, that frequently 
ran between his legs and threw him down. After falling five or six times, his 
eyes became full of dust, and he was totally blind. Despairing of escape, he 
doggedly lay upon his face, expecting every instant to feel the edge of the toma- 
hawk. To his astonishment, however, no enemy appeared ; and even the Indian 
dogs, after tugging at him for a few minutes, and completely stripping him of his 
breeches, left him to continue his journey unmolested. Finding every thing quiet, 
in a k\v moments he arose, and taking up his gun, continued his march to Ken- 
tucky. He reached home in safety. 

In the year 1784 or 5, near the Crab Orchard, in Lincoln county, a very singu- 
lar adventure occurred at the house of a Mr. Woods. One morning he left his 
family, consisting of a wife, a daughter not yet grown, and a lame negro man, 
and rode off to the station near by, not expecting to return till night. Mrs. 
Woods being a short distance from her cabin, was alarmed by discovering sev- 
eral Indians advancing towards it. She instantly screamed loudly in order to 
give the alarm, and ran with her utmost speed, in the hope of reaching the house 
before them. In this she succeeded, but before she could close the door, the fore- 
most Indian had forced his way into the house. He was instantly seized by the 
lame negro man, and after a short scuffle, they both fell with violence, the negro 
underneath. Mrs. Woods was too busily engaged in keeping the door closed 
against the party without, to attend to the combatants ; but the lame negro, hold- 
ing the Indian tightly in his arms, called to the young girl to take the axe from 
under the bed and dispatch him by a blow on the head. She immediately 
attempted it; but the first attempt was a failure. She repeated the blow and killed 
him. The other Indians were at the door, endeavoring to force it open with their 
tomahawks. The negro rose and proposed to Mrs. Woods to let in another, and 
they would soon dispose of the whole of them in the same way. The cabin 
was but a short distance from the station, the occupants of which having discov- 
ered the perilous situation of the family, fired on the Indians and killed another, 
when the remainder made their escape. 

In 1793, a number of families removing to Kentucky, were attacked near the 
Hazle Patch, on the Cumberland road, by a strong party of Indians. A portion 
of the men fought bravely, and several of them were killed. The others ran 
away, and left the women and children to be made captives. The fate of the 
prisoners is not mentioned by the historian.* 

In the year 1780, Captain Joseph Daveiss, (the father of Colonel Joseph H. 
and Captain Samuel Daveiss,) residing at that time on Clark's run, while break- 
ing up the ground in a field lying near the creek, turned up fourteen conch shells, 
quite smooth, and of a larger size than any now imported into the country. Sev- 
en of these shells were in a perfect state of preservation — the others somewhat 
decomposed. A portion of them were used, for many years, by the family of 
Captain Daveiss, for summoning the hands to their meals. 

In the month of May, 1781, a hail storm passed over this section of Kentucky, 
of a remarkable character. The hail, which fell in great quantities, was gener- 
ally about the size of hen's eggs, but some measured nine inches in circumference. 
The dark cloud, which overhung the heavens, the vivid flashes of lightning, the 
terrible rattling of hail, and the deafening roar of thunder, produced general con- 
sternation. The destruction was complete to the growing crops, while a large 
portion of the young animals, both domestic and wild, in the route of the storm 
were destroyed. 

In the year 1786, Colonel John Logan, of Lincoln county, received intelli- 
gence that one of the inhabitants of the county, by the name of Luttrell, had 
been killed by the Indians on Fishing creek. He immediately collected a small 

* Marshall. 




V I i .'V w - i ■.. 11 r-. I. Al\ D, K Y. 



LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 409 

militia force, repaired to the place of the outrage, and getting upon the trail, pur- 
sued the Indians across the Cumberland river into their own territory. Here he 
overtook the marauders, and a conflict ensued, in which the Indians were speed- 
ily defeated— several of their number being killed and the remainder dispersed. 
Colonel Logan retook the property which the Indians had carried off from the 
white settlements, with all the furs and skins belonging to the camp, and returned 
home in triumph. 

General Benjamin Lincoln, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Massachusetts, and an eminent American revolutionary general. 
In 1776, when he had attained his 4-3d year, the council of Massachusetts 
appointed him a brigadier general, and soon after a major-general of militia. The 
cono-ress subsequently, by the recommendation of General Washington, conferred 
on hira the appointment of major-general of the continental forces. He served 
as second in command under General Gates, at the capture of Burgoyne's army, 
where he was severely wounded. In 1778, he was designated by Congress to 
conduct the war in the southern states. He continued in command of the south- 
ern army until the capture of Charleston in 1780, where he was made a prisoner 
of war. In 1781, having been previously exchanged, he commanded a division 
at Yorktown, and was honored by General Washington with the office of receiv- 
ing and directing the distribution of the conquered troops. In October of the 
same year, he was appointed by Congress secretary of war, which situation he 
held till 1784, when he retired to his farm. He was afterwards instrumental in 
suppressing the insurrection of Shays in Massachusetts ; and filled several im- 
portant appointments under the national and state governments. He was also a 
member of several learned societies. He died in 1810, aged 77 years. 



LIVINGSTOiN COUNTY. 

Livingston county was formed in 1798, and named for the Hon. 
Robert R. Livingston, of New York. It' is situated in the extreme 
western part of the State, lying on the Cumberland, Tennessee 
and Ohio rivers — bounded on the north by Crittenden and the 
Ohio river ; on the east by Crittenden and Caldwell ; on the south 
by Marshall, and on the west by the Ohio river. Salem, the seat 
of justice ; Smithland, the chief town — the former about two hun- 
dred miles from Frankfort. The general appearance of the county 
is undulating, but hilly and broken in places, interspersed with 
sandstone and limestone, and mostly well timbered — river bot- 
toms remarkably rich. Staple products, Indian corn, tobacco, Irish 
potatoes and oats. Exports, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. 

This county abounds in iron-ore, of excellent quality ; and veins 
of bituminous coal have been found, but not worked to any extent. 
Possessing very superior advantages, from the border and central 
navigation — the Ohio river bounding it about forty miles on the 
north-west, the Tennessee about twenty-seven miles on the south- 
west, and the Cumberland passing through it — the facilities for 
the export of its raw materials, manufactures, stock and agricul- 
tural products, are equal to any county in the State. 

Number of acres of land in Livingston, 146,996 ; average value 
per acre, $2.97 ; valuation of taxable property in 1846, .$1,052,- 
409; number of w^hite males over twenty-one years of age, 873; 



410 LOGAN COUNTY./. 

number of children between five and sixteen years old, 947. Pop- 
ulation in 1840, 9,025. 

Smithland is situated on the Ohio river, at the mouth of the 
Cumberland, — contains a population of about 1000; with two 
churches. Episcopal and Methodist ; two schools ; fourteen stores, 
besides several small groceries ; four taverns, eight lawyers, seven 
physicians ; the most extensive tannery in the west ; one foundry, 
finishing and steam engine shop, and thirty mechanics' shops. 
Salem has a population of about one hundred — with two stores, 
one tavern, one school and two physicians. 

Robert R. Livingston, a distinguished American statesman, was born in the 
city of New York in 1746. He studied and practiced law with great success. 
He was a member of the first general Congress ; was one of the committee which 
prepared the declaration of independence ; in 1780 was appointed secretary of for- 
eign affairs, and throughout the revolution signalized himself by his zeal and 
efficiency in the cause. He was for many years chancellor of his native state, 
and in 1801, was appointed by president Jefferson minister to France. He was 
a general favorite at the French capital, and in conjunction with Mr. Monroe con- 
ducted the treaty which resulted in the cession of Louisiana to the United States. 
After his return from Europe, he devoted his life chiefly to the cause of agricul- 
tural and general science — was president of the New York society for the pro- 
motion of the fine arts, and also of the society for the promotion of agriculture. 
He died in 1813, with the reputation of an able statesman, a learned lawyer, and 
a most useful citizen. 



LOGAN COUNTY. 

Logan county was formed in 1792, and named in honor of Gen. 
Benjamin Logan, a distinguished pioneer. It is situated in the 
southern section of the State — bounded on the north by Muh- 
lenburg and Butler ; east by Warren and Simpson ; west by Todd, 
and south by the Tennessee line. Russellville is the county seat, 
one hundred and eighty miles from Frankfort. Red river passes 
through the southern part of the county, nearly parallel with the 
state line, and the whole is finely watered with large mill streams, 
over which have been erected about twenty substantial bridges. 
The surface is beautifully diversified by ranges of hills, covered 
with timber, with an occasional Indian mound to arouse the im- 
agination to scenes of former ages. There are several mineral 
springs in the county, some of which have become places of con- 
siderable resort. Wheat, oats, corn and tobacco are the staple 
products. 

Number of acres of land in Logan county, 306,129 ; average 
value of land per acre, $5.49 ; total valuation of taxable property 
in 1846, $4,479,903 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 2,050 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 2,588. Population in 1840, 13,615. 

Russellville is situated near the centre of the county, on the 
head waters of Muddy river, and on the state road from Louis- 



BENJAMIN LOGAN. 411 

ville to Nashville. It contains a good court-house, one Baptist, 
one Methodist Episcopal, and one Union church ; one academy 
and three schools, eight lawyers, ten physicians, seventeen dry 
goods stores, three groceries, three taverns, two drug-stores, one 
iron store, one oil mill, one wool carding establishment, one print- 
ing office (the " Russellville Herald"), and about fifty mechanics' 
shops. Population 1200. EstabHshed in 1810, and named for 
General Wiluam Russell, a distinguished officer of the revolu- 
tionary army, and owner of the land. Adairville is a handsome 
village, thirteen miles south of Russellville, and contains one 
school, three physicians, four stores, two groceries, one tavern, 
and twelve mechanical shops. Established in 1812, and named 
in honor of General John Adair. Keasburg is a small village 
about sixteen miles south-west from Russellville, containing one 
Union church, three doctors, two schools, four stores, two taverns 
and nine or ten mechanics' shops, — named after the proprietor, 
John Keas. South Union is a small Shaker village, quite neat 
and attractive, about fifteen miles from Russellville. 

The only historical incident we have from Logan county, is contained in the 
following short paragraph from Marshall's History, volume 2, page 81: "In Jan- 
uary, 1793^ the Indians stole horses in Logan county; were pursued, and one of 
them killed, after he wounded one of the pursuers." 

General Benjamin Logan, from whom Logan county received its name, was 
among the earliest and most distinguished of those bold pioneers who, penetrat- 
ing the western wilds, laid the foundation of arts, civilization, religion and law, 
in what was then the howling wilderness of Kentucky. It is among the proud- 
est of those distinctions which have exalted the character of our venerable com- 
monwealth, that she numbers among her founders, men beneath whose rough 
and home spun hunting shirts resided qualities of heroism which would have 
made them prominent in Greece and Rome. As the eye wanders along the ser- 
ried ranks of those stern and iron men, who stand so firm and fearless amid the 
gloom of the overhanging forest, it is arrested by a commanding form which tow- 
ers conspicuous among them all — tall, athletic, dignified — a face cast in the finest 
mould of manly beauty, dark, grave and contemplative, and which, while it evin- 
ces unyielding fortitude and impenetrable reserve, invites to a confidence which 
never betrays. Such was Benjamin Logan. 

His parents were Irish. When young, they removed to Pennsylvania, and 
there intermarried. Shortly afterwards they removed to Augusta county, in the 
then colony of Virginia, where Benjamin Logan was born. At the age of four- 
teen he lost his father, and found himself prematurely at the head of a large fam- 
ily. Neither the circumstances of the country, then newly settled, nor the pe- 
cuniary resources of his father, had been favorable to the education of the son ; 
nor is it to be supposed that the widowed mother had it more in her power, what- 
ever her inclination might have been, to bestow upon him a literary education. 
His mind was not only unadorned by science, but almost unaided by letters ; and 
in his progress through life, he rather studied men than books. 

His father died intestate, and as a consequence of the laws then in force, the 
lands descended to him by right of primogeniture, to the exclusion of his broth- 
ers and sisters. He did not, however, avail himself of this advantage, but with 
his mother's consent, sold the land not susceptible of a division, and distributed 
the proceeds among those whom the law had disinherited. To provide for his 
mother a comfortable residence, he united his funds to those of one of his broth- 
ers, and with the joint stock purchased another tract of land on a fork of James 
river, which was secured to the parent during her life, if so long she chose tore- 
side on it, with the remainder to his brother in fee. Having seen his mother and 
family comfortably settled, he next determined to provide a home for himself. 



412 LOGAN COUNTY. 

He accordingly removed to the Holston river, purchased lands, married, and 
commenced farming. 

At an early age he had evinced a decided predilection for military life, and 
when only twenty-one had accompanied Colonel Beauquette in his expedition 
against the Indians of the north, in the capacity of sergeant. In 1774 he was 
with Dunmore in his expedition to the north-west of Ohio. 

In 1775 he determined to come to Kentucky, and accompanied by only two or 
three slaves, set out to see the lands and make a settlement. In Powell's valley 
he met with Boone, Henderson and others, also on their way to Kentucky. With 
them he traveled through the wilderness ; but not approving of their plan of set- 
tlement, he separated from them on their arrival in Kentucky, and turning his 
course westwardly, after a few days' journey, pitched his camp in the present 
county of Lincoln, where he afterwards built his fort. Here, during the same 
year, he and William Galaspy raised a small crop of Indian corn. In the latter 
end of June he returned to Holston to his family. In the fall of the year he re- 
moved his cattle and the residue of his slaves to the camp ; and leaving them in 
the care of Galaspy, returned to his home alone, with the intention of removing 
his family. These journeys, attended with considerable peril and privation, 
evince the hardihood and energy of his mind, as well as his bodily vigor and ac- 
tivity. He removed his family to Kentucky in 1776. 

The year 1776 is memorable in the early history of Kentucky as one of 
peculiar peril. The woods literally swarmed with the Indians, who seemed ex- 
cited to desperation by the formation of settlements in their old hunting grounds, 
and abandoned themselves to the commission of every species of outrage. Savage 
ingenuity seemed stimulated to the utmost to devise new modes of annoyance to 
the settlers, and Mr. Logan judged it prudent to place his wife and family be- 
hind the more secure defences of Harrodsburgh, where they would be less ex- 
posed to danger than in his own remote and comparatively undefended station. 
He himself remained with his slaves, and attended to the cultivation of his farm. 
The year passed without his being engaged in any adventure of consequence. 

In the spring of the year 1777 Mrs. Logan returned to her husband, and hav- 
ing been reinforced by the arrival of several white men, he determined to remain 
and maintain himself at all hazards. His resolution was soon put to the test. 
On the 20th of May, 1777, one hundred Indians appeared before the fort, and 
having fired on the garrison, then engaged in the fields, commenced a regular 
siege. This, in the end, proved to be one of the most determined and well sus- 
tained investments ever executed by Indian hostility and enterprise. The garri- 
son were in continual danger for several weeks, and many incidents occurred which 
even at this distance of time, makes the blood curdle. Never did the high and 
manly qualities of courage, sagacity and fortitude, for which Mr. Logan was so 
eminently distinguished, display themselves more gloriously than during those 
terrible days, when his little garrison was beset for weeks by those howling 
devils of the forest. A full account of this siege will be found under the head 
of Lincoln county, to which the reader is referred for particulars. 

During this same year, (1777), while on one of his excursions, in search of 
Indian signs, he discovered a camp of Indians, at the Big Flat lick, about two 
miles from his station. He immediately returned, and raising a party of men, 
attacked them with great resolution. The Indians fled, without much loss on 
their part and none on his. He was again at the same lick, — it being the resort 
of game as well as of Indians, — when he received a fire from a concealed party 
of Indians, which broke his right arm and wounded him slightly in the breast. 
The savages then rushed upon him, and so near was he falling in their hands, 
that they at one time had hold of his horse's tail. No sooner had his wounds 
healed, than he resumed his active course of life — shunning no danger, when to 
incur it was for the benefit of his country or his friends. 

In the year 1779, an expedition was set on foot against the Indian town of Ohil- 
licothe. In this expedition, Logan served as second in command ; Col. Bowman 
commanded in chief. The detachment amounted to one hundred and sixty men ; 
consisted entirely of volunteers, accustomed to Indian warfare ; and was well of- 
ficered, with the exception of its commander. The following account of the ex- 
pedition, is from the graphic pen of Mr. McClung — (see his interesting Sketches 
of Western Adventure, page 113) ; 



BENJAMIN LOGAN. 413 

"They left Harrodsburg in July, and took their preliminary measures so well, 
that they arrived within a mile of Chillicothe, without giving the slightest alarm 
to the enemy. Here the detachment halted at an early hour in the night, and, as 
usual, sent out spies to examine the condition of the village. Before midnight 
they returned, and reported that the enemy remained unapprised of their being in 
the neighborhood, and were in the most unmilitary security. The army was in- 
stantly put in motion. It was determined that Logan, with one half of the men, 
should turn to the left and march half way around the town, while Bowman, at 
the head of the remainder, should make a corresponding march to the right ; that 
both parties should proceed in silence, until they had met at the opposite extremity 
of the village, when, having thus completely encircled it, the attack was to com- 
mence. 

" Logan, who was bravery itself, performed his part of the combined operation, 
with perfect order, and in profound silence ; and having reached the designated 
spot, awaited with impatience the arrival of his commander. Hour after hour 
stole away, but Bowman did not appear. At length daylight appeared. Logan, 
still expecting the arrival of his colonel, ordered the men to conceal themselves 
in the high grass, and await the expected signal to attack. No orders, however, 
arrived. In the mean time, the men, in shifting about through the grass, alarmed 
an Indian dog, the only sentinel on duty. He instantly began to bay loudly, and 
advanced in the direction of the man who had attracted his attention. Presently 
a solitary Indian left his cabin, and walked cautiously towards the party, halting 
frequently, rising upon tiptoes, and gazing around him. 

" Logan's party lay close, with the hope of taking him without giving the 
alarm ; but at that instant a gun was fired in an opposite quarter of the town, as 
was afterwards ascertained, by one of Bowman's party, and the Indian, giving 
one shrill whoop, ran swiftly back to the council house. Concealment was now 
impossible. Logan's party instantly sprung up from the grass, and rushed upon 
the village, not doubting for a moment that they would be gallantly supported. 
As they advanced, they perceived Indians of all ages and of both sexes running to 
the great cabin, near the centre of the town, where they collected in full force, and 
appeared determined upon an obstinate defence. Logan instantly took possession 
of the houses which had been deserted, and rapidly advancing from cabin to cab- 
in, at length established his detachment within close rifle shot of the Indian re- 
doubt. 

" He now listened impatiently for the firing which should have been heard from 
the opposite extremity of the town, where he supposed Bowman's party to be, 
but, to his astonishment, every thing remained quiet in that quarter. In the mean 
time, his own position had become critical. The Indians had recovered from their 
panic, and kept up a close and heavy fire upon the cabins which covered his men. 
He had pushed his detachment so close to the redoubt, that they could neither ad- 
vance nor retreat without great exposure. The enemy outnumbered him, and gave 
indications of a disposition to turn both flanks of his position, and thus endanger 
his retreat. 

" Under these circumstances, ignorant of the condition of his commander, and 
cut off from communication with him, he formed the bold and judicious resolu- 
tion, to make a moveable breastwork of the planks which formed the floor of the 
cabins, and, under cover of it, to rush upon the stronghold of the enemy and carry 
it by main force. Had this gallant determination been carried into effect, and 
had the movement been promptly seconded, as it ought to have been, by Bowman, 
the conflict would have been bloody, and the victory decisive. Most probably 
not an Indian would have escaped, and the consternation which such signal ven- 
geance would have spread throughout the Indian tribes, might have repressed their 
incursions for a considerable time. But before the necessary steps could be taken, 
a messenger arrived from Bowman, with orders ' to retreat!' 

"Astonished at such an order, at a time when honor and safety required an of- 
fensive movement on their part, Logan hastily asked if Bowman had been over- 
powered by the enemy 1 No ! Had he ever beheld an enemy 1 No ! What, 
then, was the cause of this extraordinary abandonment of a design so prosper- 
ously begun? He did not know: the colonel had ordered a retreat! Logan, 
however reluctantly, was compelled to obey. A retreat is always a dispiriting 
movement, and with militia, is almost certain to terminate in a complete rout. As 



414 LOGAN COUNTY. 

soon as the men were informed of the order, a most irregular and tumultuous 
scene commenced. Not being buoyed up by the mutual confidence which is the 
offspring of discipline, and which sustains regular soldiers under all circumstan- 
ces, they no longer acted in concert. 

" Each man selected the time, manner, and route of his retreat for himself. 
Here a solitary Kentuckian would start up from behind a stump, and scud away 
through the grass, dodging and turning to avoid the balls which whistled around 
him. There a dozen men would run from a cabin, and scatter in every direction, 
each anxious to save himself, and none having leisure to attend to their neighbors. 
The Indians, astonished at seeing men rout themselves in this manner, sallied out 
of their redoubts and pursued the stragglers, as sportsmen would cut up a flock 
of wild geese. They soon united themselves to Bowman's party, who, from 
some unaccountable panic of their commander, or fault in themselves, had stood 
stock still near the spot where Logan had left them the night before. 

" All was confusion. Some cursed their colonel ; som.e reproached other offi- 
cers : one shouted one thing; one bellowed another; but all seemed to agree that 
they ought to make the best of their way home, without the loss of a moment's 
time. By great exertions on the part of Logan, well seconded by Harrod, Bul- 
ger, and the present Major Bedinger, of the Blue Licks, some degree of order 
was restored, and a tolerably respectable retreat commenced. The Indians, how- 
ever, soon surrounded them on all sides, and kept up a hot fire, which began to 
grow fatal. Colonel Bowman appeared totally demented, and sat upon his horse 
like a pillar of stone, neither giving an order, nor taking any measures to repel 
the enemy. The sound of the rifle shots had, however, completely restored the 
men to their senses, and they readily formed in a large hollow square, took trees, 
and returned the fire with equal vivacity. The enemy were quickly repelled, and 
the troops recommenced their march. 

"But scarcely had they advanced half a mile, when the Indians re-appeared, 
and again opened a fire upon the front, rear, and both flanks. Again, a square 
was formed and the enemy repelled ; but scarcely had the harassed troops re- 
commenced their march, when the same galling fire was opened upon them from 
every tree, bush and stone, capable of concealing an Indian. Matters now began 
to look serious. The enemy were evidently endeavoring to detain them, until 
fresh Indians could come up in sufficient force to compel them to lay down their 
arms. The men began to be unsteady, and the panic was rapidly spreading from 
the colonel to the privates. At this crisis, Logan, Harrod, Bedinger, &c., select- 
ed the boldest, and best mounted men, and dashing into the bushes on horseback, 
scoured the woods in every direction, forcing the Indians from their coverts, and 
cutting down as many as they could overtake. 

"This decisive step completely dispersed the enemy, and the weary and dis- 
pirited troops continued their retreat unmolested. They lost nine killed and a 
few others wounded." 

No other aff"air of importance occurred, until the rash and disastrous battle of 
the Blue Licks, in which Logan was unable to participate, although in full march 
for that place at the head of a well appointed force when he received intelligence 
of the defeat of his countrymen. He immediately retraced his steps to Bryant's 
station, where he remained until the following day, when he proceeded to the bat- 
tle ground for the purpose of burying the dead. Having performed this duty, he 
disbanded his men and returned home. 

He remained quietly engaged in agricultural pursuits until the summer of 1788, 
when he conducted an expedition against the north-western tribes, which as usual 
terminated in burning their villages and cutting up their corn, serving to irritate 
but not to subdue the enemy. 

From this time until the period of his death, General Logan devoted himself to 
the cultivation of his farm, and engaged actively in the civil and political con- 
tests which had begun to occupy a large share of public attention. He was a 
member of the convention of 1792, which formed the first constitution of Ken- 
tucky, and when in 1799, a convention was called for the purpose of remodel- 
ing that instrument, he was a delegate from the county of Shelby, and assisted in 
the formation of the present constitution. He was repeatedly a member of the 
State legislature, and it is scarcely necessary to add, stood high in the esteem and 
confidence of his legislative compeers. After having discharged faithfully and 



BENJAMIN LOGAN. 



415 



with ability all the duties of the man, the soldier, the patriot, and statesman, he 
died at an advanced age, full of years and full of honors, beloved and mourned 
by all who knew him. General Logan was the father of the Honorable William 
Logan, twice a judge of the court of appeals. 

Closely connected with the history of General Benjamin Logan is that of a 
young Indian, distinguished for his high qualities of bravery, generosity, and all 
those rude virtues which at times impart such nobility to the character of the 
American aborigines. He was taken prisoner by General Logan in 1786, when 
a youth. On parting with him to send him back to his people, the general had 
given him his name, which he retained to the end of his life. Before the treaty 
of Greenville he had distinguished himself as a warrior, though still very young. 
His mother was a sister to the celebrated Tecumseh and the Prophet. His death 
occurred under very tragical circumstances — for an account of which we are 
indebted to M'Afee's history of the late war. 

Shortly after General Tupper's expedition to the Miami Rapids in 1812, Logan 
was sent by General Harrison with a small party of his tribe to reconnoitre in 
the direction of the Rapids. He met with a superior force of the enemy near that 
place, by which he was so closely pursued that his men were obliged to disperse 
for safety in their retreat. Logan and two of his companions. Captain John and 
Bright Horn, arrived safe at General Winchester's camp, where he faithfully 
reported the incidents of the excursion. But there were certain persons in the 
army who suspected his fidelity, and reproached him with being friendly to and 
with communicating intelligence to the enemy. The noble spirit of Logan could 
not endure the ungenerous charge. With the sensibility of a genuine soldier, he 
felt that his honor should be not only pure and firm, but unsuspected. He did 
not, however, demand a court of enquiry — following the natural dictate of a bold 
and generous spirit, he determined to prove by unequivocal deeds of valor and 
fidelity, that he was calumniated by his accusers. 

On the 22d of November, he set out the second time, accompanied by only the 
two persons before named, determined either to bring in a prisoner or a scalp, or 
to perish himself in the attempt. When he had gone about ten miles down the 
north side of the Miami, he met with a British officer, the eldest son of Colonel 
Elliott, accompanied by five Indians. As the party was too strong for him, and 
he had no chance to escape, four of them being mounted, he determined to pass 
them under the disguise of friendship for the British. He advanced with confi- 
dent boldness and friendly deportment to the enemy — but unfortunately one of 
them was Winnemac, a celebrated Potawatamie chief, to whom the person and 
character of Captain Logan were perfectly well known. He persisted however 
in his first determination, and told them he was going to the Rapids to give infor- 
mation to the British. After conversing some time he proceeded on his way, and 
Winnemac, with all his companions, turned and went with him. As they trav- 
eled on together, Winnemac and his party closely watched the others, and when 
they had proceeded about eight miles, he proposed to the British officer to seize 
and tie them. The officer replied that they were completely in his power; that 
if they attempted to run, they could be shot ; or failing in that, the horses 
could easily run them down. The consultation was overheard by Logan ; he had 
previously intended to go on peaceably until night, and then make his escape; 
but he now formed the bold design of extricating himself by a combat with 
double his number. 

Having signified his resolution to his men, he commenced the attack by shoot- 
ing down Winnemac himself. The action lasted till they had fired three rounds 
apiece, during which time Logan and his brave companions drove the enemy 
some distance, and separated them from their horses. By the first fire Winnemac 
and Elliott fell ; by the second a young Ottawa chief lost his life ; and another of 
the enemy was mortally wounded about the conclusion of the combat, at which 
time Logan himself, as he was stooping down, received a ball just below the 
breast bone ; it ranged downwards, and lodged under the skin on his back. In 
the mean time Bright Horn was also wounded by a ball which passed through 
his thigh. As soon as Logan was shot he ordered a retreat; himself and Bright 
Horn, wounded as they were, jumped on the horses of the enemy and rode to Win- 
chester's camp, a distance of twenty miles, in five hours. Captain John, after 



416 MADISON COUNTY. 

taking the scalp of the Ottowa chief, also retreated in safety, and arrived at the 
camp the next morning. After lingering with his wounds, Logan expired at 
Winchester's camp on the third day after his arrival. He was buried with all the 
honors due to his rank. 



V MADISON COUNTY. 

Madison county was formed in 1785, and named in honor of 
James Madison, president of the United States. It is situated in 
the middle portion of the State, and lies on the waters of Ken- 
tucky river, which skirts it on the north and M^est — bounded on 
the north by Fayette and Clark, east by Estill, south by Laurel 
and Rockcastle, and west by, Rockcastle, Garrard and Jessamine. 
Madison is one of the largest counties in the State, with a diver- 
sified surface — the greater portion being gently undulating, with 
a rich and productive soil — while other portions are level and 
hilly, and not so productive. The principal streams are Down- 
ing, Muddy, Silver, Tate, and Otter creeks, all named by Daniel 
Boone, and flowing into the Kentucky river. The exports of the 
county consist of horses, mules, cattle, and hogs, the latter being 
raised in vast quantities. Indian corn and tobacco are exten- 
sively cultivated, but the hemp and wheat crops are limited to 
domestic consumption. 

Number of acres of land in Madison county, 277,608 ; average 
value per acre in 1846, $12; total valuation of taxable property 
in 1846, $6,935,495; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 2,594 ; number of children between five and six- 
teen years of age, 2,943. Population in 1840, 16,385. 

The towns of Madison are Richmond and Boonsborough. 
Richmond, the county seat, lies fifty miles from Frankfort. It is 
a handsome town, with a thriving and intelligent population of 
some 1,000 or 1,200 souls, and surrounded by a beautiful country 
and a rich and enlightened community — contains a court-house, 
four churches, (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian), 
twelve lawyers, eleven doctors, two female schools, one academy, 
a public library, fourteen dry goods stores, six grocery stores, two 
taverns, two newspapers, (the Richmond Chronicle and Review), 
a branch of the bank of Kentucky, one rope factory, and about 
forty mechanics' shops. This place was first settled by John 
Miller in 1785, but was not incorporated until 1809. 

Boonsborough is a small and dilapidated village, situated on the 
western bank of the Kentucky river. There is nothing in its ap- 
pearance calculated to impress the beholder ; but the name and 
the locality have become classical. It was here that Daniel Boone, 
the great pioneer, built the first fort ever erected in Kentucky, 
and made the commencement of a permanent settlement ; and it 
was here there was convened, more than seventy years ago, the 




OLD FORT AT B OONSB OROUGH, 1775. 



27 



OLD FORT AT BOONSBOROUGH. 419 

first legislative assembly of the great valley of the west.* This 
fort was built in 1775, having been commenced on the 1st of April, 
and completed on the 14th of June. An engraving of the fort, 
from a drawling of Colonel Henderson, is here given. 

It vv^as situated adjacent to the river, with one of the angles 
resting on its bank near the water, and extending from it in the 
form of a parallelogram. The length of the fort, allowing 
twenty feet for each cabin and opening, must have been about 
two hundred and sixty, and the breadth one hundred and fifty 
feet.f In a few days after the work was commenced, one of the 
men was killed by the Indians. 

There are several mineral springs and mounds in Madison, but 
none of sufiicient interest to require particular notice in this 
work. There is a black sulphur spring, highly impregnated with 
salt, at Boonsborough. This was a great resort of buffalo, deer and 
other animals, when Kentucky was first explored, and no doubt 
Boone was induced, from this fact, to select that place for the lo- 
cation of his fort. One of the mounds has been partially ex- 
plored, but no relics discovered. A large fire must have been 
burned near the base before the mound was reared, as the coals 
are so well preserved as to show clearly the wood from which 
they were burned. 

In the summer of 1775, after the completion of the fort at Boonsborough, 
Daniel Boone returned to Clinch river for his family. He brought them to the 
new fort as soon as the journey could be performed, and Mrs. Boone and her daugh- 
ters were the first white women who ever stood upon the banks of the Kentucky 
river.+ They were soon reinforced by the arrival of three more families, at the 
head of which were Mrs. McGary, Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Denton. 

Boonsborough soon became the central object of Indian hostilities. On the 
24th of December, 1775, the garrison was suddenly attacked by a party of Indians, 
and one of the number killed. 

On the 7th of July, 1776, a much more alarming incident occurred. A daugh- 
ter of Daniel Boone, in company with Miss Betsey and Miss Frances Calloway, 
the first and last named about thirteen years of age, the other grown, while 
amusing themselves in a canoe, were captured by a party of Indians, in sight of 
the fort. The screams of the terrified girls quickly alarmed the families in the 
garrison; but as it was near night fall, and the canoe on the opposite side of the 
river, pursuit was not commenced in time to follow more than five miles during 
the night. By day-light next morning, a party consisting of Daniel Boone, Col. 
Floyd and six others, got upon their track, and continued the pursuit. The ex- 
ceeding caution of the Indians, rendered it difficult for the pursuing party to keep 
on their trail ; but, notwithstanding, they pressed forward in the direction they 
supposed the Indians would take, with almost incredible rapidity. Having trav- 

* See biographical sketch of Colonel Henderson. 

J A fort in these rude military times, consisted of pieces of timber sharpened at the end 
firmly lodged in the ground : rows of these pickets enclosed the desired space, which 
embraced the cabins of the inhabitants. A block-house or more, of superior care and 
strength, commanding the sides of the fort, with or without a ditch, completed the fortifica- 
tions, or stations, as they were called. Generally the sides of the interior cabins formed the 
sides of the fort. Slight as this advance was in the art of war, it was more than sufficient 
against attacks of small arms, in the hands of such desultory warriors, as their irregular 
supply of proNdsions necessarily rendered the Indians. Such was the nature of the military 
structures of the pioneers against their enemies. They were ever more formidable in the 
cane-brakes and in the woods, than before even these imperfect fortifications.— .^u^/er's 
History, page 28. 
t See sketch of Daniel Boone. 



420 MADISON COUNTY. 

eled about thirty-five miles, they struck a buffalo trace, where they found the 
tracks quite plain. The pursuit was urged on with great keenness, and at the 
further distance of ten miles, they came in sight of the savages, just as they were 
kindling a fire to cook. Both parties saw each other at the same instant. Four 
of the whites fired, and then charged so suddenly and furiously upon the Indians, 
that they were compelled to retreat with a single shot gun without ammunition, 
and without time to tomahawk their captives. The girls sustained no other injury 
than excessive fright and fatigue. Two of the Indians were killed. The party 
were so much elated with the recovery of the frightened and jaded little girls, that 
they did not pursue the Indians, but immediately retraced their steps, and safely 
arrived at Boonsborough on the succeeding day. 

The infant settlement at Boonsborough continued to be incessantly harassed 
by flying parties of Indians ; and on the 15th of April, 1777, a simultaneous 
attack was made on Boonsborough, Harrodsburg and Logan's fort, by a large 
body of the enemy. But being destitute of artillery and scaling ladders, they 
could produce no decided impression on the fort. Some loss was sustained by 
Boonsborough in men, and the corn and cattle of the settlers were partially 
destroyed, but the Indians suffered so severely as to retire with precipitation. 

On the 4th of July, following, Boonsborough was again attacked by about 
two hundred warriors. The onset ivas furious, but unsuccessful. The garrison, 
less than half the number of the assailants, made a vigorous defence, repulsing 
the enemy with the loss of seven warriors known to have been killed, and a num- 
ber wounded. The whites had one man killed and two wounded. The siege 
lasted two days and nights, when the Indians made a rapid and tumultuous retreat. 

Some time in June, 1777, Major Smith with a party of seventeen men, followed 
a small body of Indians from Boonsborough to the Ohio river, where they arrived 
in time to kill one of the number, the remainder having crossed over. As they 
returned, about twenty miles from the Ohio, they discovered another party of 
about thirty Indians, lying in the grass, but were themselves unobserved. They 
immediately dismounted, tied their horses and left nine men to take care of them. 
Smith, with the remaining eight men of his party, crept forward until they came 
near the Indians. At this moment, one of the Indians passed partly by Smith, 
in the direction of the horses. He was shot by one of the whites. He gave a 
loud yell, and his friends supposing he had killed some wild animal, burst out in 
a noisy fit of laughter. At that instant Smith and his party fired on the savages 
and rushed upon them. The fire was returned, but the Indians speedily gave way 
and fled. Smith had one man (John Martin) wounded.* 

On the 9th of September, 1778, a third attack was made upon Boonsborough. 
The enemy appeared in great force — the Indians, numbering at least five hundred 
warriors, armed and painted in their usual manner, were conducted by Canadian 
oflacers, well skilled in the usages of modern warfare. As soon as they were 
arrayed in front of the fort, the British colors were displayed, and an officer, with 
a flag, was sent to demand the surrender of the fort, with a promise of quarter 
and good treatment in case of compliance, and threatening "the hatchet," in case 
of a storm. Boone requested two days for consideration, which in defiance of 
all experience and common sense, was granted. This interval, as usual, was 
employed in preparation for an obstinate resistance. The cattle were brought 
into the fort, the horses secured, and all things made ready against the commence- 
ment of hostilities. 

Boone then assembled the garrison, and represented to them the condition in 
which they stood. They had not now to deal with Indians alone, but with Brit- 
ish oflficers, skilled in the art of attacking fortified places, sufficiently numerous 
to direct, but too few to restrain their savage allies. If they surrendered, their 
lives might and probably would be saved ; but they would suffer much inconve- 
nience, and must lose all their property. If thej"^ resisted and were overcome, 
the life of every man, woman and child would be sacrificed. The hour was now 
come in which they were to determine what was to be done. If they were inclined 
to surrender, he would announce it to the officer; if they were resolved to main- 
tain the fort, he would share their fate, whether in life or death. He had scarcely 
finished, when every man arose and in a firm tone announced his determination 
to defend the fort to the last. 

* Notes on Kentucky. 



ATTACK ON BOONSBOROUGH. 421 

Boone then appeared at the gate of the fortress and communicated to Captain 
Duquesne the resolution of his men. Disappointment and chagrin were strongly- 
painted upon the face of the Canadian at this answer ; but endeavoring to dis- 
guise his feelings, he declared that Governor Hamilton had ordered him not to 
injure the men if it could be avoided, and that if nine of the principal inhabitants 
of the fort would come out into the plain and treat with them, they would instantly 
depart without farther hostility. The insidious nature of this proposal was evi- 
dent, for they could converse very well from where they then stood, and going 
out would only place the officers of the fort at the mercy of the savages, not to 
mention the absurdity of supposing that this army of warriors would " treat,'''' but 
upon such terms as pleased them, and no terms were likely do so short of a total 
abandonment of the country. 

Notwithstanding these obvious objections, the word "treat," sounded so pleas- 
antly in the ears of the besieged, that they agreed at once to the proposal, and 
Boone himself, attended by eight of his men, went out and mingled with the 
savages, who crowded around them in great numbers, and with countenances of 
deep anxiety. The treaty then commenced and was soon concluded. What the 
terms were, we are not informed, nor is it a matter of the least importance, as the 
whole was a stupid and shallow artifice. This was soon made manifest. Du- 
quesne, after many, very many pretty periods about the " bienfaisance et humanite'^ 
which should accompany the warfare of civilized beings, at length informed 
Boone, that it was a custom with the Indians, upon the conclusion of a treaty 
■with the whites, for two warriors to take hold of the hand of each Avhite man. 

Boone thought this rather a singular custom, but there was no time to dispute 
about etiquette, particularly, as he could not be more in their power than he 
already was ; so he signified his willingness to conform to the Indian mode of 
cementing friendship. Instantly, two warriors approached each white man, with 
the word " brother" upon their lips, but a very different expression in their eyes, 
and grappling him with violence, attempted to bear him oflT. They probably 
(unless totally infatuated) expected such a consummation, and all at the same 
moment sprung from their enemies and ran to the fort, under a heavy fire, which 
fortunately only wounded one man. 

The attack instantly commenced by a heavy fire against the picketing, and was 
returned with fatal accuracy by the garrison. The Indians quickly sheltered them- 
selves, and the action became more cautious and deliberate. Finding but little 
effect from the fire of his men, Duquesne next resorted to a more formidable 
mode of attack. The fort stood on the south bank of the river, within sixty yards 
of the water. Commencing under the bank, where their operations were con- 
cealed from the garrison, they attempted to push a mine into the fort. Their 
object, however, was fortunately discovered by the quantity of fresh earth which 
they were compelled to throw into the river, and by which the water became 
muddy for some distance below. Boone, who had regained his usual sagacity, 
instantly cut a trench within the fort in such a manner as to intersect the line of 
their approach, and thus frustrated their design. 

The enemy exhausted all the ordinary artifices of Indian warfare, but were 
steadily repulsed in every effort. Finding their numbers daily thinned by the 
deliberate but fatal fire of the garrison, and seeing no prospect of final success, 
they broke up on the ninth day of the siege and returned home. The loss of the 
garrison was two men killed and four wounded. On the part of the savages, 
thirty-seven were killed and many wounded, who, as usual, were all carried off. 
This was the last siege sustained by Boonsborough. The country had increased 
so rapidly in numbers, and so many other stations lay between Boonsborough 
and the Ohio, that the savages could not reach it without leaving enemies in the 
rear.* 

Besides Boonsborough, there were several other forts or stations in Madison 
— among them, Hoy's, Irvine's, Estill's and Hart's, or White Oak stations. The 
latter station was situated about a mile above Boonsborough, in the same bot- 
tom of the river, and was settled in 1779. The settlers were composed princi- 
pally of families from Pennsylvania — orderly, respectable people, and the men 
good soldiers. But they were unaccustomed to Indian warfare, and the conse- 

• McClung's sketches of Western Adventure. 



422 MADISON COUNTY. 

quence was, that, of some ten or twelve men, all were killed but two or three.* 
During- the fall or winter of 1781-2, Peter Duree, the elder, the principal man of 
the connexion, determined to settle a new fort between Estill's station and the 
mouth of Muddy creek. Having erected a cabin, his son-in-law, John Bullock 
and his family, and his son Peter Duree, his wife and two children removed to it, 
taking a pair of hand-mill stones with them. They remained for two or three 
days shut up in their cabin, but their corn meal being exhausted, they were com- 
pelled to venture out, to cut a hollow tree in order to adjust their hand-mill. 
They were attacked by Indians — Bullock, after running a short distance, fell. 
Duree reached the cabin, and threw himself upon the bed. Mrs. Bullock ran to 
the door to ascertain the fate of her husband — received a shot in the breast, 
and fell across the door sill. Mrs. Duree, not knowing whether her husband had 
been shot or had fainted, caught her by the feet, pulled her into the house and 
barred the door. She grasped a rifle, and told her husband she would help him 
to fight. He replied that he had been wounded and was dying. She then pre- 
sented the gun through several port holes in quick succession — then calml)-^ sat 
by her husband and closed his eyes in death. After waiting several hours, and 
seeing nothing more of the Indians, Mrs. Duree sallied out in desperation to 
make her way to the White Oak Spring, with her infant in her arms, and a son three 
or four years of age, following her. Afraid to pursue the trace, she entered the 
woods, and after running till she was nearly exhausted, she came at length to the 
trace. She determined to follow it at all hazards, and having advanced a fev? 
miles further, she met the elder Mr. Duree, with his wife and youngest son, with 
their baggage, on their way to the new station. The melancholy tidings induced 
them, of course, to return. They led their horses into an adjoining canebrake, 
unloaded them, and regained the White Oak Spring fort before daylight. 

About the same time, an attack was made on Estill's station, three miles south 
of Richmond, by a party of about twenty-five Wyandots. They killed one man, 
took a negro prisoner, and disappeared. Captain Estill was the commander of 
the station, and he immediately raised about an equal number of men and pur- 
sued them. He overhauled them at the Little Mountain, where the bloody bat- 
tle was fought recorded under the head of Montgomery county. 

In August, 1792, seven Indians attacked the dwelling house of Mr. Stephen- 
son, in Madison county. They approached the house early in the morning, be- 
fore the family had risen, forced open the door, and fired into the beds where the 
members of it lay. Mrs. Stephenson was severely wounded, having her thigh 
and arm broken ; but the rest of the family escaped unhurt. Mr. Stephenson 
sprang from his bed, seized his rifle, and returned the fire of the savages. Two 
young men, living with him, came to his assistance, and a severe conflict ensued. 
The assailants, although double the number of the defenders of the house, were 
ultimately expelled, having one of their number killed and several wounded. 
Mr. Stephenson was badly wounded, and one of the young men killed in the 
contest. 

Nathaniel Hart, the elder, came to Kentucky in 1775, being among the first 
pioneers to the State. He was born in the year 1734, in Hanover county, Vir- 
ginia. His father having died while he was young, his mother removed with 
the family to North Carolina. In 1760, Mr. Hart married, and engaged for sev- 
eral years in the mercantile business. In 1770 and 1771, he commanded a com- 
pany in North Carolina in suppressing an insurrection, the object of which was 
to shut up the courts of justice and prostrate government itself. For his gallant 
and spirited behaviour while in the discharge of the arduous and hazardous du- 
ties which devolved upon him, he was handsomely complimented by the ofiicers 
of the government. Shortly after this. Captain Hart, who had listened to the 
glowing descriptions which Boone gave of the beauty and fertility of the soil of 
Kentucky, was fired with the idea of forming a permanent settlement in a region 
presenting so many attractions to the adventurer. Accordingly, through his in- 
strumentality, a company was formed composed of his own and four other fami- 
lies, with Colonel Henderson as its legal head, for the purpose of undertaking 

•Letter of Nathaniel Hart, Sen., to Governor Morehead. 



WILLIAM IRVINE. 423 

the purchase and settlement of the wilderness of Kentucky. As soon as the 
company was organized, Captain Hart set out alone on a trip to the Cherokee 
towns, on Holston, to ascertain, by a previous conference with the Indians, 
whether the purchase could be effected. After a propitious interview, he returned 
to North Carolina, taking with him a delegation of the Indian chiefs, who re- 
mained to escort the company back to the treaty ground, when, on the 17th of 
March, 1775, they negotiated the purchase of Transylvania from the Indians, 
and immediately departed for the Kentucky river. From this period Captain 
Hart spent most of his time in Kentucky, although he did not attempt to bring 
his family out till the fall of 1779. In August, 1782, as he was carelessly riding 
out in the vicinity of the fort, he was killed and scalped by a small party of In- 
dians, who made their escape, although warmly pursued by Colonel Boone. His 
widow survived him about two years. Their descendants all reside in Ken- 
tucky. 

In the final settlement of the affairs of Henderson & Co., the company allowed 
Captain Hart two hundred pounds for the extraordinary services rendered and 
risk incurred by him in the settlement of Kentucky. 

Capt. Christopher Irvine, with his younger brother, the late Col. William 
Irvine, removed to Kentucky in 1778 or 1779, and settled in the present county 
of Madison, near where the town of Richmond now stands. In 1786, Capt. Ir- 
vine raised a company, and joined an expedition under Gen. Logan against the 
Indians in the northern part of Ohio. While on this expedition, he met his death 
in rather a singular manner. In a skirmish which took place, an Indian, who 
had been severely wounded, — a brave and fearless fellow, — made great efforts to 
effect his escape. Capt. Irvine and a part of his company gave pursuit, and were 
enabled to trail him by the blood which flowed from his wound, and stained the 
high grass through which he passed. The Indian discovered his pursuers, and 
when the foremost approached within rifle shot, he fired and killed him. He re- 
treated again, and in his wounded state, loaded his rifle as he ran. Another of 
Capt. Irvine's company getting considerably in advance of his companions in the 
chase, the wounded Indian again turned, shot him dead, and resumed his retreat, 
reloading his rifle as he fled. The delay produced by the fatal effect of his fire, 
enabled him to get some distance ahead of his pursuers. Capt. Irvine, after 
losing two of his men by the fire of the Indian, became very much excited, and, 
contrary to the earnest advice of his party, determined to lead in the pursuit. He 
gave chase, and in a few minutes was within a short distance of the Indian, when 
the latter, with but too fatal an aim, fired a third time, and killed him. One of his 
men, who was close upon his heels, instantly sprang to the place where the In- 
dian had concealed himself, and found him again loading his rifle ! As quick 
as thought, he struck the Indian to the ground, and beat out his brains with the 
breech of his gun. 

Capt. Irvine was a man of high character and standing — intrepid, energetic, 
and daring — with a strong and vigorous intellect — popular in the community, and 
beloved and admired by his pioneer companions. His widow married Gen. Rich- 
ard Hickman, of Clark county, afterwards lieutenant-governor of Kentucky. Ir- 
vine, the county seat of Estill county, was named in honor of Capt. C. Irvine, 
and his brother, Col. William Irvine. 

Col. William Irvine came to the county with his brother, and built a station, 
called Irvine's Station, near where Richmond stands. Col. Irvine was in the 
hard-fought and bloody battle at Little Mountain, known as '■'■Estill's defeat,'''' in 
the year 1782. About the close of the action, while Joseph Proctor, Irvine, and 
two others, were endeavoring to cover the retreat of the whites, Irvine was se- 
verely wounded, by a bullet and two buck shot entering his body a little above 
the left groin. The Indian who shot him, saw him fall, and, leaving the tree be- 
hind which he was sheltered, made a rapid advance with the view of tomahawk- 
ing and scalping him. Irvine, as he approached, raised and presented his gun, 
which had just been fired, and was then empty, when the savage rapidly retreat- 
ed to his tree for protection. Proctor, who was about fifty yards off, seeing the 
disabled condition of Irvine, called to him to mount, if he could, Capt. Estill's 
horse, (the owner having been previously killed), and retreat to a given point on 



424 MADISON COUNTY. 

the trace, about three miles distant, — promising him that he would, from that 
point, conduct him to his station in Madison. This assurance was given by Proc- 
tor under the conviction that, from the severity of Irvine's wounds, combined with 
the great loss of blood, he would be unable to proceed further on the retreat than 
the point designated. Irvine determined to follow the advice of Proctor; but the 
Indian who had wounded him, appeared resolved to baffle all his efforts to make his 
escape. As Irvine attempted to mount, the Indian would abandon his shelter, and 
make towards him with his tomahawk, when the former would raise and present 
his empty gun, and the latter as quickly retreat to his tree. This was repeated 
four times in succession. On the fifth trial, Irvine succeeded in mounting the 
horse, and safely reached the place designated by Proctor. Upon his arrival, he 
was exceedingly faint from loss of blood, but had sufficient presence of mind to 
diverge from the main trace, and shield himself in a thicket near by. Here he 
dismounted, and holding on to his horse's bridle, laid himself against a log to 
die. In a short time. Proctor and his two companions reached the place of ren- 
dezvous, and the former, true to his promise, determined to search for Irvine ; the 
latter objected, under the apprehension that the Indians were in close pursuit. 
Proctor, however, persisted in the search, and, in a few minutes, discovered, 
through the bushes, the white horse rode by Irvine. He approached cautiously, 
and with a stealthy step, fearing an Indian ambuscade. Irvine, notwithstanding, 
caught the sound of his footsteps, and suffered all the horrors of death, under the 
impression that the footsteps were those of an enemy and not a friend. He was, 
however, speedily undeceived. Proctor bound up his wounds, and relieving his 
burning thirst by a supply of water from a contiguous branch, mounted him on 
horseback, and placing one of the men behind to hold him, safely conveyed him 
to Bryant's station, where they arrived on the succeeding day. Col. Irvine suf- 
fered severely from his wounds, and did not fully recover his health for several 
years. The bullet and shot were never extracted, and he carried them with him 
to his grave. He died in 1820, thirty-eight years after receiving his wound. 

Colonel Irvine was a man of estimable character and high standing. When 
Madison county was established, he was appointed clerk of the quarter session 
and county courts, and after the quarter session court was abolished, was made 
clerk of the circuit court. These offices (clerk of the county and circuit courts) 
he held until his death. While clerk of the former courts, and before the sepa- 
ration of Kentucky, he was elected to the legislature of Virginia — was a mem- 
ber of several conventions held at Danville, preparatory to the introduction of 
Kentucky into the Union, and was a member from Madison, of the convention 
which formed the present constitution of Kentucky. He was repeatedly elected 
an elector of president and vice-president of the United States. No man had a 
stronger hold upon the affections of the people, and but few have gone to the 
grave more generally lamented. 

Col. John Speed Smith, is a citizen of Madison county, and has been long 
noted as one of the most prominent politicians in the State. He is a man of de- 
cided talents, and exercises great influence over those with whom in public life 
he is associated. He has repeatedly, served in the legislature of Kentucky, and 
presided over that body as speaker. During Monroe's administration he was for 
two years a member of Congress. During J. Q. Adams' administration he was 
appointed by the president, secretary of legation to the United States' mission 
sent to the South American Congress, which was to assemble at Tacubaya. Gen. 
Jackson when president, appointed him district attorney for the United States for" 
the district of Kentucky. In the winter of 1839, he was appointed by the legis- 
lature of Kentucky in conjunction with the Honorable James T. Morehead, a com- 
missioner to the state of Ohio to obtain the passage of a law for the protection of 
the slave property of Kentucky. The mission was entirely successful. Colonel 
Smith is now living in Madison, which he represents in the senate. In the cam- 
paign of 1813 he served as aid-de-camp to General Harrison, and proved himself 
a brave, vigilant and efficient officer. 

James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, in honor of whom 
this county received its name, was born in Port Royal, a town on the south side 
of the Rappahannock, in Virginia, on the 5th of March, 1751. The house of his 



MARION COUNTY. 425 

parents, however, was in Orange county, where he always resided. Mr. Madi- 
son received the very best education the country afforded, having graduated at 
Princeton college, during the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Witherspoon. 
Upon leaving college, he studied law, not, however, with a view of making it a 
profession. In 1776 he was elected to the legislature of Virginia. At the suc- 
ceeding county election he was not returned, but when the legislature assembled 
he was appointed a member of the council of State, which place he held until he 
was elected to Congress in 1779. Whilst a member of the council of State, he 
formed an intimate" friendship with Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, which 
was never afterwards interrupted. He continued in Congress from 1780 till the 
expiration of the allowed term computed from the ratification of the articles of 
confederation in 1781. During the years 1780-81-82-83, he was a leading, ac- 
tive and influential member of that body, and filled a prominent part in all its 
deliberations. In the years 1784-85-80, he was elected a delegate to the 
State legislature. In 1786 he was a member of the convention at Annapo- 
lis, which assembled preliminary to the convention at Philadelphia, which 
formed the federal constitution. Of the latter convention he was also a member, 
and assisted to frame the present constitution of the United States. He continued 
a member of the old Congress by re-appointment until its expiration in 1786. On 
the adoption of the constitution, he was elected to Congress from his district, and 
continued a member from 1789 till 1797. He was the author of the celebrated 
resolution against the alien and sedition laws passed by the Virginia legislature 
in 1798. When Mr. Jefferson was elected president in 1801, he appointed Mr. 
Madison secretary of state, in which office he continued during the eight years 
of Jefferson's administration. In 1809, on the retirement of Mr. Jefferson, he 
was elected president, and administered the government during a period of eight 
years. At about sixty years of age, he retired from public life, and ever after- 
wards resided on his estate in Virginia, except about two months, while at Rich- 
mond as a member of the convention in 1829, which sat there to remould the con- 
stitution of the State. His farm, his books, his friends, and his correspondence, 
were the sources of his enjoyment and occupation during the twenty years of his 
retirement. On the 28th of June, 1836, he died, as serene, philosophical and 
calm in the last moments of his existence as he had been in all the trying occa- 
sions of life. When they received intelligence of his death, the Congress of the 
United States adopted a resolution appointing a public oration to commemorate 
his life, and selected the Hon. John Q. Adams to deliver it. 



MARION COUNTY. 

Marion county was formed in 1834, and named after General 
Francis Marion, a distinguished partizan officer of the revolution- 
ary war It is situated in the central portion of the state, and 
lies on the head waters of the Rolling fork of Salt river : 
Bounded on the north by Washington ; east by Boyle and Casey; 
south by Greene ; and west by Larue. The face of the country, 
in the greater portion of Marion, is gently undulating ; but there 
are several chains of hills or " knobs," as they are called, run- 
ning partially or entirely through the county. The soil, gener- 
ally, is of a superior quality and very productive ; but in a small 
portion of the county is comparatively poor. Horses, mules and 
hogs are exported in large quantities — and tobacco and corn are 
extensively cultivated. Iron ore, in small quantities, is found in. 
the hills of the county. 



426 FRANCIS MARION. 

Number of acres of land in Marion, 194,117; average value 
per acre, $5.93 ; total value of taxable property in the county in 
1846, $2,650,401 ; number of w^hite males over twenty-one years 
of age, 1,648 ; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 2,092. Population in 1840, 11,032. 

There are four towns in Marion, viz : Lebanon, the seat of jus- 
tice, Bradfordsville, New Market and Raywick. Lebanon is a 
handsome town, about sixty miles from Frankfort — containing a 
court-house, three churches, (Roman Catholic, Methodist, and 
Presbyterian,) one male and one female seminary, six physicians, 
eight lawyers, three taverns, fourteen stores and groceries, one 
steam saw mill, fifteen mechanics' shops, and about 750 inhabi- 
tants : Incorporated in 1815, and took its name from the surround- 
ing growth of cedars. Bradfordsville is a small village, nine 
miles south of Lebanon, containing two churches, (Methodist and 
Christian,) one tavern, and 120 inhabitants : Named after Peter 
Bradford. New Market lies six miles south of Lebanon, on the 
Rolling fork — contains a Presbyterian church, tavern, store and 
post-office, with about 50 inhabitants. Raywick is also situated 
on the Rolling fork, twelve miles west of Lebanon — containing 80 
inhabitants, a Catholic church, post-ofiice, &;c. Named for Messrs. 
Ray and Wzc^-liffe. 

St. Mary's College, a Roman Catholic institution, is situated five miles from 
Lebanon, in this county. The college buildings are extensive and handsome, 
and the domain embraces about seven hundred acres of first rate land. W. S. 
Murphy, president, assisted by eight instructors. Number of students about 
one hundred and twenty-five. Library contains 5,000 volumes. Commencement 
on the last week in July. 

General Francis Marion, one of the most celebrated partizan officers of the 
revolution, was born near Georgetown, in South Carolina, in 1732. In early life 
he engaged in sea-faring, but from the solicitations of his mother, was soon 
induced to abandon it. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the year 
1775, he was elected to the provincial Congress of South Carolina. In the same 
year he was made captain in the second regiment of troops raised by South Car- 
olina on the breaking out of the war. He bore a conspicuous part in the engage- 
ment which ensued in the attack made on Sullivan's Island, by the British. He 
had been previously promoted to the rank of major, and for his conduct in this 
affair was made a lieutenant colonel. Upon the arrival of Count D'Estaing, 
Marion, with the second regiment, joined General Lincoln before Savannah. The 
united French and American forces, after a siege of three weeks, assaulted the 
works, and suffered a repulse with an immense loss. The fatal battle of Cam- 
den left South Carolina in the possession of the British, with Marion, Horry, 
and only thirty men to oppose their victorious and disciplined hosts. On hearing 
the result of the battle of Camden, Marion collected his little band of patriots 
around him, and having addressed them, they took an oath never to serve a 
tyrant, or be the slaves of Great Britain, and to fight to the last for liberty. 

From this time until the close of the war in South Carolina, he continued 
actively engaged, with variable success against the British. In this dangerous 
and exciting service, he proved himself one of the most efficient partizan officers 
of whom history gives any account. His little party continually received acces- 
sions from the resolute and decided whigs, and in 1780 he was made a brigadier 
general, and was invested with the command of the military district extending 
from Charleston to Camden, and along the coast eastward to Georgetown. He 
•commanded the front line of General Greene's army in the successful and deci- 
sive battle of the Eutaw. In this battle his marksmen did great execution, and 



MARSHALL COUNTY. 427 

behaved with their accustomed gallantry. General Marion's services in this 
action received the particular acknowledgments of Congress. In 1782 he was 
elected to the senate of the State ; but in February of the same year he rejoined 
his regiment. He served in the convention which framed the constitution of the 
State, in 1790, after which he declined all public service. He died on the 27th 
February, 1795. In person he was below the middle size, thin and swarthy. His 
nose was aquiline, his chin projecting, his forehead was high, and eyes dark and 
piercing. 



MARSHALL COUNTY. 

Marshall county was formed in 1841, and named in honor of 
John Marshall, chief justice of the United States. It is situated 
in the western part of the State, lying on the Tennessee river, 
which skirts it on the north and east — bounded on the north by 
Livingston, east by Caldwell, south by Calloway, and west by 
Graves and M'Cracken. Indian corn and tobacco are the staple 
products. 

Number of acres of land in Marshall, 162,193 ; average value 
per acre, $1.62 ; total value of taxable property in the county in 
1846, $405,107 ; number of white males over twenty-one years 
of age, 827 ; number of children between five and seventeen years 
old, 1,326. 

Benton, the seat of justice and only town in the county, con- 
tains three stores, one grocer}^ one tavern, one lawyer, one doc- 
tor, one tan-yard, and a blacksmiths' shop — population not given. 
Named after the Hon. Thomas H. Benton. 

John Marshall, chief justice of the United States, was born in Virginia, on 
the 24th of September, 1755; and as early as the summer of 1775, received a 
commission as lieutenant of a company of minute men, and was shortly after- 
wards engaged in the battle of Great Bridge, when the British troops under Lord 
Dunmore were repulsed with great gallantry. He was subsequently engaged in 
the memorable battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, and in 1780 
obtained a license to practice law. He returned to the army shortly after, and 
continued in the service until the termination of Arnold's invasion. 

In the spring of 1782, he was elected a member of the State legislature, and 
in the autumn of the same year a member of the executive council. He married 
in 1783. In 1788 he was elected to represent the city of Richmond in the legis- 
lature, and continued to occupy that station during the years 1789, 1790, 1791, 
and upon the recall of Mr. Monroe as minister to France, President Washington 
solicited Mr. Marshall to accept the appointment as his successor, but he respect- 
fully declined. In 1799 he was elected and took his seat in Congress, and in 
1800 was appointed secretary of war. 

On the 31st of January, 1801, he became chief justice of the supreme court of 
the United States, which distinguished station he continued to fill with unsullied 
dignity and pre-eminent ability until the close of his mortal career. He died at 
Philadelphia on the 6th of July, 1837. 



428' MASON COUNTY. 



MASON COUNTY. 

Mason county was established in 1789, being formed out of all 
that part of the then county of Bourbon which lay to the north- 
east of Licking river, and was bounded by the main stream of 
Licking, from its mouth to its source ; thence, by a direct line to 
the nearest point on the State line of Virginia, and county line 
of Russell ; thence, along said line, to Big Sandy river, down 
that river to the Ohio, and down the Ohio to the mouth of Lick- 
ing : comprehending all the present counties of Bracken, Camp- 
bell, Carter, Fleming, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, and Lewis, 
and parts of Floyd, Morgan, Nicholas, Pendleton, and Pike. 

It was named in honor of George Mason, a distinguished states- 
man of Virginia, whom Mr. Jefferson described as a man " of the 
first order of wisdom among those who acted on the theatre of 
the revolution ; of expansive mind, profound judgment, cogent 
in argument, learned in the lore of our former constitution, and 
earnest for the republican change on democratic principles. His 
eloquence was neither flowing nor smooth, but his language was 
strong, his manner most impressive, find strengthened by a dash 
of biting sarcasm, when provocation made it seasonable." Mr. 
Mason was the framer of the constitution of Virginia, and a mem- 
ber of the convention which formed the federal constitution, al- 
though he did not sign that instrument. He opposed it in the 
Virginia convention, believing that its tendency would be to mon- 
archy. He also opposed the slave trade with great zeal. He 
died at his country seat, Gunston Hall, on the Potomac, in the 
autumn of 1792, aged sixty-seven years. 

The present county of Mason lies in the northern section of 
the State, and is bounded on the north by the Ohio river, east by 
the counties of Lewis and Fleming, south by Fleming and Nicho- 
las, and west by Bracken. Bordering the Ohio river with a bold 
range of hills, it runs back into the interior, maintaining, gener- 
ally, the same high and healthy elevation, and presenting a sur- 
face usually uneven — sometimes abrupt and broken — most fre- 
quently gently undulating — but always a varied and beautiful 
landscape. It is intersected by the north fork of Licking river ; 
by Lawrence, Lee's, Limestone, Beasley's and Cabin creeks ; and 
is otherwise abundantly watered by smaller streams and springs. 
The soil rests upon limestone, and is deep, rich, and highly pro- 
ductive, except in the north-eastern and south-western angles of 
the county. The staple productions are Indian corn, hemp, and 
tobacco ; — wheat, barley, rye, horses, hogs, beef cattle and sheep 
being produced also in considerable quantities. Its agriculture is 
good, and steadily improving ; it is probably the most extensive 
hemp-growing county in the state ; and " Mason county tobacco " 
is famous for its excellence, in the markets of Europe. The 
county is small in extent and compact in shape, skirting about 
seventeen miles on the Ohio, and running back about the same 



MASON COUNTY. 429 

distance; it measures 236 square miles, and contains 151,017 
acres, averaging, according to the commissioner's returns for the 
year 1846, $22.78 per acre, and giving an aggregate value of 
$3,439,960. In that year, its taxable wealth amounted to $6,- 
968,326 ; the number of white males over twenty-one years old 
to 2,875 ; and the number of white children, between five and 
sixteen years old, to 2,967. In 1840, its entire population was 
15,719. 

The towns of Mason are Washington, Mayslick, Minerva, Do- 
ver, Germantown, Lewisburg, Orangeburg, Helena, Murphysville, 
Mount Gilead, Sardis, and the city of Maysville. 

In the spring of 1775, Simon Kenton passed down the Ohio 
river, and landed at the mouth of a small creek called, after- 
wards. Limestone, and which runs through the present city of 
Maysville. The morning after, he shouldered his rifle and went 
back into the hills to look for game. After traveling two or three 
miles, to his great joy he found abundance of cane growing upon 
the richest land he had ever seen. Finding a spring of good wa- 
ter, he and his companion, a young man by the name of Thomas 
Williams, made themselves a comfortable camp, and, with their 
tomahawks, cleared a small piece of ground. Their clearing was 
finished in May, and from the remains of some corn which they 
had got from a French trader, for the purpose of parching, they 
obtained seed, and planted, perhaps, the first corn ever planted 
in that country, on the north side of the Kentucky river. Here, 
tending their corn with their tomahawks, they remained the un- 
disputed masters of all they could see, till they had the pleasure 
of eating roasting ears, and of seeing their corn come to perfec- 
tion. This place, which was called Kenton's station, is about 
one mile from where the town of Washington stands, and is now 
owned and cultivated by Mr. Thomas Forman. 

In 1784, after an absence of several years, Kenton returned; 
and from this period may be dated the real commencement of 
the village. 

Washington is the present county seat, and was established as a 
town in 1786 by the Virginia legislature, but was laid out the year 
previous, by William Wood, a Baptist preacher, and Arthur Fox, 
Sr. It seems to have improved very rapidly after its establish- 
ment, for Judge Goforth, the first justice of the peace for the 
county of Hamilton, Ohio, states in his journal under date 8th 
of January 1790, as published in the first volume of Cist's Mis- 
cellany, page 173, that Washington at that date had 119 houses. 
In the years 1797-8, the "Kentucky Palladium," one of the earliest 
papers in the State, was published in Washington by Hunter & 
Beaumont, who afterwards removed to Frankfort. For many 
years Washington was the principal place of trade for a very 
large scope of country around, comprehending many of the pres- 
ent northern counties, and at one time it contained fifteen or 
twenty flourishing mercantile houses ; but within the last thirty 
years it has greatly declined, owing principally to its proximity 



430 MASON COUNTY. 

to the city of Maysville, which has, during that time, sprung into 
considerable importance as the commercial agency of this sec- 
tion of the State. Washington is beautifully situated in the 
heart of a rich and highly cultivated countiy, three and a half 
miles from Maysville, and contains a coui-t-house and public offi- 
ces, three churches, (Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian,) fou& 
retail dry goods stores, four grocery stores, two taverns, three rope\ 
walks, one of which is in operation, ten mechanics' shops and a 
post-office. There are five lawyers and four physicians living in 
the place, and a population of between six and seven hundred. 

Mayslick, situated twelve miles from Maysville, on the Lexing- 
ton turnpike road, in a fine section of the county, was named 
after JVIr. May, of Virginia, the former proprietor of the soil, and 
a famous lick near the place ; and contains two churches (Baptist 
and Christian), four stores, one tavern, a rope-walk and seven 
mechanics' shops. There are four physicians resident in the vil- 
lage, and a population of about 400. 

The village of Minerva lies in the lower part of the county, 
about ten miles west of Maysville, in the centre of the tobacco 
region ; and contains two churches (Baptist and Methodist), one 
tavern, two dry goods stores, six mechanics' shops, and four 
physicians. Dover, four miles from Minerva and ten or twelve 
from Maysville, is situated on the Ohio river, and is a thriving 
village, with two churches (Methodist and Christian), two taverns, 
six stores and groceries, three large tobacco warehouses, a large 
brick flour-mill, one steam saw-mill, and ten mechanics' shops. 
It has three resident physicians and a population of five or six 
hundred. This is a place of considerable business, being the 
point whence much of the tobacco raised in the counties of Ma- 
son and Bracken is shipped. Geiynantown, seven or eight miles 
south of Dover, lies partly in Mason and partly in Bracken county, 
the smaller portion lying in Mason. It has two churches, two 
taverns, five stores, several mechanics' shops, three physicians, 
and a population of two or three hundred. Oraiigehurg is eight 
miles from Maysville, Lewisburg seven miles, (on the Flemings- 
burg turnpike road,) Mount Gilead eleven or twelve miles, and all 
in the eastern section of the county ; Helena is about eleven miles 
south-east from Maysville ; MurphysvUle about nine miles south, 
and Sardis fourteen miles south from Maysville. They are all 
small country villages, with one or two stores each, a church, a 
few mechanics, a physician, and a population varying fi'om fifty 
to one hundred. 

Maysville, known for many years as Limestone, from the creek 
of that name which empties in the Ohio at that place, is situated 
on the Ohio river, sixty miles above Cincinnati, and was named 
after John May, the owner of the land, and an intelligent and 
highly respectable gentleman from Virginia. In 1784 the first 
settlement at this place was made, and a double log cabin and 
block house built by Edward Waller, John Waller and George 
Lewis, of Virginia. Colonel Daniel Boone resided there in the 



CITY HALL OF MAYSVILLE. 



431 



year 1786. During his residence there, a party of seventy-five 
Indians came to the mouth of Fishing Gut, on the Ohio river, op- 
posite Maysville, to treat for the exchange of prisoners. Colonel 
Boone, Jacob Boone, Colonel Sharpe and Colonel Logan went 
over to meet them. The wife of Colonel Sharpe was one of the 
prisoners released. Colonel Boone killed a fat beef, and the In- 
dians had a feast and a dance. They were under the chief Blue 
Jacket, of the Shawanee tribe, and were so delighted with Col. 
Boone and the entertainment he gave them, that they made a 
solemn pledge to him that if ever they met Avith a citizen of 
Maysville in suffering or captivity, they would do all in their 
power to relieve him. This pledge they religiously kept. Samuel 
Blackburn, of Maysville, was afterwards taken prisoner , the In- 
dians having ascertained that he was from Maysville, treated him 
with every mark of attention, released him from captivity and 
restored him to his friends. 

In 1788 the town was established. In 1790 the first school was 
opened in Maysville by Israel Donaldson, who had been held in 
captivity for a long time by the Indians. It was the principal 




CITY HALL,, M A V S V I L L E , K Y. 



432 MASON COUNTY. 

point where the immigrants to Kentucky landed, and through 
which the merchandize and supplies for the interior passed. 
There also, as well as at Logan's Gap, four miles below, the pre- 
datory bands of the warlike Indians of the north-west frequently 
crossed the Ohio in their hostile incursions into the white settle- 
ments of the interior. Its frontier and exposed position retarded 
its progress for many years, and kept it in the rear of towns alto- 
gether inferior to it in natural commercial advantages ; and it wag 
not until about the year 1815 that its steady and permanent im- 
provement may be said to have fairly commenced. 

Maysville was incorporated as a city in 1833, is well and com- 
pactly built, contains a handsome and imposing public edifice 
called the City Hall, five churches (Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian, 
Methodist Episcopal south, and Catholic), and one building in 
progress for the Methodist Episcopal church; two seminaries, one 
(that of Rand & Kicheson), very large, well established and flour- 
ishing ; two public free schools, seven private schools, six taverns, 
one large new and substantial stone jail, one hospital and alms 
house, one bank with a capital of $450,000, two printing offices, 
each publishing w^eekly and tri-weekly papers, the "Maysville 
Eagle" the fourth oldest paper in the state, and the "Maysville Her- 
ald" recently established, two steam cotton factories, one large 
power loom bagging factory with an actual capital paid in of 
$80,000, one wool carding factory, two founderies, five rope-walks, 
two steam saw-mills, one large steam flour-mill, one tallow and 
candle factory, twelve plow factories, three wagon factories, 
two coach manufactories, two stone cutting establishments, five 
tin-ware manufactories, three tobacco manufactories and ware- 
houses, one saddle-tree manufactory, one large tannery, four sad- 
dle, harness and trunk manufactories, three wooden ware manu- 
factories, twelve storage and commission ware houses, fourteen 
wholesale groceries, thirty retail groceries, three wholesale dry 
goods stores, twenty-three retail dry goods stores, two wholesale 
and retail hard-ware houses, one wholesale and retail China, glass 
and queensware store, one cotton store, five stove and hollow- 
ware stores, two iron stores, three drug stores, three shoe stores, 
two book stores, two hat stores, three pork houses, four lumber 
yards, twelve lawyers, eleven physicians, three resident dentists, 
one Daguerrcan artist, three principal cabinet makers, three jew- 
elers, one gunsmith, ten blacksmith shops, fourteen carpenters' 
shops, five principal stonemasons, live principal bricklayers, two 
mattress makers, eight shoe shops, one hatters' shop, fifteen prin- 
cipal milliners and mantua makers, ten principal tailors, five 
bakeries and confectionarics, eight painters, glaziers and paper 
hangers, five coopers' shops, and five livery stables. 

The progress of Maysville has been slow but steady. The 
capital she now wields, which is very considerable, has been 
gradually realized and accumulated within the city, by her own 
citizens, by a long course of persevering and enterprising indus- 
try. AYithin the last six years her improvement has been much 




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EARLY SETTLEMENT. . 433 

more rapid than for years back. Twenty years ago her whole 
grocery business did not equal the half of what is singly done by 
several of the larger houses, and within the last two years that 
branch has more than doubled, so that dui'ing the present year 
(1847) more than half a million will be realized for groceries. 
The sales of hardware, which in 1838 amounted to not more 
than $15,000, will this year reach $75,000. A few years since, 
there was but a single tinware manufactory and stove ware- 
house, now there are five large establishments, doing a lucrative 
and greatly extended business. Maysville is the largest hemp 
market in the United States, and this year her purchases will 
amount to 0,500 tons. She is the point of reception, storage 
and transhipment of all the merchandise and produce imported 
and exported by the north-eastern section of Kentucky. And 
although the slackwater improvements on the Kentucky river 
had the effect for a time of diverting the trade of some of the 
midland counties, yet her superior position and facilities, united 
to the energy of her citizens, are compelling its return. As a 
corporation, she has expended seventy tJiousand dollars in the con- 
struction of the different turnpike roads which concentrate upon 
her as a terminus, in addition to the individual subscriptions of 
her citizens. In the midst of one of the most extended, imposing 
and attractive landscapes of the ' beautiful river,' surrounded by 
a fertile and highly cultivated country directly dependant upon 
and tributary to her, herself the commercial agent for north-eas- 
tern Kentucky, with great manufacturing advantages from her 
proximity to many of the most important of the raw materials, 
and from her facilities of transportation, Maysville, with a labori- 
ous, substantial, energetic and enterprising population of near 
5,000, must continue, with an increasing progression, to advance 
in prosperity, population and wealth. 

The early settlement of Mason county was, like that of many other sections of 
the state, attended with great hardship, danger and suffering; and being a border 
county, and one through which the daring and bloody incursions of the Indians of 
the north were made, the adventurous pioneers who settled it were necessarily 
exposed to constant and peculiar hazards. And it is to be regretted that so few 
authentic accounts of the romantic and thrilling adventures of those hardy heroes 
of the west have been preserved to us by legend or tradition. 

As early as 1785, many families came down the Ohio river in boats, landed at 
Maysville, and continued their route to such parts of the country as pleased them. 
Among them, Colonel Thomas Marshall, formerly commander of the third Vir- 
ginia regiment on continental establishment, subsequently colonel of the regiment 
of Virginia artillery, embarked with a numerous family on board a flat boat, and 
descended the Ohio without any incident of note until he passed the mouth of 
the Kenawha. Here about ten o'clock at night, he was hailed from the northern 
shore by a man who announced himself as James Girty, the brother of the noto- 
rious Simon Girty. The boat dropped slowly down within one hundred and fifty 
yards of the shore, and Girty making a corresponding movement on the beach, 
the conference was kept up for several minutes. He began by mentioning his 
name, and enquiring that of the master of the boat. 

Having been satisfied upon this head, he assured him that he knew him well, 

respected him highly, &c., &c., and concluded with some rather extraordinary 

remarks : " He had been posted there," he said, " by the order of his brother 

Simon, to warn all boats of the danger of permitting themselves to be decoyed 

28 



434 ^ MASON COUNTY. 

ashore. The Indians had become jealous of him, and he had lost that influence 
which he formerly held amongst them. He deeply regretted the injury which he 
had inllicted upon his countrymen, and wished to he restored to their society. In 
order to convince them of the sincerity of his regard, he had directed him to warn 
all boats of the snares spread for them. Every effort would be made to draw 
passengers ashore. White men would appear upon the bank ; and children would 
be heard to supplicate for mercy. But," continued he, "do you keep the middle 
of the river, and steel your heart against every mournful application you may 
receive." The colonel thanked him for his intelligence, and continued his course. 
He arrived safely at Maysville, and settled in that part of the then county of 
Fayette which afterwards became the county of Mason. Colonel Marshall was 
a gentleman of high standing in Virginia. He had been a member of the gen- 
eral assembly in 1774, and was one of the band of patriots, who with Washing- 
ton and Henry, resolved to resist the assumptions of the British government at 
the hazard of all that was dear to men. He attached himself in 1775 to the army, 
and in the capacity of major was conspicuous for his gallantry in the battle of 
the Great Bridge on the 9lh of December, 1775. He also distinguished himself 
as colonel in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. 

About the same time, Captain James Ward, lately a highly respectable citi- 
zen of Mason county, Kentucky, was descending the Ohio, under circumstances 
which rendered a rencounter with the Indians peculiarly to be dreaded. He, to- 
gether with half a dozen others, one of them his nephew, embarked in a crazy 
boat, about forty-five feet long and eight feet wide, with no other bulwark than a 
single pine plank, above each gunnel. The boat was much encumbered with 
baggage, and seven horses were on board. Having seen no enerriy for several 
days, they had become secure and careless, and permitted the boat to drift within 
fifty yards of the Ohio shore. Suddenly, several hundred Indians showed them- 
selves on the bank, and running down boldly to the water's edge, opened a heavy 
lire upon the boat. The astonishment of the crew may be conceived. 

Captain Ward and his nephew were at the oars when the enemy appeared, and 
the captain knowing that their safety depended on their ability to regain the mid- 
dle of the river, kept his seat firmly, and exerted his utmost powers at the oar, 
but his nephew started up at sight of the enemy, seized his rifle, and was in the 
act of leveling it, when he received a ball in the breast, and fell dead in the bot- 
tom of the boat. Unfortunately, his oar tell into the river, and the captain, hav- 
ing no one to pull against him, rather urged the boat nearer to the hostile shore 
than otherwise. He seized a plank, however, and giving his own oar to another 
of the crew, he took the station which his nephew had held, and unhurt by the 
shower of bullets that flew around him, continued to exert himself, until the boat 
had reached a more respectable distance. He then, for the first time, looked 
around him in order to observe the condition of the crew. 

His nephew lay in his blood, perfectly lifeless; the horses had been all killed 
or mortally wounded. Some had fallen overboard ; others were struggling vio- 
lently, and causing their frail bark to dip water so abundantly, as to excite the 
most serious apprehensions. But the crew presented the most singular spec- 
tacle. A captain, who had served with reputation in the continental army, 
seemed now totally bereft of his faculties. He lay upon his back in the bottom 
of the boat, with hands uplifted and a countenance in which terror was personi- 
fied, exclaiming in a tone of despair, " Oh Lord I Oh Lord!" A Dutchman, 
whose weight might amount to about three hundred pounds, was anxiously en- 
gaged in endeavoring to find shelter for his bulky person, which, from the low- 
ness of the gunnels, was a very difficult undertaking. In spite of his utmost 
efforts, a portion of his posterial luxuriance appeared above the gunnel, and af- 
forded a mark to the enemy, which brought a constant shower of balls around it. 

In vain he shifted his position. The hump still appeared, and the balls still 
flew around it, until the Dutchman, losing all patience, raised his head above 
the gunnel, and in a tone of querulous remonstrance, called out, " oh now ! quit 
tat tamned nonsense, tere, will you I " Not a shot was fired from the boat. At 
one time, after they had partly regained the current. Captain Ward attempted to 
bring his rifle to bear upon them, but so violent was the agitation of the boat, 
from the furious struggles of the horses, that he could not steady his piece within 



CAPTURE OF MAY'S BOAT. 435 

twenty yards of the enemy, and quickly laying it aside, returned to the oar. The 
Indians followed them down the river for more than an hour, but having no ca- 
noes, they did not attempt to board ; and as the boat was at length transferred to 
the opposite side of the river, they at length abandoned the pursuit and disap- 
peared. None of the crew, save the young man already mentioned, were hurt, 
although the Dutchman's seat of honor served as a target for the space of an hour, 
and the continental captain was deeply mortified at the sudden, and, as he said, 
" unaccountable " panic which had seized him. Captain Ward himself was pro- 
tected by a post, which had been fastened to the gunnel, and behind which he sat 
while rowing. 

In the early part of 1790, John May, from whom the city of Maysville derived 
its name, and who had frequently before visited Kentucky, embarked at Kelly's 
station, on the Kenawha river, for Maysville, in company with his clerk, Mr. 
Charles Johnston, and Mr. Jacob Skyles, also a gentleman of Virginia, who had 
with him a stock of dry goods for Lexington. They arrived without accident at 
Point Pleasant, where they were joined by a man named Flinn, and two sisters 
named Fleming, natives of Pittsburg. After leaving Point Pleasant, when near 
the mouth of the Scioto, they were awakened at daylight on the morning of the 
20th of March, by Flinn, whose turn it was to watch, and informed that danger 
was at hand. All instantly sprung to their feet, and hastened upon deck without 
removing their night caps or completing their dress. The cause of Flinn's alarm 
was quickly evident. Far down the river a smoke was seen, ascending in thick 
wreaths above the trees, and floating in thinner masses over the bed of the river. 
All instantly perceived that it could only proceed from a large fire ; and who was 
there to kindle a fire in the wilderness which surrounded them 1 No one doubted 
that Indians were in front, and the only question to be decided was, upon which 
shore they lay, for the winding of the river, and their distance from the smoke, 
rendered it impossible at first to ascertain this point. As the boat drifted on, 
however, it became evident that the fire was upon the Ohio shore, and it was in- 
stantly determined to put over to the opposite side of the river. Before this 
could be done, however, two white men ran down upon the beach, and clasping 
their hands in the most earnest manner, implored the crew to take them on 
board. 

They declared that they had been taken by a party of Indians in Kennedy's 
bottom, a few days before; had been conducted across the Ohio, and had just ef- 
fected their escape. They added, that the enemy was in close pursuit of them, 
and that their death was certain, unless admitted on board. Resolute in their 
purpose, on no account to leave the middle of the stream, and strongly suspect- 
ing the supplicants of treachery, the party paid no attention to their entreaties, but 
steadily pursued their course down the river, and were soon considerably ahead of 
them. The two white men ran down the bank, in a line parallel with the course of 
the boat, and their entreaties were changed into the most piercing cries and lamen- 
tations upon perceiving the obstinacy with which their request was disregarded. 
Instantly the obduracy of the crew began to relax. Flinn and the two females, 
accustomed from their youth to undervalue danger from the Indians, earnestly in- 
sisted upon going ashore and relieving the white men, and even the incredulity 
of May began to yield to the persevering importunity of the supplicants. A par- 
ley took place. May called to them from the deck of the boat, where he stood 
in his nightcap and drawers, and demanded the cause of the large fire, the smoke 
of which had caused so much alarm. The white men positively denied that there 
was any fire near them. This falsehood was so palpable, that May's former sus- 
picions returned with additional force, and he positively insisted upon continuing 
their course without paying the slightest attention to the request of the men. 
This resolution was firmly seconded by Johnston and Skyles, and as vehemently 
opposed by Flinn and the Miss Flemings, for, contrary to all established rules of 
policy, the females were allowed an equal vote with the males on board of the 
boat. 

Flinn urged that the men gave every evidence of real distress which could be 
required, and recounted too many particular circumstances attending their capture 
and escape, to give color to the suspicion that their story was invented for the oc- 
casion, and added, that it would be a burning shame to them and theirs forever, 



436 MASON COUNTY. 

if they should permit two countrymen to fall a sacrifice to the savages, when so 
slight a risk on their part would suffice to relieve them. He acknowledged that 
they had lied in relation to the fire, but declared himself satisfied that it was only 
because they were fearful of acknowledging the truth, lest the crew should sus- 
pect that Indians were concealed in the vicinity. The controversy became warm, 
and, during its progress, the boat drifted so far below the men, that they appeared 
to relinquish their pursuit in despair. 

At this time, Flinn made a second proposal, which, according to his method of 
reasoning, could be carried into effect, without the slightest risk to any one but 
himself. They were now more than a mile below the pursuers. He proposed 
that May should only touch the hostile shore long enough to permit him to jump 
out. That it was impossible for Indians (even admitting that they were at hand) 
to arrive in time to arrest the boat, and even should any appear, they could im- 
mediately put off from shore and abandon him to his fate. That he was confi- 
dent of being able to outrun the red devils, if they saw him first, and was equally 
confident of being able to see them as soon as they could see him. May remon- 
strated upon so unnecessary an exposure ; but Flinn was inflexible, and in an evil 
hour the boat was directed to the shore. 

They quickly discovered, what ought to have been known before, that they 
could not float as swiftly after leaving the current as while borne along by it, and 
they were nearly double the time in making the shore, that they had calculated 
upon. When within reach, Flinn leaped fearlessly upon the hostile bank, and 
the boat grated upon the sand. At that moment, five or six savages ran up out 
of breath, from the adjoining wood, and instantly seizing Flinn, began to fire upon 
the boat's crew. Johnston and Skyles sprung to their arms, in order to return the 
fire, while May, seizing an oar, attempted to regain the current. Fresh Indians 
arrived, however, in such rapid succession, that the beach was quickly crowded 
by them, and May called out to his companions to cease firing and come to the 
oars. This was instantly done, but it was too late. 

Seeing it impossible to extricate themselves, they all lay down upon their faces, 
in such parts of the boat as would best protect them from the horses, and await- 
ed, in passive helplessness, the approach of the conquerors. The enemy, how- 
ever, still declined boarding, and contented themselves with pouring in an inces- 
sant fire, by which all the horses were killed, and which at length began to grow 
fatal to the crew. One of the females received a ball in her mouth, which had 
passed immediately over Johnston's head, and almost instantly expired. Skyles, 
immediately afterwards, was severely wounded in both shoulders, the ball striking 
the right shoulder blade, and ranging transversely along his back. The fire seem- 
ed to grow hotter every moment, when, at length May arose and waved his night- 
cap above his head as a signal of surrender. He instantly received a ball in the 
middle of the forehead, and fell perfectly dead by the side of Johnston, covering 
him with his blood. 

Now, at last, the enemy ventured to board. Throwing themselves into the 
water, with their tomahawks in their hands, a dozen or twenty swam to the boat, 
and began to climb the sides. Johnston stood ready to do the honors of the boat, 
and presenting his hand to each Indian in succession, he helped them over the 
side to the number of twenty. Nothing could appear more cordial than the meet- 
ing. Each Indian shook him by the hand, with the usual salutation of " how de 
do," in passable English, while Johnston encountered every visitor with an affec- 
tionate squeeze, and a forced smile, in which terror struggled with civility. The 
Indians then passed on to Skyles and the surviving Miss Fleming, where the de- 
monstrations of mutual joy were not quite so lively. Skyles was writhing under 
a painful wound, and the girl was sitting by the dead body of her sister. 

Having shaken hands with all of their captives, the Indians proceeded to scalp 
the dead, which was done with great coolness, and the reeking scalps were 
stretched and prepared upon hoops for the usual process of drying, immediately 
before the eyes of the survivors. The boat was then drawn ashore, and its con- 
tents examined with great greediness. Poor Skyles, in addition to the pain of 
his wounds, was compelled to witness the total destruction of his property, by 
the hands of these greedy spoilers, who tossed his silks, cambric, and broadcloth 
into the dirt with the most reckless indifference. At length they stumbled upon 
a keg of whisky. The prize was eagerly seized, and every thing else abandoned. 



TIMOTHY DOWNING. 437 

The Indian who had found it, instantly carried it ashore, and was followed by the 
rest with tumultuous delight. A large fire nearly fifty feet long was quickly 
kindled, and victors and vanquished indiscriminately huddled around it. 

On the next morning the Indians arose early and prepared for another encoun- 
ter, expecting as usual that boats would be passing. It happened that Captain 
Thomas Marshall, of the Virginia artillery, afterwards a citizen of Mason, and 
son of Colonel Marshall, in company with several other gentlemen, was descend- 
ing the Ohio, having embarked only one day later than May. About twelve 
o'clock on the second day after May's disaster, the little flotilla appeared about a 
mile above the point where the Indians stood. Instantly all was bustle and activ- 
ity. The additional oars were fixed to the boat, the savages instantly sprung on 
board, and the prisoners were compelled to station themselves at the oars, and 
were threatened with instant death unless they used their utmost exertions to bring 
them along side of the enemy. The three boats came down very rapidly, and 
were soon immediately opposite their enemy's. The Indians opened a heavy 
fire upon them, and stimulated their rowers to their utmost efforts. 

The boats became quickly aware of their danger, and a warm contest of skill 
and strength took place. There was an interval of one hundred yards between 
each of the three boats in view. The hindmost was for a time in great danger. 
Having but one pair of oars, and being weakly manned, she was unable to com- 
pete with the Indian boat, which greatly outnumbered her both in oars and men. 
The Indians soon came within rifle shot, and swept the deck with an incessant 
fire, which rendered it extremely dangerous for any of the crew to show them- 
selves. Captain Marshall was on board of the hindmost boat, and maintained 
his position at the steering oar in defiance of the shower of balls which flew around 
him. He stood in his shirt sleeves with a red silk handkerchief bound around his 
head, which aflforded a fair mark to the enemy, and steered the boat with equal 
steadiness and skill, while the crew below relieved each other at the oars. 

The enemy lost ground from two circumstances. In their eagerness to over- 
take the whites, they left the current, and attempted to cut across the river from 
point to point, in order to shorten the distance. In doing so, however, they lost 
the force of the current, and soon found themselves dropping astern. In addition 
to this, the whites conducted themselves with equal coolness and dexterity. The 
second boat waited for the hindmost, and received her crew on board, abandoning 
the goods and horses, without scruple, to the enemy. Being now more strongly 
manned, she shot rapidly ahead, and quickly overtook the foremost boat, which, 
in like manner, received the crew on board, abandoning the cargo as before, and 
having six pair of oars, and being powerfully manned, she was soon beyond the 
reach of the enemy's shot. The chase lasted more than an hour. For the first 
half hour, the fate of the foremost boat hung in mournful suspense, and Johnson, 
with agony, looked forward to the probability of its capture. The prisoners 
were compelled to labor hard at the oars, but they took care never to pull together, 
and by every means in their power endeavored to favor the escape of their friends. 

At length the Indians abandoned the pursuit, and turned their whole attention 
to the boats which had been deserted. The booty surpassed their most sanguine 
expectations. Several fine horses were on board, and flour, sugar, and chocolate 
in profusion. Another keg of whisky was found, and excited the same immoder- 
ate joy as at first. 

Flinn was subsequently burnt by his fiendish captors at the stake, with all the 
aggravated tortures that savage cruelty could devise. Skyles, after running the 
gauntlet, and having been condemned to death, made his escape and reached the 
white settlements in safety. The remaining Miss Fleming was rescued by an 
Indian chief, at the very time when her captors had bound her to a stake and were 
making preparations to burn her alive, and conducted safely to Pittsburg. John- 
ston was ransomed by a Frenchman at Sandusky, at the price of six hundred sil- 
ver brooches, and returned in safety to his family. 

In April, 1791, Colonel Timothy Downing, a citizen of Mason county, return- 
ing from Lexington, where he had been on a trading expedition with two horses, 
riding one and leading the other, which was laden with cotton goods, was cap- 
tured near the Blue Licks by a party of Shawanee Indians. They crossed with 
him into Ohio at Logan's Gap, where he was given in charge to two of the party, 



438 MASON COUNTY. 

an old Indian and his son. After two day's traveling, the Indians with Downing 
encamped for the night. He had been treated very kindly by them during their 
march, and before supper the old Indian came up to him — "tie to-night, after to- 
night, no more tie ;" Downing replied — " no tie 'till after supper." This was 
assented to. The old Indian then directed him to hand a drink of water ; and 
Downing, whilst getting the water, picked up a tomahawk, which he concealed. 
It had been raining during the day, and the young Indian was busy before the fire, 
drying a shirt, which had been taken from Downing; and whilst the old Indian, 
not suspecting any thing, was drinking the water he had handed him. Downing 
cleft his skull with the tomahawk and pitched him into the fire. It was neces- 
sary to kill the old Indian, but as they had been kind to him, he did not wish to 
hurt the young Indian. His object was to take him prisoner. But the instant 
he struck his father, the young Indian sprung upon his back with the most horri- 
ble yells, and confined him so that it was difficult to extricate himself from his 
grasp. It was not more than four or five miles to the main camp, and as soon as 
Downing was released from his struggles, he made for his horses, and the young 
Indian, who was badly wounded in the encounter, for the camp. He caught one 
of his horses and mounted him, and struck off into the woods, hoping that the 
other horse would follow. But the night was very dark, and he never saw any 
thing of his second horse. He was' a bad woodsman, and before he got far from 
the scene of his exploits, he heard the eager yells of Indians in hot pursuit of 
him. But the darkness of the night favored his escape, and he succeeded in 
eluding his pursuers. A day or two afterwards Kenton, at the head of a party 
in pursuit of the Indians, came upon the camp whence Downing had escaped, 
discovered the old Indian, who had been buried with twenty -five yards of the 
cloth wrapped around him, and found also Downing's shirt, with blood on it. 
No Indians were to be seen, and the party returned. Kenton took the shirt to 
Mrs. Downing, who recognized it at once as her husband's, whom she concluded 
to have been murdered by the Indians. Downing, in the meantime, after travel- 
ing all night after his escape, found himself on a creek, which he followed to its 
junction with the Scioto river, and finally struck the Ohio below the mouth of 
the Scioto, just as a flat boat was passing down. He immediately hailed it, but 
the boat very prudently made for the Kentucky shore, evidently suspecting an In- 
dian decoy. He followed it two miles before he could prevail on the owners of 
it to send a boat to his relief. He finally succeeded ; a man came in a canoe, 
with his rifle, and told him as he approached that if he saw an Indian, he would 
shoot him (Downing) dead in his tracks. He was taken on board, landed at 
Maysville, and rejoiced his family, who were mourning him as dead, by his sud- 
den return. He resided then where Mr. Robert Downing, of Mason county, now 
lives, and after reaching an advanced age, died some fifteen or sixteen years ago. 

In the month of April, 1792, a number of horses belonging to Captain Luther 
Calvin of Mason county, were stolen by the Indians ; and, as usual, a strong 
party volunteered to go in pursuit of the enemy and recover the property. The 
party consisted of thirty-seven men, commanded by Captains Calvin and Ken- 
ton, and was composed chiefly of young farmers, most of whom had never yet 
met rn enemy. Captain Charles Ward, late deputy sheriff of Mason county, 
was one of the volunteers, and was at that time a mere lad, totally unacquainted 
with Indian warfare. They rendezvoused upon the Kentucky shore, immediately 
opposite Ripley, and crossing the river in a small ferry boat, pursued the trail for 
five or six miles with great energy. Here, however, a specimen of the usual 
caprice and uncertainty attending the motions of militia, was given. 

One of the party, whose voice had been loud and resolute while on the Kentucky 
shore, all at once managed to discover that the enterprise was rash, ill advised, 
and if prosecuted, would certainly prove disastrous. A keen debate ensued, in 
which young Spencer Calvin, then a lad of eighteen, openly accused the gentle- 
man alluded to of cowardice, and even threatened to take the measure of his 
shoulders with a ramrod, on the spot. By the prompt interference of Kenton and 
the elder Calvin, the young man's wrath was appeased for the time, and all those 
who preferred safety to honor, were invited instantly to return. The permission 
was promptly accepted, and no less than fifteen men, headed by the recreant al- 



FIGHT WITH INDIA\S. 439 

ready mentioned, turned their horses' heads and re-crossed the river. The re- 
mainder, consisting chiefly of experienced warriors, continued the pursuit. 

The trail led them down on the Miami, and about noon on the second day, 
they heard a bell in front, apparently from a horse grazing. Cautiously approach- 
ing it, they beheld a solitary Indian, mounted on horseback, and leisurely advanc- 
ing towards them. A few of their best marksmen fired upon him and brought 
him to the ground. After a short consultation, it was then determined to follow 
his back trail, and ascertain whether there were more in the neighborhood. A 
small, active, resolute woodsman, named Mclntyre, accompanied by three others, 
was pushed on in advance, in order to give them early notice of the enemy's ap- 
pearance, while the main body followed at a more leisurely pace. Within an 
hour, Mclntyre returned, and reported that they were then within a short distance 
of a large party of Indians, supposed to be greatly superior to their own. That 
they were encamped in a bottom upon the borders of a creek, and were amusing 
themselves, apparently awaiting the arrival of the Indian whom they had just 
killed, as they would occasionally halloo loudly, and then laugh immoderately, 
supposing, probably, that their comrade had lost his way. 

This intelligence fell like a shower bath upon the spirits of the party, who, 
thinking it more prudent to put a greater interval between themselves and the 
enemy, set spurs to their horses, and galloped back in the direction from which 
they had come. Such was the panic, that one of the footmen, a huge hulking 
fellow, six feet high, in his zeal for his own safety, sprung up behind Capt. Cal- 
vin, (who was then mounted upon Capt. Ward's horse, the captain having dis- 
mounted in order to accommodate him), and nothing short of a threat to blow his 
brains out, could induce him to dismount. In this orderly manner they scamper- 
ed through the woods for several miles, when, in obedience to the orders of Ken- 
ton and Calvin, they halted, and prepared for resistance in case (as was probable) 
the enemy had discovered them, and were engaged in the pursuit. Kenton and 
Calvin were engaged apart in earnest consultation. It was proposed that a num- 
ber of saplings should be cut down and a temporary breastwork erected, and while 
the propriety of these measures was under discussion, the men were left to them- 
selves. 

Finding themselves not pursued by the enemy, as they had expected, it was 
determined that they should remain in their present position until night, when a 
rapid attack was to be made, in two divisions, upon the Indian camp, under the 
impression that the darkness of the night, and the surprise of the enemy, might 
give them an advantage, which they could scarcely hope for in daylight. Accord- 
ingly, every thing remaining quiet at dusk, they again mounted and advanced 
rapidly, but in profound silence, upon the Indian camp. It was ascertained that 
the horses which the enemy had stolen were grazing in a rich bottom below their 
camp. As they were advancing to the attack, therefore, Calvin detached his son 
with several halters, which he had borrowed from the men, to regain their own 
horses, and be prepared to carry them off in case the enemy should overpower 
them. The attack was then made in two divisions. 

Calvin conducted the upper and Kenton the lower party. The wood was thick, 
but the moon shone out clearly, and enabled them to distinguish objects with suf- 
ficient precision. Calvin's party came first in contact with the enemy. They 
had advanced within thirty yards of a large fire in front of a number of tents, 
without having seen a single Indian, when a dog, which had been watching them 
for several minutes, sprung forward to meet them, baying loudly. Presently an 
Indian appeared approaching cautiously towards them, and occasionally speaking 
to the dog in the Indian tongue. This sight was too tempting to be borne, and 
Calvin heard the tick of a dozen rifles in rapid succession, as his party cocked 
them in order to fire. The Indian was too close to permit him to speak, but turn- 
ing to his men he earnestly waved his hand as a warning to be quiet. Then cau- 
tiously raising his own rifle, he fired with a steady aim, just as the Indian had 
reached the fire, and stood fairly exposed to its light. 

The report of the rifle instantly broke the stillness of the night, and their ears 
were soon deafened by the yells of the enemy. The Indian at whom Calvin had 
fired, fell forward into the burning pile of faggots, and, by his struggles to extri- 
cate himself, scattered the brands so much, as almost to extinguish the light. 
Several dusky forms glanced rapidly before them for a moment, which drew a 



440 MASON COUNTY. 

volley from his men, but with what effect could not be ascertained. Calvin, havinw 
discharged his piece, turned so rapidly as to strike the end of his ramrod aj^ainst a tree 
behind him, and drive it into its sheath with such violence, that he was unable to 
extricate it for several minutes, and finally fractured two of his teeth in the effort. 

A heavy fire now commenced from the Indian camp, which was returned with 
equal spirit by the whites, but without much effect on either side. Trees were 
barked very plentifully, dogs bayed, the Indians yelled, the whites shouted, the 
squaws screamed, and a prodigious uproar was maintained for about fifteen min- 
utes, when it was reported to Calvin that Kenton's party had been overpowered, 
and was in full retreat. It was not necessary to give orders for a similar move- 
ment. No sooner had the intelligence been received, than the Kentuckians of the 
upper division broke their ranks, and every man attempted to save himself as he 
best could. They soon overtook the lower division, and a hot scramble took place 
for horses. One called upon another to wait for him until he could catch his 
horse, which had broken his bridle, but no attention was paid to the request. 
Some fled upon their own horses, others mounted those of their friends. " First 
come, first served," seemed to be the order of the nigrht, and a sad confusion of 
property took place, in consequence of which, to their great terror, a few were 
compelled to return on foot. The flight was originally caused by the panic of an 
individual. As the lower division moved up to the attack, most of the men ap- 
peared to advance with alacrity. The action quickly commenced, and at the first 

fire from the Indians, Barre, a young Kentuckian, was shot by 's side. This 

circumstance completely overthrew the courage of this one of the party, who had 
been the most boisterous and blustering when the chase commenced, but whose 
courage had visibly declined since the first encounter of the morning : and, elevating 
his voice to its shrillest notes, he shouted, " boys ! it won't do for us to be here ; 
Barre is killed, and the Indians are crossing the creek !" Bonaparte has said, 
that there is a critical period in every battle, when the bravest men will eagerly 
seize an excuse to run away. The remark is doubly true with regard to militia. 

No sooner had this speech been uttered by one who had never yet been charged 
with cowardice, than the rout instantly took place, and all order was disregarded. 
Fortunately, the enemy were equally frightened, and probably would have fled 
themselves, had the whites given them time. No pursuit took place for several 
hours, nor did they then pursue the trail of the main body of fugitives. Mcln- 
tyre, however, who had turned off from the main route, was pursued by the In- 
dians, overtaken, tomahawked and scalped. 

It is somewhat remarkable, that a brother of Capt. Ward's was in the Indian 
camp at the moment when it was attacked. He had been taken by the Indians 
in 1758, being at that time only three years old. had been adopted as a member 
of the Shawanee tribe, and had married an Indian woman by whom he had several 
children, all of whom, together with their mother, were then in camp. Capt. 
Ward has informed the writer of this narrative, that, a few seconds before the 
firing began, while he stood within rifle shot of the encampment, an Indian girl, 
apparently fifteen years of age, attracted his attention. She stood for an instant 
in an attitude of alarm, in front of one of the tents, and gazed intently upon the 
spot where he then stood. Not immediately perceiving that it was a female, he 
raised his gun, and was upon the point of firing, when her open bosom announced 
her sex, and her peculiarly light complexion caused him to doubt for a moment 
whether she could be an Indian by birth. He afterwards ascertained that she was 
his brother's child. 

The celebrated Tecumseh commanded the Indians. His cautious yet fearless 
intrepidity made him a host wherever he went. In military tactics night attacks 
are not allowable, except in cases like this, when the assailing party are far infe- 
rior in numbers. Sometimes, in such attacks, panics and confusion are created 
in the attacked party, which may render them a prey to inferior numbers. Ken- 
ton trusted to this on the present occasion, but Tecumseh's presence and influ- 
ence over the minds of his followers infused such confidence that superior num- 
bers only could prevail over them. 

Some time in the spring of 1793, Tecumseh and a few of his followers, while 
hunting in the Scioto valley, on the waters of Paint creek, were unexpectedly 
attacked by a party of white men from Mason county, Kentucky. The circum- 
stances which led to this skirmish were the following : Early that spring, an 



ISAAC BAKER. 441 

express reached the settlement in Mason, that some stations had been attacked 
and captured on Slate creek, in Bath county, Kentucky, and that the Indians 
were returning with their prisoners to Ohio. A party of thirty-three men was 
immediately raised to cut off their retreat. They were divided into three compa- 
nies of ten men each ; Simon Kenton commanding one, Baker another, 

and Captain James Ward the third. The whole party crossed the Ohio at Lime- 
stone, and aimed to strike the Scioto above Paint creek. After crossing this 
creek near where the great road from Maysville to Chillicothe now crosses it, 
evening came on, and they halted for the night. In a short time they heard a 
noise, and a little examination disclosed to them that they were in the immedi- 
ate vicinity of an Indian encampment. Their horses were promptly taken back 
some distance and tied, to prevent an alarm. A council was held, and Captain 
Baker offered to go and reconnoitre, which being agreed to, he took one of his 
company and made the examination. He found the Indians encamped on the 
bank of the creek, their horses being between them and the camp of the whites. 
After Baker's report was made, the party determined to remain where they were 
until near daylight the next morning. Captain Baker and his men were to 
march round and take a position on the bank of the stream in front of the Indian 
camp ; Captain Ward was to occupy the ground in the rear ; and Captain Ken- 
ton one side, while the river presented a barrier on the fourth, thus guarding 
against a retreat of the Indians. It was further agreed that the attack was not to 
commence until there was light enough to shoot with accuracy. Before Kenton 
and W^ard had reached the positions they were respectively to occupy, the bark 
of a dog in the Indian camp was heard, and then the report of a gun. Upon 
this alarm. Baker's men instantly fired, and Captains Kenton and Ward, with 
their companies, raising the battle cry, rushed towards the camp. To their sur- 
prise, they found Baker and his men in the rear, instead of the front of the Indi- 
ans, thus deranging the plan of attack, whether from design or accident is 
unknown. The Indians sent back the battle cry, retreated a few paces and treed. 
It was still too dark to fire with precision, but random shots were made, and a 
terrible shouting kept up by the Indians. While the parties were thus at bay, 
Tecumseh had the address to send a part of his men to the rear of the Kentucki- 
ans for their horses ; and when they had been taken to the front, which was 
accomplished without discovery, the Indians mounted and effected their escape, 
carrying with them John Ward, the brother of Captain James Ward, the only 
one of their party who was shot. He died of his wound a few days after the 
engagement. One Kentuckian only, Jacob Jones, was killed, a member of Ba- 
ker's detachment. No pursuit of the Indians was made, nor did they prove to 
be the same party who had attacked the Slate creek station. 

After the fatal disaster which befel our troops at the river Raisin, during the 
late war, Captain Isaac Baker, a son of the late Colonel Baker, of Mason county, 
attempted to make good his retreat with the remnant of his company, some 
fifteen or twenty in number. They were pursued by a much larger party of 
Indians on horseback. When they came in sight. Captain Baker told his men 
that as they were on foot there was no possibility of escape, and that it only 
remained for them as brave men to sell their lives as dearly as possible. He 
ordered every man to tree and await the approach of the enemy. The order was 
promptly obeyed. The Indians approached within good rifle distance and then 
dismounted. As they did so, Captain Baker's little Spartan band poured in 
simultaneously a destructive fire, which brought the Indian force nearly to an 
equality with his own party. The Indians immediately treed, and the action 
continued in the true Indian manner of fighting, neither party firing except when 
there was a fair prospect of its taking effect. Unfortunately Captain Baker's 
men, at the commencement of the action, had but five rounds each. The fight 
was continued until the last load of ammunition was expended. Captain Baker 
then hoisted his handkerchief as the signal of surrender. The Indians approached, 
received the arms of the prisoners, counted the loss sustained on each side, and 
finding that theirs was the greater, began to make preparations to sacrifice as 
many as would bring the loss on each side to an equality. The first selected as 
a victim was the son of George Shinglebower, of Lexington, who was a red 
haired man, and as such an object of peculiar aversion to the Indians. A war- 
rior approached him, tomahawk in hand, and took off his hat, the better to exe- 



442 MASOiN COU.NTY. 

cute his dire purpose. Shinglebower, being a stout man, at tlie very moment the 
Indian was removing his hat, seized liis tomahawk and sunk it into his head. 
The Indians, aroused to the utmost pitch of rage by this daring deed, now rushed 
upon tlie prisoners with their tomahawks, determined to massacre the whole party. 
At this moment, an aged chief stepped forward and took two of the prisoners, 
one in each hand, and led them aside, claiming them as his, and protecting them 
from the enraged savages. These two men were Captain Baker, since deceased, 
and Captain McCarty, now a citizen of Pendleton county. They were purchased 
from the Indian chief at the restoration of peace; the residue of Captain Baker's 
brave little band were all tomahawked on the spot where they surrendered. 

Gen. Henrv Lee, a native of Virginia, was one of the earliest pioneers who 
settled in the county of Mason. He was a man of considerable intelligence and 
remarkably strong natural powers of mind. He was a member of the Virginia 
legislature from the district of Kentucky, and also of the convention which 
adopted the federal constitution. He served in the convention at Danville which 
met in 1787, and was one of the commissioners who located the seat of govern- 
ment at Frankfort, He was county lieutenant for all the territory north of Lick- 
ing river, and was appointed judge of the quarter sessions court, and associate 
judge of the circuit court for Mason county, and was president of the Wash- 
ington Branch of the old Bank of Kentucky. He came to Kentucky originally 
as a surveyor, and acted in that capacity for many years. He was a very saga- 
cious man, of fine business habits, and by his position and great application, 
amassed a very large fortune. He was tall and powerfully made, very erect, and 
a man of remarkably fine and imposing personal appearance. He died in the 
spring of 1846, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. 

Judge William McClung settled in Mason at an early period, and was a very 
prominent and influential citizen, and took an active part in advancing the interests 
of the new settlements. He was judge for many years of the district and circuit 
courts of the county, and was distinguished for his high attainments as a lawyer, 
but most eminently for his great unswerving and unapproachable integrity as a 
judge. He died while filling that ofTice, leaving his venerable widow, the sister 
of Chief Justice Marshall, who is still living with her son, John A. McClung, 
Esq., of this county. Colonel Alexander K. McClung, of Mississippi, is also a 
son of Judge McClung. 

Alexander K. Marshall, Esq. a son of Colonel Thomas Marshall, and brother 
of the chief justice, was a pioneer lawyer of Mason county, and one of the very 
ablest of his day. In 1818 he was appointed reporter to the court of appeals, 
and during the period he held the office, published three volumes of reports. 

Captain Thomas Marshall, another son of Colonel Thomas Marshall, was 
the first clerk of the Mason county court. He was remarkable for his strong 
sense, benevolence and kind feelings, and was very generally beloved. He was 
a member of the convention that formed the present constitution of Kentucky. 

Colonel Alexander D. Orr, came to Kentucky from Virginia at an early period 
and settled in Mason on the farm lately occupied by John A. McClung, Esq. on 
the Ohio river, and built the first brick house ever erected in the county. He was 
elected to Congress in 1792 (after having been elected the same year to the state 
legislature), upon the admission of Kentucky into the Union, and took his seat 
at the session of 1792-3, in conjunction with his colleagues John Brown and John 
Edwards. He continued a member of Congress until 1797. He was a man of 
commanding personal appearance, and a polished gentleman of the old school. 
He died in Paris a few years since at an advanced age. 

Doctor Basil Duke was born in Calvert county, Maryland. He obtained a 
classical education in the school of a Scotchman of eminent scholarship. He 
studied medicine in the city of Baltimore. After practicing his profession a short 
time in his native county, he emigrated to Kentucky, and settled in Lexington in 
the year 1791, then about twenty-five years of age. During his residence at Lex- 
ington, his professional ability secured him a large practice. In '94 he married 
Charlotte, the daughter of Colonel Thomas Marshall, then of Woodford, and in 
1798 removed to Mason county. At the head of his profession in that part of 



DEVALL PAYNE. 443 

Kentucky, his practice for the greater part of his life was large and laborious, 
extending over Mason and the adjoining counties. His kind and benevolent 
character endeared him to the people, to whom his medical services rendered him 
greatly useful. He died in the town of Washington in 1828. 

Colonel Devall Payne was born on the 1st of January, 1764, in the county of 
Fairfax, Virginia, within seven miles of the city of Alexandria. He was the 
son of William Payne, whose paternal ancestor accompanied Lord Fairfax from 
England when he came over to colonize his grant in Virginia. At the time Gen. 
Washington was stationed in Alexandria as a colonel of a British regiment, before 
the war of the revolution, an altercation took place in the court-house yard, 
between him and William Payne, in which Payne knocked Washington down. 
Great excitement prevailed, as Payne was known to be firm, and stood high, and 
Washington was beloved by all. A night's reflection, however, satisfied Washing- 
ton that he was the aggressor and in the wrong, and in the morning he, like a true 
and magnanimous hero, sought an interview with Payne, which resulted in an 
apology from Washington, and a warm and lasting friendship between the two, 
founded on mutual esteem. During the revolutionary war, whilst Washington 
was on a visit to his family, Mr. Payne, with his son Devall, went to pay his 
respects to the great American chief. Washington met him some distance from 
the house, took him by the hand, and led him into the presence of Mrs. Wash- 
ington, to whom he introduced Mr. Payne as follows : " My dear, here is the 
little man, whom you have so frequently heard me speak of, who once had the 
courage to knock me down in the court-house yard in Alexandria, big as lam" 

Devall Payne was married to Hannah, youngest daughter of Major Hugh Brent, 
of Loudon county, Virginia, December 1st, 1785. In 1789 he removed to Ken- 
tucky and settled near Lexington. Shortly afterwards he joined Captain Ken- 
peth M'Coy's troop of cavalry, and served under Governor Charles Scott in his 
campaign against the Weaw Indians on the Wabash. He was with Captain 
M'Coy when he was wounded, and assisted him from the battle field. During 
the engagement, as his horse leaped a log in the charge, he encountered an In- 
dian chief who was laying beside it. Payne instantly dismounted and grappled 
with the Indian, determined, if possible, to take him prisoner. The Indian was 
armedwithgun, tomahawk and butcher knife, and resisted furiously. Payne pres- 
sed him so closely, and was so active and athletic, that the Indian could not use 
his weapons. The contest was very severe, and lasted for several minutes, ex- 
citing the interest and admiration of half a dozen soldiers, who had collected 
around to witness the struggle. Payne finally conquered, having thrown the 
Indian down three times before he would surrender. 

In 1792, he removed to Mason county, and settled on his farm, on Mill creek, 
where he resided till his death. He was twice shot at by the Indians, near his 
own house, and had his horses stolen out of his stable. He was an active and 
resolute woodsman, and was one of almost every party in pursuit of the enemy. 
He was a scientific and practical surveyor, and for many years a member of the 
bench of magistrates for the county. His tastes, however, were decidedly mili- 
tary ; and, as an officer of the militia, he took great pride in their drill and disci- 
pline. In 1813, when Col. R. M. Johnson raised his regiment of mounted rifle- 
men, for service in the north-west, he received the appointment of major com- 
manding the first battalion; and, on the 10th of October of that year, at the battle 
of the Thames, he, at the head of his battalion, charged through the British line, 
and, after the surrender, by special order from the general-in-chief, led in pursuit 
of Proctor. Mounted on a splendid charger, with Capt, (now Colonel) Todd, Maj. 
W^ood, and John Chambers, Esq., one of Gen. Harrison's volunteer aids, close 
behind him, he dashed off with the battalion at his heels, — which, however, was 
soon left far in their rear, — and did not rein up till they had gone ten miles be- 
yond the battle-field. The pursuit was so hot, that Gen. Proctor was forced to 
abandon his carriage and take refuge in the swamp, leaving all his baggage and 
his papers, public and private, which fell into the hands of the victors. In the 
report of this battle, it is stated that "Maj. Devall Payne, of the first battalion, 
inspired confidence wherever he appeared." 

John Chambers, Esq., one of those who followed Maj. Payne in this daring 
pursuit, was, for many years afterwards, a leading lawyer of the Mason bar; fre- 



444 MASON COUNTY. 

qiiently a member of the legislature and of congress; and, lately, distinguished 
as the able and efficient governor of Iowa. 

After this campaign, Col. Payne retired to private life. He was extremely 
popular in his county — was, for a long series of years, a member of the lower 
house, and, for eight years, in the senate, of the Kentucky legislature, where he 
was distinguished for his strong common sense and practical view of legislation; 
and was always elected, when he would consent to serve. He was a member of 
every electoral college from the time of Jefferson till his death, except the one 
which cast its vote for Jackson. A democrat of the Jeffersonian school, he was 
associated with Hughes, George Nicholas, John lireckenridge. Judge Coburn, 
Gen. Bodley, and other leading men of the olden time in Kentucky ; and, in his 
political course, was firm and inflexible in his own principles, yet tolerant of the 
opinions of those opposed to him. 

Affectionate, tender and assiduous as a husband and father, he was benevolent 
and gentle in all his social relations. He was bold, resolute, and perfectly hon- 
orable in his purposes ; fearless and ready in the discharge of all his duties. 
Tall and erect, with fine symmetry of form, a lofty brow, dark and piercing eyes, 
and a Roman contour of face, his personal appearance was very commanding. 

He died on the 25th of June, 1830, having been a member of the Baptist church 
for about two years before his death. 

Judge John Coburn was a native of Philadelphia, where he received an excel- 
lent education, and was bred to the bar. In 1784, under the advice of the distin- 
guished Luther Martin, Esq., of Baltimore, who cherished a deep interest for him, 
young Coburn emigrated to Kentucky. Abandoning the profession to which he 
had been reared, however, he located himself in Lexington, and commenced the 
mercantile business, which was at that time very lucrative. In August, 1786, he 
married Miss Mary Moss, of Fayette county. He seems to have been successful 
in mercantile operations, and remained in Lexington till about the year 1794, when 
he removed to Mason county ; and, in partnership with Dr. Basil Duke, continued 
his mercantile pursuits. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed judge of the dis- 
trict court of Mason ; and, upon the reorganization of the courts, became a judge 
of the circuit court, which office he held till the year 1805. 

He was appointed, by Mr. Jefferson, judge of the territory of Michigan, which 
office he declined, and was subsequently appointed to the judgeship of the terri- 
tory of Orleans, and held his courts in St. Louis. This office he resigned in 
1809, and was afterwards appointed, by Mr. Madison, during the late war, col- 
lector of the revenue for the fourth district of Kentucky. This office, which he 
held for several years, was his last public employment. 

Judge Coburn was a man of most decided political principles, and stood high 
in the confidence of the democratic party. As early as 1785, — a few months after 
his arrival in the State, — he was elected a member of the convention, called at 
Danville in that year, to take preliminary steps to procure the admission of Ken- 
tucky into the Union, and for other purposes. In 1796, he was appointed a com- 
missioner, in conjunction with Robert Johnson, to run and settle the boundary line 
between Virginia and Kentucky, upon which subject he made a very able report. 
ITpon its being intimated to the citizens of St. Louis that Judge Coburn intended 
to resign his office as judge of the Orleans territory, they addressed him a peti- 
tion complimentary of his "talents, industry, and conciliating manners," and 
urging him to relinquish the idea of resigning his office. 

In 1813, Governor Shelby wrote him an urgent invitation to accompany him 
and become a member of his military family, which was accepted by the judge, 
although he held that post for only a short period. 

To the able and indefatigable efforts of .fudge Coburn is to be attributed, in a 
great degree, the act of Congress appropriating one thousand acres of land to Col. 
Daniel Boone. The judge was an ardent friend of the old pioneer, and address- 
ed to Congress some powerful appeals in his behalf. 

Judge Coburn never practised law, altiiough he took out license in 1788. He 
was one of the most indefatigable, efficient and accomplished political writers of 
his day, and was in close correspondence and intimate relationship with the lead- 
ing democratic statesmen of Kentucky. So high an estimate was placed upon 
his ability, that, as early as 1800, he was spoken of in connection with the ex- 



' • AARON H. CORWINE. 445 

alted station of senator in the congress of the United States ; but he declined his 
pretensions to that office in favor of his friend, the distinguished John Breckin- 
ridge, who was elected to the senate at the succeeding session of the legislature. 
Judge Coburn died in February, 1823, aged about sixty years. 

Aaron H. Corwink, a portrait painter of much character, was born on the 31st 
day of August, 1802, at his father's farm, on what is called Jersey Ridge, in Ma- 
son county, Kentucky. His father, Amos Corwine, emigrated to Kentucky from 
Huntington county. New Jersey, at a very early day, and settled in Mason county, 
where he resided until the period of his death. About the same time, the father of 
Thomas Corvvin, late governor of Ohio, and now a member of the United States' 
senate from that State, removed with his family from the same State, and settled 
in Mason county, near Mayslick. Preferring, however, to go further into tlie in- 
terior of Kentucky, he moved with his family to Bourbon county, where Thomas 
Corwin was born. Aaron H. Corwine was the youngest son, and early evinced 
a genius in drawing and sketching. It is said that in his tenth year, so fond was 
he of drawing, he marked and scored his father's board fences and barn with gro- 
tesque figures of men, beasts and fowls. So faithful and striking were some of 
these figures as likenesses, they attracted his father's attention, and induced him 
to inquire which one of his boys had drawn them. Before then, young Aaron 
was a ploughboy, for which he never showed much taste, and had scarcely been 
off of the farm. His father determined to give him an opportunity to pursue the 
inclination of his mind ; and, after bestowing upon him as good an education as 
could be acquired, at that early day, in Kentucky, in a country school, he placed 
him with a portrait painter then located in Maysville, whose name was Turner. 
But he did not remain with him long. He soon mastered all that Mr. Turner 
knew, and, by the advice of that good man, he was induced to seek other sources 
of instruction, and a wider field in which to pursue his profession. Cincinnati 
was then the largest town in the west, and even at that early day was famed for 
the fostering care her wealthier citizens extended to young artists. Whilst he 
was yet in his teens, young Corwine sought a home in the Queen City. Like the 
majority of the children of genius, he had but a scanty proportion of this world's 
goods, when he reached his new home ; no knowledge, w-hatever, of men ; and 
no friends whose wealth and influence could bring him business, or make him 
known to those who would encourage him by giving employment to his yet im- 
mature pencil. Nothing daunted at this gloomy prospect, young Corwine applied 
himself assiduously to such business as was thrown in his way, until his glow- 
ing and life-like pictures attracted the attention and won the admiration of those 
citizens of Cincinnati who were able and willing to contribute their means, and 
loan their influence, to lift the young artist into notoriety and business. Amongst 
these was Nathan Guilford, Esq., who was the first friend of the young artist in 
that city. These early friends never deserted him; and as he rose, step by step, 
in his profession, they stood by him — cheering him with their smiles, and strength- 
ening him with their counsel, in the devious and slippery pathway to fame. By 
their advice, he sought the instruction of that master in his profession, Thomas 
Sully, then residing in Philadelphia. After a few years spent in the studio of 
Mr. Sully, young Corwine returned to Cincinnati, where he continued to ap- 
ply himself to his profession until the year 1828. About this time it was found 
that his close application to his easel for many years, had seriously impaired his 
health. For the twofold purpose of improving his health and studying the mas- 
ters in the old country, he departed for Europe. When he reached London, he 
deposited all his means with a banker of reputed wealth, who soon after failed, 
leaving Corwine in a strange city, without means and wholly destitute of friends, 
to struggle for the necessaries of life. His courage and his genius rose with the 
occasion. He visited all the galleries in London, that were accessible to one so 
poor and friendless. He caught the spirit of the mighty masters, and soon his 
own canvass was made to glow with the genius and taste of Italy and England's 
mighty dead. The high-born and the noble of England sought his rooms, and 
the faithful likenesses, the accurate delineations, and the animated and life-like 
coloring of the young American, were appreciated, and he was rewarded by nu- 
merous orders for the most costly pictures. But the close application consequent 
upon this state of the affairs of Mr. Corwine, was too much for his already en- 



446 McCRACKEN COUNTY. 

feebled constitution, and his friends were pained to see him gradually wasting 
away under the influence of disease. He turned his face towards his native land, 
to die amongst his friends and in the arms of his kindred. But, alas! this last 
and dearest hope he was destined never to realize. When he reached Philadel- 
phia, he was borne from the vessel to his lodgings, and, after a few days' strug- 
gling, died in that city, on the 4th day of July, 1830, in the twenty-eighth year 
of his age. 

Many of the early productions of Mr. Corwine adorn the parlors of his Cin- 
cinnati patrons. Had he lived a few years longer, Mr. Corwine would have stood 
at the head of his profession. 



McCRACKEN COUNTY. 

McCracken county was formed in 1824, and named in honor of 
Captain Virgil McCracken. It is situated in the extreme western 
part of the state, and lies on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers — 
bounded on the north by the Ohio river ; east by Marshall ; south 
by Graves, and west by Ballard. Tobacco is the staple of the 
county, but grain is generally cultivated, and hogs are exported 
in considerable quantities. 

Number of acres of land in McCracken county, 147,918 ; aver- 
age value of land per acre, $2.28 ; total valuation of taxable prop- 
erty in 1846, $902,653 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 652 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 861. Population in 1840, 4,745. 

Paducah, the seat of justice and only town of any size in 
McCracken, is situated at the mouth of Tennessee river, two hun- 
dred and seventy-nine miles by land from Frankfort. It contains 
four churches, three schools, eight lawyers, six physicians, ten 
stores, six groceries, three taverns, and a large number of me- 
chanics' shops. In 1830, the population was 105 — in 1845, 1500 
— in 1847, supposed to be nearly 2000. It was laid out in 1827, 
by General Clark, of St. Louis, and named after the celebrated 
Indian chie^ Paducafi. 

There is a prevailing opinion that there is silver ore in 
McCracken county, and considerable time and money have been 
expended in searching for it ; hitherto, however, with but very 
partial success. Lead ore, it is believed, abounds in the county. 

Captain Virgil McCracken, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Woodford county. His father, Cyrus McCracken, was one of 
the first adventurers to Kentucky. In conjunction with Hancock Lee, he raised 
cabins one mile below where Frankfort stands, and named it LeestoM'n. Captain 
McCracken was an intelligent, patriotic and fearless young man ; and when, in 
1812, war was declared by the United States against Great Britain, and a call 
made upon Kentucky for volunteers, he raised a company of riflemen, and joined 
the regiment of the lamented Colonel John Allen. In the battle of the river 
Raisin, on the 22d of January, 1813, he fell at the head of his company, while 
bravely maintaining the honor of his native state on that fatal field. 



MEADE COUNTY. 447 



MEADE COUNTY. 

Meade county was formed in 1823, and called for Capt. James 
Meade. It is situated in the north-west middle part of the State, 
and lies on the Ohio river — bounded on the north by the Ohio 
river ; east by Bullitt ; south by Hardin and Breckinridge, and 
west by Breckinridge and the Ohio river. The Ohio river oppo- 
site Meade makes a great bend, and skirts the county on the north, 
north-west and west about sixty miles, while the Rolling fork of 
Salt river forms its eastern boundary. The face of the country, 
with the exception of the river bottoms, is rolling ; about two- 
thirds of the county is what is commonly termed" barrens," inter- 
spersed with a few groves of fine timber, the remainder wood 
land. The soil is based upon clay, with a limestone foundation, 
and is generally rich and fertile. The principal productions of 
the county are hemp, tobacco, pork, beef, wheat, corn and oats. 

Number of acres of land in Meade county, 152,719; average 
value per acre, $4.39; total valuation of taxable property in the 
county in 1846, $1,307,740 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 1,034; number of children between five and 
sixteen years of age, 1,360. Population in 1840,5,780. 

There are six towns in the county, viz : — Brandenburg, Big 
Spring, Concordia, Grahampton, Garnetsville and Rock Haven. 
Brandenburg, the seat of justice, is situated on the Ohio river, forty 
miles below Louisville and ninety miles from Frankfort. It con- 
tains a court-house, two churches (Baptist and Methodist), ten 
law^xrs, seven doctors, ten stores, one drug-store, three groceries, 
three taverns, one steam and one water flouring mill, four ware- 
houses, one tobacco inspection and eighteen mechanics' shops. 
Population 600. Incorporated in 1825, and named after Colonel 
Solomon Brandenburg, the proprietor. 

Big Spring is situated at the extreme southern border of the 
county — and contains a Methodist church, five stores, three tav- 
erns and a number of mechanics' shops — the population embra- 
cing about twenty families. The town derives its name from a 
large spring which bursts from the earth near the centre, and 
flows off" two or three hundred yards in a stream of sufficient 
size to turn a mill, when it sinks beneath the surface, and alto- 
gether disappears. At this spring, three counties have their cor- 
ner, viz : Hardin, Breckinridge and Meade — and this neat little 
village not only enjoys the luxury of an abundant supply of cold 
and delicious water, but possesses the rare felicity of incorpora- 
ting within its bounds, a portion of the territory of three counties. 

Concordia is a small village, situated immediately on the bank 
of the Ohio river, two miles above Flint Island — and contains 
one store, one doctor, and six or seven families. Grahampton is 
situated at the falls of Otter creek, five miles from the Ohio — 
contains one tavern, two stores, one Methodist church, one com- 
mon school, one grist mill, a large cotton and woolen factory, 



448 MEADE COUNTY. 

with twelv^e power looms in constant operation, and three or four 
mechanics' shops. Gdrnetsvillc is three miles from the Ohio, on 
Otter creek, and contains one Methodist church, (and there are 
two Baptist churches in the vicinity,) two doctors, two stores, one 
tavern, one water grist and saw mill, and five mechanics' shops. 
Rock-Haven is situated at the Narrows, on the Ohio river, and 
contains two stores and groceries, and several mechanical trades. 

There are several caves in Meade county, but they have not been explored to 
any extent. In some of these human bones have been discovered of an extraor- 
dinary size. A skull bone, sufficiently large to encase the head of a living man 
of ordinary size, was found in a cave on the lands of Captain Nathan D. An- 
derson, near Brandenburg. 

There are several " Knobs" and " Groves " in Meade county, which are places 
of considerable notoriety, viz : — The Indian Hill, on Otter creek ; Jennie's Knob; 
Bee Knob: Buck Grove; Jackey's Grove; Hill Grove; Indian Grove, and 
Hogback Grove. These places lie very nearly in a range a few miles back or 
south of the Ohio, and stretch from the moutii of Salt river to the mouth of Sink- 
ing creek, a distance of forty miles by land and about eighty miles by the river. 
These knobs and groves being well known to many individuals before the settle- 
ment of the county, especially to the spies, they became points of observation, 
with the view of detecting the approach of Indians, and giving the alarm to the 
settlements in Hardin county.* The spies sent out from these settlements, were 
directed to traverse the country lying between Salt river and Sinking creek, these 
" knobs " and " groves " serving as places of observation, and giving direction 
to their course ; and thereby they were enabled to discover the trails of the Indi- 
ans as soon as they crossed the Ohio river, on their route to attack the settlements. 
In this way, the Indians were generally discovered and routed, and the settle- 
ments protected from their incursions. 

The Indians that harassed these settlements were in the habit, uniformly, of 
crossing the Ohio river between the points before named. On one occasion, they 
were discovered after they had got some miles into the country, and pursued back 
to the river at the point where Brandenburg is now situated. They had secreted 
their bark canoes at the mouth of a small creek, and when the pursuing whites 
reached the river, the Indians were just landing on the opposite shore. One 
Indian was seen standing erect in a skiff, having on a red coat, when some one 
of the party exclaimed, " down with the red coat." Joe Logston, a noted Indian 
fighter at that time, instantly elevated his rifle, and fired at the red Indian. He 
fell forward into the river, causing quite a splashing of the water around him, 
and as he was not seen to rise again, the inference was irresistible that Joe's bul- 
let had proved fatal. | 

This county received its name in honor of Captain James Meade, a native of 
Woodford county, Kentucky. Captain Meade, when quite a youth, volunteered 
his services under the lamented Colonel Joseph H. Daviess, in the Wabash expe- 
dition, and fought side by side with that gallant officer in the battle of Tippeca- 
noe. For his bravery on this occasion, combined with his intelligence and mili- 
tary qualifications, he was promoted to the rank of captain in the regular service. 
In 1813, at the battle of the river Raisin, where so many of the gallant young 
men of Kentucky found a bloody grave, the company of Captain Meade com- 
posed a part of the regular force. He occupied a very exposed position, and fell 
at the head of his company, while gallantly leading them on, early in the action. 

•These setllemenls comprised several stations and manv liighly respectable families — among 
them, the Uynes, tliu Helms, the Rawlings, the Millers, the Ventrees, the Vaiimatres, the Hans, the 
Fairleighs. the Larues, the llodgens. &c., &c., and extended into what is now Larue county. 

fThis individual was no doubt Big Joe Logston. See an account of his rencounter with two 
Indians under the head of Greene county. 



MERCER COUNTY. 44i 



MERCER COUNTY. 

Mercer county is one of the nine counties formed by Virginia 
in 1786, and received its name in honor of General Hugh Mercer. 
It is situated near the centre of the State, on the waters of the 
Kentucky river — bounded on the north by Anderson, on the east 
by Woodford, Jessamine and Garrard, on the south by Boyle, and 
on the west by Washington. The surface is undulating, and the 
land generally of a good quality — some portions very rich, and 
the whole finely watered. Mercer is a heavy grain growing and 
stock raising county, and before Boyle county was stricken from 
it, produced a much larger quantity of corn than any other county 
in the State. In 1840, Mercer gathered 3,397,406 bushels of corn, 
while Harrison, the next highest on the list, gathered 1,716,484 
bushels. This county, being settled at the very earliest period 
of the history of Kentucky, has been finel}^ improved ; and the 
population, consisting principally of the descendants of pioneer 
families, are generally in independent circumstances, well edu- 
cated and intelligent. 

Number of acres of land reported in Mercer, 153,923 ; average 
value of land per acre, $14.32 ; valuation of taxable property in 
1846, $4,026,469; number of white males over twenty-one years 
of age, 2,027 ; number of children between the ages of five and 
sixteen years, 2,037. Population in 1840, 12,353. 

The towns of Mercer consist of Harrodsbui-g, the seat of jus- 
tice, Pleasant Hill, Salvisa, Lucto, Cornishville, and Oregon. 

Harrodsburg is situated on a commanding eminence, thirty 
miles from Frankfort, eight miles from the Kentucky river, one 
mile from Salt river, and near the geographical centre of the 
State.* Contains a court-house, five churches, (Methodist, Pres- 
byterian, Baptist, Christian, and African), one college, two fe- 
male academies, one male seminary, ten lawyers, ten physicians, 
five taverns, eighteen dry goods stores and groceries, two book 
and drug stores, one printing office, two hemp factories, two wool 
carding establishments, and forty-five mechanics' shops, embrac- 
ing all the industrial trades — population 1,700. Named after the 
Harrod family. 

The Harrodsburg Springs, one of the most fashionable watering places in the 
State, have become deservedly celebrated for the medicinal virtue of the water,"}" 
and as a delightful summer resort, both to the votaries of health and pleasure. 
Dr. Christopher Graham, the amiable, enterprising and intelligent proprietor, has 
spared no pains or expense in the preparation of accommodations for visitors, the 
improvements having already cost about $300,000. The main hotel is one of the 

• The history of its settlement will be found in the succeeding pages, for which we are in- 
debted to General R. B. McAfee. 

t Dr. Drake, in the Western Journal of Medical and Physical Sciences, gives the following analy- 
sis of the water in one of the springs : 1. Sulphate of magnesia, in large quantities; i. Carbonate of 
magnesia, in small quantities; 3. Sulphate of soila. do.; 4. Sulphate of lime, do.; 5. Carbonate of 
lime, in minute do.; 0. Iron, do; 7. A minute quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen. There are seven 
or eight springs at HarrodRt)urg, which vary somewhat in the character of their waters. The Ep» 
8om closely resembles thai of the celebrated Scidlilz Springs, of IJolieinia. 

29 



450 



MERCER COUNTY. 



finest and most commodious buildings in the west, and the surrounding cottaires 
are admirably arranged, alike to promote the comfort and convenience of the oe- 
cupanls. Tlie grounds are elevated and extensive; adorned with every variety 
of shrubbery grown in America, interspersed with some of the most beautiful 
and rare exotics from Europe and Asia, and traversed by wide gravel walks, in- 
tersecting and crossing each other in every direction. A small and beautiful 
lake, three hundred yards long, one hundred yards in width, and fifteen feet deep, 
lately excavated, is well stored with fish of the finest flavor, and its glassy sur- 
face enlivened by the presence of many wild and tame water-fowls. 




BACON COLLEGE, HARRODSBURGH, KY. 



Bacon College,* located in Harrodsburg, under the care of the Christian 
body, is a flourishing institution, with some eighty or one hundred students. It 
was founded in 1836. The Rev. Jamks Shannon Is president, assisted by four 
professors. The library contains fifteen hundred volumes. Commencement on 
the last Friday in September. 

There are also In Harrodsburg, two flourishing Female Seminaries — one under 
the management of Mr. Mullens, of the Christian church, containing sixty or 
seventy scholars ; and the other under the care of the Rev. John Montgomery, 
of the Presbyterian church, with from one hundred to one hundred and twenty 
students. 

• For a more full account of Bacon College, see article beaded " Chriiiian Church." 




MAIN HOUSE A 



-- - -. VILLAGE, K Y. 



PICTURESQUE SCENERY. 451 

Pleasant Hill, or Union Village, is a small village of rare beauty 
and neatness, situated on a commanding eminence, about one 
mile from the Kentucky river, and seven miles from Ilarrodsburg. 
It belongs exclusively to that orderly and industrious society 
called Shakers, and contains between three and four hundred in- 
habitants, divided into families of from sixty to eighty each. 
Their main edifice is a large, handsome and costly structure, 
built of Kentucky marble ; the others, generally, are built of 
brick, and all admirably arranged for comfort and convenience. 
The internal and external arrangement and neatness of their 
dwellings — the beauty and luxuriance of their gardens and fields 
—the method and economy displayed in their manufacturing and 
mechanical establishments — their orderly and flourishing schools 
— their sleek and w^ell fed stock, are all characteristic of this 
singular people, and evidence a high degree of comfort and pros- 
perity. Every important family arrangement is governed by the 
clock, and moves on with the harmony and regularity of dock-work, 

in BEAUTIFUL ORDER. 

Salvisa is a handsome village on the turnpike road from Frank- 
fort to Harrodsburg, eleven miles from the latter place — contains 
four churches,* (Presbyterian, Christian, Baptist and Methodist), 
an excellent school, three physicians, four stores, one tavern, one 
woolen factory, and eight or ten mechanics' shops — population, 
130. Laid out by general McAfee in 1816. Lucio and CornishvUle 
are small places on Salt river, and Chapline has a post-office, mill 
and two stores. Oregon is a new village on the Kentucky river, 
at the head of slack water navigation, and promises to be a place 
of considerable trade. Seven or eight thousand hogs were slaugh- 
tered there in 1846. 

The scenery on the Kentucky and Dick's rivers, is among the grandest and most 
picturesque in the United States. Next to the highlands of the Hudson, it is 
probably unequalled for its imposing effect. Those towering cliffs, rising in per- 
pendicular walls for many hundred feet above the beach, variegated by marble 
strata of every conceivable thickness and color, overpower the beholder with a 
sense of Nature's majesty. They look like the battlements of a world, standing 
there so stern and erect in their massive proportions, and as we gaze upon their 
bald fronts, against which the storms of ages have beaten, we can almost realize 
the fable of the Titans, and suppose they have been thrown up in some long-for- 
gotten battle of the gods. 

An incident occurred at Shaker ferry in 1845, nearly opposite the most elevated 
of these cliffs, which shows that men sometimes bear a charmed life. A stran- 
ger from Connecticut, believed to be an artist, was seen in the neighborhood for 
several days — his object unknown. A short time before the hour of dinner, in 
the month of June or July, while the occupant of a little cabin on the left bank 
of the river was engaged in his corn field on the bottom immediately opposite the 
ferry, his attention was attracted by a rattling noise above him, and looking up, 
he saw a man falling down the fearful precipice — now touching and grasping at 
a twig, now at a root, without being able to arrest his descent. He finally lodged 
in the top of a small buckeye tree, about fifty feet above the general level of the 
bottom. The total distance of the fall was one hundred and seventy feet ; and 
from tlie last point at which he touched the rock to the top of the tree, was forty- 
five feet. The next day he was walking about, apparently but little injured. 

* There are but few towns in the United States, it is believed, with so small a population, 
which contains so many places of religious worship. 



452 MERCER COUNTY. ■ 

Ancient Towns and Fortifications — There are two of these in Mercer county 
both on Salt river, one about four miles above Harrodsburg, containing ditches 
and a mound some ten or twelve feet high, filled with human bones and broken 
pieces of crockery ware. On one side of the mound a hickory tree about two 
feet in diameter grew, and was blown up by its roots, making a hole some 
three or four feet deep. Its lower roots drew up a large piece of crockery ware, 
which had been on some fire coals — llie handle was attached to it, and human 
hair lay by the coals. This was probably a place of human sacrifice. The other 
ruins are about a mile and a half above, both being on the west side of the 
river. There is no mound near this, but only the remains of earth dug out of the 
ditches. Each place is of quadrangular form. 

There are also remains of ancient Indian villages on and near Salt river, and 
close by petrified muscle shells, conglomerated into large lumps of rocks, exist ; 
and generally some two feet of soil covers them, showing many years of abandon- 
ment. One of these is on General R. B, McAfee's plantation, four miles north- 
west of Harrodsburg, near a large cave spring. 

Colonel Danikl Boone spent the winter of 17G9-70, in a cave, on the waters 
of Shawanee, in Mercer county. A tree marked with his name, is yet standing 
near the head of the cave. 

The settlements in Mercer county commenced in March, 1775, and gradually 
increased till 1779, when the commissioners to grant land titles met in Harrods- 
burg. A flood of emigrants succeeded, and the number was more than doubled 
the succeeding three years. Among the emigrants previous to the year 1786, 
are foimd the names of Harrod, Ray, McAfee, McGary, Denton, Hogan, Thomp- 
son, Adams, Curry, Wood, Haggin, McBride, Mosby, Smith, Armstrong, Bu- 
chanan, Cowan, P'ield, Jordan, McCoun, Moore, Prather, Wilson, Irvine^ Cald- 
well, Rice and Harbison. The first county court met in Harrodsburg on Tues- 
day, August — , 1786, and appointed Thomas Allin, who had served in the staff 
of General Gr§ene in his southern campaigns during the latter years of the rev- 
olutionary war, its' first clerk. Justices of the peace present: John Cowan, 
Hugh McGary, Gabriel Madison, Alexander Robertson, Samuel Scott, Samuel 
McAfee, John Irvine and Samuel McDowell, Senior. 

Harrodsburg has the honor of being the first settled place in the state of Ken- 
tucky.* In July, 1773, the McAfee company, from Bottetourt county, Virginia, 
visited this region, and surveyed lands on Salt river, from the mouth of Ham- 
mond's creek to a point two miles above the mouth of the town branch. Captain 
James Harrod, with forty-one men, descended the Ohio river from the Monon- 
gahela country in May, 1774, and penetrating the intervening forest, made his 
principal camp about one hundred yards below the town spring, (which is a very 
fine one,) under the branches of a spreading elm tree, which is now standing in 
full vigor. Here he held his nightly councils, and explored the surrounding 
country, during which time Captain Alexander Chapline, one of his men, dis- 
covered Chapline's fork of this river, which yet bears his name. About the mid- 
dle of June, Captain Harrod and his company agreed to lay off a town, inclu- 
ding their camp, and extending down and south of the town branch; and pro- 
ceeded to erect a number of cabins on their respective lots of one half acre, and 
a five acre out-lot. The town thus laid off received the name of Ilarrodsiuwn ; 
subsequently it was called Oldtotvn — and, finally, its present name of Jlarrods- 
burg. The first corn raised in Kentucky was in 1775, by John Harman, in a field 
at the east end of Harrodsburg. Here Colonel Boone found them on his way to 
the falls of Ohio, being sent out by Governor Dunmore to warn the surveyors in 
that region that the northern Indians had become hostile, which eventuated in 
General Lewis' battle at the mouth of the Kenawha, October 10th, 1774. Har- 
rod and his company remained at his town until about the 20th of July, when 
three or four of his men having discovered a large spring about three miles below 
their town, which was called Fontainbleau, stopped to rest about noon. The 
Indians fired on them, and killed James Cowan, who was engaged at the time 
drying his papers in the sun, which had got wet from a heavy rain in the morn- 

•So pnyg G<>npral R. B. McAfee, in a letter to the author, and he is not disposed to controvert the 

Staicmeiit, alihuugU it ban been questioned by others. 



EARLY ADVENTURERS TO KENTUCKY. 453 

ing. Tlie others dispersed. Two of them, Jacob Sandusky and another, taking 
the trail to the falls of Ohio, descended that river and the Mississippi in a bark 
canoe, and went round to Philadelphia by sea. The other got back to Harrod's 
camp and gave the alarm. Captain Harrod raised a company of his men and 
went down and buried Cowan, and secured his papers, which they found very 
much scattered ; when they returned to their camp. 

On the 11th of March of the succeeding year, 1775, the McAfee company 
returned to Salt river to renew their improvements— cleared two acres of ground, 
and planted peach stones and apple seeds at what was afterwards known as 
McAfee's station on Salt river, about one-fourth of a mile above what is now 
known as Providence church. Four days after their arrival, Captain Harrod and 
a greater part of the men who had been with him the year before, passed them 
on their way to Harrodsburg, then called Harrodstown, and reached there on the 
same day, March 15, 1775. The McAfee company started home the 11th of April, 
and left two of their men, John Higgins and Swein Poulson, with Captain Har- 
rod, to notify other companies not to intrude on their lands. Harrodsburg was 
always occupied afterwards. On the 8th day of September following. Captain 

Hugh McGary, Thomas Denton and Hogan with their wives, arrived at 

Harrodsburg, having traveled as far as the Hazle patch with Colonel Daniel 
Boone and his family, on his way to Boonsborough. We have been thus par- 
ticular, as some dispute has grown out of this matter between Harrodsburg and 
Boonsborough. When the whole State was known as Kentucky county, the 
first court ever held in the State, convened in Harrodsburg on the second day of 
September, 1777, at which time its population, taken by Captain John Cowan, 
was 198, as follows; 

Men in service, 81 

Do. not in service, 4 

Women, 24 

Children over ten years, 12 

Children under ten years, 58 

Slaves above ten years, 12 

Do. under ten years, 7 

Total, 198 

In the years 1771-2, the sons of James McAfee, sen., fired by the glowing de- 
scription of the beauty and fertility of Kentucky, and particularly of this region, 
as given by Dr. Walker and others, determined to visit it in search of a new 
home. Accordingly, after holding a family council, it was resolved that James, 
George, and Robert McAfee, James McCoun, jr., (the brother-in-law of Robert 
McAfee), and Samuel Adams, a youth of eighteen years, and a cousin of James 
McCoun, should constitute the company. They departed from their homes, in 
Bottetourt county, Virginia, on the 10th of May, 1773, and, proceeding across the 
mountains, struck the Kanawha river about four miles above the mouth of Elk 
river, and from this point sent back their horses by two boys, (John McCoun and 
James Pawling), who had accompanied them for the purpose. Here they con- 
structed two canoes, and, on the 28th of May, descended the Kanawha — meeting, 
in their descent, by previous arrangement, Hancock Taylor and his company of 
surveyors, and finding at the mouth of the river, which they reached on the 1st 
of June, Capt. Bullitt and his company.* The three parties proceeded from the 
mouth of the Kanawha, down the Ohio, in company, and, on the 22d of June, 
arrived at the mouth of Limestone creek, where Maysville now stands. On the 
24th, the boats were shoved off, and the party continued to descend the river, 
while Robert McAfee made an excursion through the contiguous country. Pass- 
ing up Limestone creek to its source, he struck across the dividing ridge, to the 

•Capt. Bullitt left his companions at this place, and went alone, through the -woods, to the Indian 
town at Old Chillicothe. He arrived in the midst of the town undiscovered by the Indians, until seen 

taring his white handkerchief as a token of peace. The Indians were, rery naturally, startled 

but the intrepidity, courage, and fine address of Bullitt, disarmed their hostility. lie held a friendly 
conversation with them— attended a council— assured them of the friendly disposition of the whites, 
who were solicitous, in return, of the good will of the Indians — spoke of the lands he was about to 
•ettle — promised them presents — and, leaving them in good humor, rejoined bis company at the mouth 
of the Sciota 



454 "'"MERCER COUNTY. ' "-^-■' 

waters of the north fork of Licking, and proceeded down that stream some twenty 
or twenty-five miles, and then directed his course over the hills of the present 
county of Bracken, to the Ohio river. When he reached the river, he ascertained 
that his company had passed down. Determined to follow as speedily as possi- 
ble, he instantly went to work, and, with the use of his tomahawk and knife, cut 
down and skinned a tree, and constructed a bark canoe, which he completed about 
sundown on the same day of his arrival. Committing himself to this frail craft, 
he floated down the river, and on the succeeding day — the 27th of June — over- 
took his company at the mouth of Licking. 

The 4th and 5th of July the company spent at Big Bone Lick, in the present 
county of Boone, — making seats and tent poles, while there, of the enormous 
backbones and ribs of the mastodon, which were found in large quantities at that 
time. At the mouth of the Kentucky, the companies separated — Capt. Bullitt's 
proceeding to the falls of the Ohio, and Hancock Taylor and the McAfee com- 
pany directing their course up the Kentucky river. They ascended the Kentucky 
to the mouth of Drennon's Lick creek, where they found the river nearly closed 
by a rocky bar. Here, on the 9th of July, they left their canoes, and went out 
to the lick, where they discovered immense numbers of buffalo, elk, deer, wolves, 
bears, &c. They continued either at or in the neighborhood of the lick, until the 
15th of July. While there, quite a ludicrous and yet dangerous scene occurred. 
A large herd of buffalo being in the lick, Samuel Adams was tempted to fire his 
gun at one of them, when the whole herd, in terrible alarm, ran directly towards 
the spot where Adams and James McAfee stood. Adams instantly sprang up a 
leaning tree, but James McAfee, being less active, was compelled to take shelter 
behind a tree barely large enough to cover his body. In this condition the whole 
herd passed them — the horns of the buffalo scraping off the bark on both sides 
of the tree behind which McAfee was standing, drawn up to his smallest dimen- 
sions. After all had passed, Adams crawled down, and McAfee mildly said : 
" My good boy, you must not venture that again." 

On the 15th of July, the company left Drennon's lick, and, on the succeeding 
day, crossed the Kentucky river below where Frankfort now stands, where Robert 
McAfee had two surveys made, embracing six hundred acres, and including Frank- 
fort bottom. On the 17th, they left their encampment, and, proceeding up the 
Kentucky river, on the 18th reached the Cave Springs.* Tarrying here two days, 
they continued their march, in a westerly direction, to Salt river, which they 
called Crooked creek, and made their surveys of four hundred acres each, from 
the mouth of Hammond's creek, up Salt river, to about two miles above where 
Harrodsburg now stands. 

The further history of the McAfee company we quote, in a condensed form, 
from a small work by the Rev. Dr. Davidson: 

"On the 31st of July, they (the McAfee company), turned their faces home- 
ward. They proceeded under showers of rain, and suffering various hardships. 
When they reached the foot of the mountains, their stock of provisions failed, 
and game was diflicult to procure. To cross the mountains proved likewise a 
very laborious undertaking, covered as they were with laurel, underbrush, and 
pine. 

"The 12th of August was a gloomy day to this little band. They had gained 
the highest point of the craggy range dividing the head waters of the Kentucky 
and Clinch rivers; a region that seemed the abode of desolation. Nothing but 
barren rocks frowned on every side, and silence and solitude reigned uninterrupted. 
Not a living animal was to be seen, nor a bird to cheer them with its wild notes. 
They were exposed to a broiling sun; their feet were blistered ; and their legs 
were torn and raw from the effect of the briers ; add to which, they were literally 
starving, not having had a mouthful to eat for two days. Such a combination of 
misfortunes was enough to appal the stoutest heart. 

"The day was drawing to a close; the sun was sinking in the west, and gild- 
ing the mountain's top with his last setting beams; they had not as yet seen a 
solitary animal that could serve for food ; and the herbage was not only scanty 
but unfit for sustenance. To complete their distress, they found the head -springs 
of the water-courses dried up by the excessive heat, and not affor ding a drop to 

•This is n remarkalile sprini;, sitnaicd under a rock, on the road liftween Frankfort and Harrods- 
burg, — at thai time called Cave Spring, but now known as Lillard's Spring. 



HARDSHIPS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. 455 

allay their thirst. Exhausted by fatigue, hunger and despair, George McAfee 
and young Adams threw themselves on the ground, declaring themselves unable 
to proceed any farther. As a last desperate effort, Robert McAfee then determined 
to compass the ridge in quest of game, leaving James with the two others to rally 
their spirits. He had not proceeded a quarter of a mile, when a young buck 
crossed his path ; and although agitated by intensely anxious feelings, he was 
so good a marksman as to bring him down at the first shot. On hearing the 
report of his gun, the rest of the company, forgetting their fatigue, sprang up, 
and ran to the spot whence the sound proceeded. The meal, thus opportunely 
furnished, they devoured with keen appetites, and slaked their thirst from a branch 
which they discovered adjacent ; while their hearts overflovi^ed with gratitude to 
that Providence, which, by so timely an interposition, had rescued them from the 
jaws of death. Recruited in strength, they resumed their journey, and soon 
reached their homes ; where, in spite of the hardships and hazards attending the 
exploit, the accounts they published inspired a general enthusiasm to imitate their 
example. 

" Indian wars and the battle of Kenhawa, detained them in Virginia during the 
succeeding year ; but the year 1775 found them among the cane-brakes. Robert, 
Samuel, and William McAfee, allowed themselves to be persuaded by Colonel 
Henderson, to unite their fortunes with his, against the wholesome advice of their 
elder brother James, who assured them that Henderson's claim could not be valid, 
because without the sanction of government. They went to Boonsborough, 
entered land and raised corn, but, as was predicted, the scheme proved abortive. 
In the fall, we find the company reunited, consisting of William, George, and 
Robert McAfee, George McGee, David Adams, John McCoun, and some others, 
and under the protection of the newly erected Harrod's station, they cleared fif- 
teen acres of ground below the mouth of Armstrong's Branch, in Mercer county, 
and planted it in corn. A part of the company wintered here, while the rest 
went back to Virginia, leaving forty head of cattle to fatten on the luxuriant cane 
and herbage. These last mentioned persons took measures to return in the spring 
following, calculating that the corn and cattle would, by this time, be in a con- 
dition to support them. 

"Accordingly, in May, 1776, they packed up their household property and 
farming utensils, with a quantity of seeds of various kinds, barrels of corn and 
flour, and stores of coffee, sugar, and spices, not omitting a few bottles of whis- 
ky and spirits, (Jby loay of medicine, no doubt,) which they placed, for security, 
in the middle of the flour and corn barrels, and attempted to convey them in canoes 
down the Gauley and Kenhawa rivers ; but finding this impracticable, they re- 
solved to go back for pack horses. Having built a strong log cabin, resembling 
the caches described by Washington Irving in his Astoria, as used by the fur-tra- 
ders, they deposited in it all their property, and covering it with bark, left it in 
this situation in the wilderness. The rumor of hostilities, and the war of the 
Revolution caused a delay of several months; and when they returned in Sep- 
tember, they found the cache, to their dismay, broken open, the roof torn off, and 
rugs, blankets, barrels, and stores, strewed in confusion around, and totally ruined. 
On making some search, they found evidences of some one having taken out the 
bedding to sleep on, under an adjacent cliff, and that the same person had rum- 
maged their kegs and barrels, in order to get at the liquor. 

"No Indian sign, as the traces of the savages were called, was visible; but 
upon searching by parties of two, they found, within half a mile of the spot, a 
diminutive red-haired man, on whose person they discovered some of the missing 
articles. Vexed at the wanton destruction of so many valuable stores of coffee, 
sugar, spices, and the like articles, which they had been for years collecting, at 
a time too, when they were so much needed, and could not be replaced where 
they were going; and provoked beyond endurance by the wretch's denial, although 
proofs were on his person, one of the party felled him to the ground with his tom- 
ahawk, and was on the point of dispatching him with his knife, when his brother 
seized his arm and prevented the rash act. 

"The fellow's name was Edward Sommers. He was a convict servant, who 
had ran off from his master in the interior of Virginia, and was making the best 
of his way to the Indians. As soon as he recovered from the stunning effect of 
the blow he had received, he was led to the cabin, where a council was held upon 



456 MERCER COUNTY. 

the case. He was adjudged to have forfeited his life according to the laws of 
the land, hut as none of flie com])any was willing to execute the liantrman's office, 
the miserable wretch escaped with his life. He was compelled, however, to 
accompany them back to Virginia, where he was delivered up into the hands of 
his master, and very probably received such a scourging as made him more desi- 
rous to run away than ever. 

"The war with Great Britain, in which the members of this company and all 
their connexions heartily united, hindered the resumption of their darling project 
for the next two years, during which time the cattle they had left ran wild, 
in the woods, or fell the prey of Indian marauders, and were irrecoverably lost. 

"The year 1779 saw these enterprising adventurers settled with their families 
on their new territory, having passed the Cumberland Gap with pack-horses. 
Their first care was to fortify themselves in a quadrangular enclosure of cabins 
and stockades, to which was given the name of McAfee's station. A winter of 
unexampled severity ensued; and from the middle of November to the middle of 
February, snow and ice continued on the ground without a thaw. Many of the 
cattle perished ; and numbers of bears, buffalo, deer, wolves, beavers, otters, and 
wild turkeys were found frozen to death. Sometimes the famished wild animals 
would come up in the yard of the stations along with the tame cattle. Such was 
the scarcity of food, that a single jonriy-cake would be divided into a dozen parts, 
and distributed around to the inmates to serve for two meals. Even this resource 
failed, and for weeks they had nothing to live on but wild game. Early in the 
spring, some of the men went to the Falls of the Ohio, now Louisville, where 
they gave sixty dollars (continental money) for a bushel of corn ; which was 
considered an enormous price, even making allowance for its depreciated value ; 
but the only alternative was starvation. 

" A delightful spring, and the rapid growth of vegetation, promised to repay 
them for the hardships they had undergone. The peach-trees they had planted 
five years before, were loaded with fruit, and the apple-trees were also in a thriv- 
ing condition. Plenty and happiness smiled upon the settlement, when, by one 
of those unexpected reverses, which seem designed by Providence to admonish 
us of what we are too apt to forget, the uncertain tenure of our earthly prosperity, 
and the small reliance to be placed upon present appearances, their flattering 
prospects were all at once damped by a melancholy event that filled every heart 
with gloom. 

"Joseph McCoun, a promising lad, the youngest and the darling son of his 
father, and the favourite of the whole family, was surprised and carried off by a 
party of Shawanee Indians, while looking after some cattle in an adjoining glade. 
His companion escaped, and immediately gave the alarm ; but pursuit was vain. 
The savages carried their unhappy victim to a little town on the head waters of 
Mad river, about six miles above the spot now occupied by the town of Spring- 
field, Ohio, where they tied him to a stake and burned him with excruciating tor- 
tures. After this heart-rending event, which took place in March, 1781, the fam- 
ilies, seven in number, abandoned the farms they had been cultivating, and took 
refuge in the station. This step was rendered absolutely necessary, for the In- 
dians were prowling in every direction, stealing horses, attacking the armed 
companies that passed from one station to another, and killing and scalping every 
unfortunate straggler that fell into their hands. The expedition under General 
George Rogers Clark, in which the men of the Salt river settlement, burning 
for vengeance, participated, daunted them for a time, and restored quiet." 

The insecurity of the settlers, and the hazards to which they were exposed" 
about this period, appear to have been very great. There was no communication 
between the stations, of which there were now several, except by armed compa- 
nies. The inhabitants, not daring to spend the night out of the forts, cultivated 
their corn during the day, with the hoe in one hand and a gun in the other. A 
large party went one morning to a neighboring plantation to assist in pulling flax, 
a friendly office always cheerfully tendered, but were unconsciously waylaid 
by eight or nine Indians. The wily savages, afraid to make an open attack, cui 
down bushes, and constructed a screen in a fit situation for an ambuscade, so that 
no one would be able to discover them till within a few yards. Behind this leafy 
screen they lay, watching for the return of their unsuspecting victims, and an- 
ticipating with savage eagerness the pleasure of scalping the whole party. But 



JAMES RAY. 457 

Providence ordered otherwise. One of the young men (John McCoun, Jr.) pro- 
posed to his companions, on their way homeward, to deviate a little for the 
sake of gathering plums, a quantity of w hich grew at no great distance. As the 
sun was not yet down, they consented ; and in consequence of this happy sug- 
gestion, they reached home by a more circuitous but safer route. We may imag- 
ine the mingled amazement and delight with which they discovered next day 
what an escape they had made from imminent danger. The deserted blind, and 
the spot where the Indians lay, till their impatience and chagrin became insup- 
portable, were objects of curiosity for several years. Surprise, however, was 
not the only emotion excited on this occasion ; it is gratifying to be able to add, 
that a deep and salutary impression was made on the whole party, of the obliga- 
tions under which they were placed to Providence for so signal a deliverance. 

And it may be here mentioned to the credit of the McAfees and McCouns, that 
when a few years after they erected a rural church in their settlement, (the same 
over which the venerable Dr. Cleland now presides), mindful of the frequent in- 
terpositions of benignant Heaven in their favor, from the relief on the Alleghany 
mountains, through the entire progress of their history, they gave it the appropri- 
ate name of Providence church. Who can doubt, that from this humble structure 
built of logs, this church in the woods, the hymn and the prayer went up, as ac- 
ceptable to the ear of the Almighty, as though it had been one of those stately 
and elegant temples which have been reared in later years, attesting, if not the 
increased devotion, at least the increased wealth of the west. 

The incursions of the savages gradually diminished from this period, as the 
country was more and more occupied by numerous emigrants, or Long Knives, as 
the Indians termed the whites. The McAfee station, like all the others, became 
a prominent centre of population, and was looked up to as one of the main props 
of the country. Grist-mills began now to be erected ; improvements of all kinds 
were projected ; and uninterrupted prosperity finally crowned the enterprising 
pioneers. Having mentioned grist-mills, it may not be amiss to relate, out of the 
MSS., how their grain had been ground hitherto. Hand-mills were in use, of a 
primitive and almost oriental character, consisting of a pair of slabs of limestone, 
about two feet in diameter, which were placed in a hollow tree, generally syca- 
more or gum ; and every morning each family would grind as much as would 
supply them through the day. 

General George Rogers Clark first came to Kentucky in 1775, and penetrated 
to Harrodsburg, which had been re-occupied by Colonel Harrod. In this visit, 
from his well known and commanding talents, he was voluntarily placed in com- 
mand of the irregular troops then in Kentucky. In the fall, he returned to Vir- 
ginia, and came back again to Kentucky in 1776. Mr. Butler relates the follow- 
ing anecdote, received from the lips of General Ray, as having occurred with 
General Clark upon his second visit: "I had come down," said General Ray, 
" to where I now live, (about four miles north of Harrodsburg,) to turn some hor- 
ses in the range. I had killed a small blue-wing duck, that was feeding in my 
spring, and had roasted it nicely on the brow of the hill, about twenty steps east 
of my house. After having taken it off to cool, I was much surprised on being 
suddenly arrested by a fine, soldierly looking man, who exclaimed, * How do 
you do, my little fellow 1 What is your name ? A'nt you afraid of being in the 
woods by yourself] ' On satisfying the inquiries, I invited the traveler to par- 
take of my duck, which he did without leaving me a bone to pick, his appetite 
was so keen, though he should have been welcome to all the game I could have 
killed, when I afterwards became acquainted with his noble and gallant soul." 
After satisfying his questions, he inquired of the stranger his own name and busi- 
ness in this remote region. "My name is Clark," he answered, "and I have 
come out to see what you brave fellows are doing in Kentucky, and to lend you a 
helping hand if necessary." General Ray, then a boy of sixteen, conducted Clark 
to Harrodsburg, where he spent his time in observations on the condition and 
prospects of the country, natural to his comprehensive mind, and assisting at 
every opportunity in its defence. 

At a general meeting of the settlers at Harrodstown, on the 6th of June, 1775, 
General George Rogers Clark, and Gabriel John Jones were chosen to represent 



458 MERCER COUNTY. 

them in the assembly of Virginia.* For the manner in which they discharged 
the trust committed to them, see sketch of General Clark. 

In March, 1777, while James Ray, his brother, and another man were engaged 
in clearing some land about four miles from Harrodstown, (the same place which 
afterwards continued to be the residence of the venerable pioneer. General James 
Ray, until his death,) they were attacked by a party of forty-seven hostile Indians, 
under the command of the celebrated chief, Blackfish. The Indians were attrac- 
ted to the place by the noise of the axes, and rushing upon the choppers, killed 
the younger Ray, and took the third prisoner. The elder Ray, (distinguished 
afterwards as General James Ray) being uninjured by the discharge of rifles, 
fled in the direction of the fort. Several of the swiftest Indians followed him in 
full chase, but such was his fleetness and activity, that he distanced them all, and 
reached the fort in safety. The remarkable swiftness of Ray elicited the admira- 
tion of the Indians, and Blackfish himself remarked to Boone after his capture at 
the Blue Licks the succeeding year, that some boy at Harrodstown had outrun 
all his warriors. 

The speed of Ray was a fortunate circumstance for the fort at Harrodstown, as 
his information enabled the garrison to prepare for the expected attack. The 
militia was organised, ammunition prepared, water and provision secured, and 
the fort put in the best possible state of defence. On the morning of the 7th of 
March, 1777, several days after the escape of Ray, the Indians approached the 
vicinity of the fort, and preliminary to an attack, fired an out cabin on the east 
side of the town. The garrison, unconscious of the proximity of the enemy, and 
supposing the fire to be the result of accident, rushed out of the fort with a view 
to extinguish the flames. The Indians, doubtless intending to decoy the garrison, 
instantly attempted to intercept their return to the fort. The whites retreated, 
keeping up a random fire, until they reached a piece of woods on the hill, (now 
occupied by the court house in Harrodsburg,) where each man took a tree, and 
soon caused the Indians, in turn, to give back, when they succeeded in regaining 
the fort. The Indians soon afterwards withdrew. In this conflict, one Indian 
was killed, and four of the whites wounded, one of whom subsequently died. 

In the " Sketches of the Early Catholic Missions of Kentucky," by the Rev. 
Dr. Spalding, of the Catholic church, recently published, a different version is 
given of the attack on the wood-choppers, than that published by Mr. Butler. 
"The third man" Dr. Spalding says, "was William Coomes; but there was 
yet a fourth man, named Thomas Shores," who, and not William Coomes, " was 
taken prisoner by the Indians, at the Shawanee Springs." The statement of Mr. 
Coomes, as furnished Dr. Spalding by his son, is as follows : 

"The party of choppers alluded to, consisted of the two Rays, Wm. Coomes, 
and Thomas Shores, who were engaged in clearing land, at the Shawanee Springs, 
for Hugh McGary, the father-in-law of the two Rays. On the 6th of March, 
1777, the two Rays, and Shores, visited a neighboring sugar-camp, to slake their 
thirst, leaving Mr. Coomes alone at the clearing. William Coomes, alarmed at 
their protracted absence, had suspended his work, and was about to start in search 
of them, when he suddenly spied a body of Indians — fifteen in number — coming 
directly towards him, from the direction of the sugar-camp. He instantly con- 
cealed himself behind the trunk of the tree which he had just felled, at the same 
time seizing and cocking his rifle. Fortunately, the Indians had not observed 
him, owing to the thick cane-brake and undergrowth : they passed by him, in In- 
dian file, to a temporary log cabin, which the woodmen had erected for their ac- 
commodation, 

" So soon as they were out of sight, Coomes escaped towards the sugar-camp, 
to find out what had become of his companions. Discovering no trace of them, 
he concealed himself amidst the boughs of a fallen hickory tree, the yellow leaves 
of which were of nearly the same color as his garments. From his hiding-place 
'he had a full view of the sugar-camp ; and, after a short time, he observed a party 
of forty Indians halt there, where they were soon rejoined by the fifteen whom he 
had previously seen. They tarried there for a long time, drinking the syrup, sing- 
ing their war-songs, and dancing their war-dance. Coomes was a breathless 
spectator of this scene of revelry, from the distance of only fifty or sixty yards. 

•They hailed as representatives from "the western part ol" Fincasiie county, on the Kentucky 



JAMES RAY. *59 

Other straggling parties of savages also came in, and the whole number amounted 
to about seventy, instead of forty-seven, as staled by Butler and Marshall. 

" Meantime, James Ray had escaped, and communicated the alarm to the peo- 
ple of Harrodstown. Great was the terror and confusion which ensued there. 
The hot-headed McGary openly charged James Harrod with having been want- 
ing in the precautions and courage necessary for the defence of the fort. These 
two men, who had a personal enmity against each other, quarreled, and leveled 
their fatal rifles at each other's bosoms. In this conjuncture, the wife of McGary 
rushed in and turned aside the rifle of her husband, when Harrod immediately 
withdrew his, and the difficulty was temporarily adjusted. 

" McGary insisted that a party of thirty should be immediately dispatched with 
him, in search of Coomes, Shores, and his son-in-lavp, William Ray. Harrod, 
the commandant of the station, and Col. George Rogers Clark, thought this mea- 
sure rash and imprudent, as all the men were necessary for the defence of the 
'place, which might be attacked by the Indians at any moment. At length, how- 
ever, the request of McGary was granted, and thirty mounted men were placed 
under his command, for the expedition. 

*' The detachment moved with great rapidity, and soon reached the neighbor- 
hood of the sugar-camp, which the Indians had already abandoned. Near it they 
discovered the mangled remains of William Ray, at the sight of which, McGary 
turned pale, and was near falling from his horse, in a fainting fit. As soon as 
the body was discovered, one of the men shouted out: 'See there! they have 
killed poor Coomes !' Coomes, who had hitherto lurked in his hiding-place, now 
sallied forth, and ran towards the men, exclaiming: ' No, they haven't killed me, 
by Job ! I'm safe !' 

" The party, having buried Ray and rescued Coomes, returned in safety to Har- 
rodstown, which they reached about sunset." 

During the year 1777, the Indians collected in great numbers around Harrods- 
town, in order, it is supposed, to prevent any corn from being raised for the sup- 
port of the settlers. In this period of distress and peril, Ray, at that time but 
seventeen years old, rendered himself an object of general favor, by his intre- 
pidity, courage and enterprise. He often rose before day, and left the fort, on an 
old horse, — the only one left by the Indians, of forty brought to the country by 
Maj. McGary, — in order to procure food for the garrison. Proceeding cautiously 
to Salt river, (generally riding in the water, or in the bed of some small stream, 
in order to conceal his route), when sufficiently out of hearing, he would kill his 
load of game, and bring it in to the suffering inhabitants after night-fall. Older 
and more experienced hunters, in similar hazardous enterprises, were killed by 
the Indians.* 

During the same year, while Ray and a man named M'Connell were shooting 
at a mark near the fort, the latter was suddenly shot down by the Indians. Ray 
instantly glanced his eye in the direction of the shot, and perceiving the enemy, 
raised his rifle to avenge the death of his friend, when he was suddenly attacked 
by a large body of Indians, who had crept near him unseen. His powers as a 
runner were again called into requisition, and Ray bounded towards the fort, dis- 
tant a hundred and fifty yards, with the speed of an antelope, amidst showers of 
bullets from the savages. But when he approached the gates of the fort, he found 
them closed, and the garrison too much under the influence of their fears to open 
them for his admission. In this critical situation, pursued by the savages, and 
refused shelter by his friends, Ray threw himself flat upon the ground, behind a 
stump just large enough to protect his body. Here, within seven steps of the fort 
wall, in sight of his mother, he lay for four hours, while the Indians kept up an 
incessant fire, the balls often striking and tearing up the ground on either side of 
him. At last, becoming somewhat impatient, he called out to the garrison, "for 
God's sake dig a hole under the cabin wall, and take me in." Strange as may 
have appeared the suggestion, it was immediately carried out, and the noble 
young hunter was speedily within the shelter of the fort and in the arms of his 
friends ! 

During the fall of this year, (1777),f in order to make up the deficiency aris- 
ing from having raised no corn, the people of the fort determined to make a tur- 

• Butler's History. t Ibid, page 44. - ~> 



4G0 MERCER COUNTY. 

nip patch, about two hundred yards north-west of the station. "While clearing 
the ground, an Indian was shot at by the guard, and tlie men retired. The next 
day the cattle were perceived to be disturbed, and snuffing the air about a small 
field in the furthest corner, that had been allowed to grow up in very high weeds. 
The presence of concealed Indians was instantly suspected, so sure were the cat- 
tle to betray their vicinity, either from the sight of the Indians themselves, or 
from the smell of the paint upon their persons. This indication prompted Major 
George Rogers Clark to turn the ambuscade upon the enemy. For this purpose, 
some men were still kept at work in the turnip patch nearest the fort, and, in or- 
der to prevent suspicion by the Indians of any movement from within, they occa- 
sionally hallooed to their companions to come out to their work, while Clark, with 
a party of the garrison, sallied out of the fort with great secrecy, and making a 
circuit, came up on the rear of the Indians as they lay concealed in the weeds. 
A volley was discharged at the concealed foe, and four of their number killed — 
one by Clark and another by Ray. The Indians instantly retreated, and were 
pursued by the whites about four hundred yards down the creek, where they 
came upon the remains of a deserted Indian encampment, of sufficient extent for 
the accommodation of five or six hundred warriors. From this camp the enemy 
had issued during the preceding summer to assail the stations, which they had 
kept in a state of constant alarm, and had destroyed the greater portion of their 
horses and cattle. The Indians had now abandoned their position, and the party 
which had just been pursued was supposed to be the remnant of the Indian 
force which had occupied the encampment. Major Clark complimented James 
Ray (subsequently General James Ray) with the gun of the Indian which he had 
shot, and which was the first he had ever killed. The property found in the In- 
dian camp, consisting, principally, of cooking utensils, was, as usual, divided 
by lottery among the captors. 

In Dr. Spalding's " Sketches," we find a record of the following adventure, in 
which William Coomes was an actor: 

'•In the spring of 1778, he [Mr. Coomes] was one of a party of thirty men sent 
out under Colonel Bowman, for the purpose of shelling corn at a plantation 
about seven miles distant from Harrodstown. The men were divided into pairs, 
each of which had a large sack, which was to be filled and brought back to the 
fort. While engaged in filling the sacks, they were fired on by a party of 
about forty Indians, who had lain concealed in a neighboring cane-brake. At the 
first fire, seven of the white men were shot down, and among them Mr. H. Berry, 
the person standing by the side of William Coomes, whose face was bespattered 
with the blood from the wounds of his fallen comrade. Eight others of the white 
men fled for shelter to the cane-brake ; but the rest of them, rallied by the loud 
cries of Colonel Bowman, seized their rifles, and sheltering themselves in an ad- 
joining cabin, or behind the trees, prepared to defend themselves to the last. One 
of the men, observing the face of Coomes reddened with blood, mistook him for 
an Indian, and was leveling his rifle at him, when the latter, fortunately remark- 
ing his movement, cried out, and thus saved his life. 

" Meantime, Colonel Bowman dispatched a courier on horseback to Harrods- 
town, to carry the alarm and to obtain a re-inforcement. The messenger sped 
his way unharmed to the fort, though many a rifle was aimed at him, and though 
another strong party of savages were lying in ambush on the way he had to 
travel. In a few hours, the expected reinforcement arrived ; when the Indians, 
baffled in their object, betook themselves to flight. The white men, after burying 
their dead, returned to Harrodstown in the evening, with their replenished sacks 
of corn." 

During the year 1779, an expedition was set on foot, from Harrodsburg against 
the Indian town at old Chillicothe, under the command of Colonel Bowman. 
The number of men who rendezvoused at Harrodsburg, is stated by Mr. Butler at 
three hundred, and by Mr. McClung at one hundred and sixty. Captains Benja- 
min Logan, John Holder, James Harrod and John Bulger, accompanied the expe- 
dition, of which Captain (afterwards general) Logan was second in command — 
and Major George M. Bedinger, of Nicholas county, lately deceased, was adju- 
tant. The expedition, owing to bad management on the part of Colonel Bow- 



ATTACK ON McAFEE'S STATION. 461 

man, proved a failure. The particulars will be found in the biographical sketch 
of General Logan, under the head of Logan county. 

From McClung's Sketches, we copy the following account of an attack on 
McAfee's station, in the year 1781 : 

" Early in May, 1781, McAfee's station, in the neighborhood of Harrodsburg, 
was alarmed. On the morning of the 9th, Samuel McAfee, accompanied by 
another man, left the fort, in order to visit a small plantation in the neighborhood, 
and at the distance of three hundred yards from the gate, they were fired upon by 
a party of Indians in ambush. The man who accompanied him instantly fell, 
and McAfee attempted to regain the fort. While running rapidly for that pur- 
pose, he found himself suddenly intercepted by an Indian, who, springing out of 
the cane-brake, placed himself directly in his path. There was no time for com- 
pliments, each glared upon the other for an instant in silence, and both raising 
their guns at the same moment, pulled the triggers together. The Indian's rifle 
snapped, while McAfee's ball passed directly through his brain. Having no time 
to reload his gun, he sprung over the body of his antagonist, and continued his 
flight to the fort. 

" When within one hundred yards of the gate, he was met by his two brothers, 
Robert and James, who, at the report of the guns, had hurried out to the assis- 
tance of their brother. Samuel hastily informed them of their danger, and exhor- 
ted them instantly to return. James readily complied, but Robert, deaf to all 
remonstrances, declared that he must have a view of the dead Indian. He ran 
on, for that purpose, and having regaled himself with that spectacle, was hastily 
returning by the same path, when he saw five or six Indians between him and 
the fort, evidently bent upon taking him alive. All his activity and presence of 
mind was now put in requisition. He ran rapidly from tree to tree, endeavoring 
to turn their flank, and reach one of the gates, and after a variety of turns and 
doublings in the thick wood, he found himself pressed by only one Indian. 
McAfee hastily throwing himself behind a fence, turned upon his pursuer and 
compelled him to take shelter behind a tree. 

" Both stood still for a moment, McAfee having his gun cocked, and the sight 
fixed upon the tree, at the spot where he supposed the Indian would thrust out 
his head in order to have a view of his antagonist. After waiting a few seconds 
he was gratified. The Indian slowly and cautiously exposed a part of his head, 
and began to elevate his rifle. As soon as a sufficient mark presented itself, 
McAfee fired, and the Indian fell. While turning, in order to continue his flight, 
he was fired on by a party of six, which compelled him again to tree. But 
scarcely had he done so, when, from the opposite quarter he received the fire of 
three more enemies, which made the bark fly around him, and knocked up the 
dust about his feet. Thinking his post rather too hot for safety, he neglected all 
shelter, and ran directly for the fort, which, in defiance of all opposition, he 
reached in safety, to the inexpressible joy of his brothers, who had despaired of 
his return. 

" The Indians now opened a heavy fire upon the fort, in their usual manner ; 
but finding every effort useless, they hastily decamped, without any loss beyond 
the two who had fallen by the hands of the brothers, and without having inflicted 
any upon the garrison. Within half an hour, Major McGary brought up a party 
from Harrodsburg at full gallop, and uniting with the garrison, pursued the ene- 
my with all possible activity. They soon overtook them, and a sharp action 
ensued. The Indians were routed in a few minutes, with the loss of six war- 
riors left dead upon the ground, and many others wounded, who as usual were 
borne off. The pursuit was continued for several miles, but from the thickness 
of the woods, and the extreme activity and address of the enemy, was not very 
effectual. McGary lost one man dead upon the spot, and another mortally 
wounded." 

Robert McAkee, the father of General Robert B. McAfee, moved to and built 
a cabin on the place where General McAfee now lives, in November, 1779, and 
remained during that winter, generally known as the " hard winter." Often, 
during the winter, and while the weather was intensely cold, he shot buflfalo, 
deer and turkeys, while standing in his own door. The death of Joseph McCoun, 
noticed in the preceding pages, induced Mr. McAfee, with six other families, to 



462 V MERCER COUNTY. «'>*TT A 

move to James McAfee's station, where they remained till the spring of 1783, 
before tliey ventured to remove to their own farms. During the same year, a 
small party of Indians passed through the neighborhood and stole the greater 
portion of their horses. In the spring of 1795, Robert IMcAfee took a boat load 
of flour and bacon to New Orleans, where, before day light on the morning of 
the 10th of May, he was killed by a Spaniard, in his boat, receiving the stroke 
of an axe in his temple, the object of the miscreant being to rob him. His eldest 
son, Samuel, experienced great difliculty with the Spanish government in his 
efforts to save the money and other property of his father. His remains were 
interred near the hospital, and after steamboat navigation was commenced on the 
river, his son, Robert B. IMcAfee, attempted to recover his bones, with a view to 
their interment at the homestead in Kentucky, but they were found in a state of 
decomposition. 

William McAfee commanded a company, under Gen. Clark, in 1780, in an 
expedition against the Shawanee Indians, on the Big Miami. In a skirmish, near 
Piqua, he was shot through the body, and mortally wounded ; but, through the 
aid of his brothers, he was enabled to return to the Ohio river, descend that river 
to the Falls, and then travel as far as Floyd's station, (where his wife met him), 
before he died. He left two infant daughters, and another daughter was born to 
him a few months after, who afterwards became the wife of Major Willis A. Lee, 
for many years clerk of the senate of Kentucky. The eldest married Capt. Eli- 
jah Craig, who was killed at the battle of the Thames, in October, 1813. These 
two sisters now live in the town of Salvisa, near their relatives, in humble, but 
comfortable circumstances, upon the remains of an extensive landed estate left 
them by their father. 

George McAfee, sen., died on his farm, near Salvisa, on Salt river, on the 
14th of April, 1803, and was the first person buried at New Providence church. 

Samuel McAfee died in 1801, and was buried in the family grave-yard ; but, 
after the death of his wife, in 1817, his remains were removed to Providence, and 
interred with her. 

James McAfee, the eldest brother, died on his farm, in 1817, and was buried 
in the family burying-ground, near New Providence. 

Jane McAfee, sen., the mother of the above sons, came to Kentucky in 1779, 
■with her children, and died in 1788. She was buried on a beautiful eminence, 
on the east side of Salt river, west of Wilson's station, on the land now owned 
by Archibald Adams. 

James Harrod was emphatically the leader of the first settlers at Harrodsburg. 
Emigrating to the country in the year 1774, he has been rendered conspicuous, as 
the builder of the " first log cabin " in Kentucky. Possessing qualities of a high 
and generous nature — tall, erect, and commanding in his personal appearance- 
bold, resolute, active and energetic — inured to the life of a backwoodsman, and 
familiar with its dangers and capable of supporting its hardships — he was singu- 
larly adapted to the position that he was to occupy.* His open, manly counte- 
nance — his mild and conciliating manners — his integrity, kindness and generosity 
— all conspired to render him the idol of his associates. Expert in the use of the 
rifle, he was a successful hunter, and a skillful and dangerous antagonist of the 
Indian. If he was an unlettered, he was not an ignorant man. The defects of 
his education were supplied by the masculine energy of his natural endowments ; 
and, at a period when the cultivation of the intellect was not only impracticable, 
but was deemed subordinate to the discipline of the body, his claim of rank, as 
a leader of the pioneers, was universally allowed. His attention to the safety 
and wants of his companions was as unremitted, as his magnanimity was pro- 
verbial. If he received information that a party of hunters had been surprised 
by the savages, " let us go and beat the red rascals," was his instantaneous order; 
and the command and its execution were synonymous with him. If a plow 
horse were missing — having strayed from the station, — and the owner, unaccus- 
tomed to the range, or unwilling to encounter the risk of making search for him, 

*Morehead's Address. Marshall's Uisu>ry. 



GABRIEL SLAUGHTER. 463 

was idle in consequence, Harrod would disappear, and it would not be long be- 
fore the horse would be driven to the owner's premises. Of a restless and active 
temperament, the dull routine of life in a station was unsuited to him. He loved, 
like Boone, the free and unrestrained occupation of a hunter. While others were 
standing still for want of employment, disdaining repose, he would range through 
the forest, hunt the wild game, or attach himself to expeditions into the Indian 
country or exploring parties on the frontier. Having built his cabin on the site 
of the beautiful village of Harrodsburg in the spring or summer of 1774, we find 
him on the 10th of October with Col. Lewis, at the Point, giving, by a decisive 
victory over the north-western tribes of savages, a death-blow to their supremacy. 
On the return of spring he is again at his chosen station in the wilderness, forti- 
fying himself against Their inroads, and, as we shall presently see, representing 
his little settlement in the Transylvania Assembl)-. Thenceforward Harrods- 
burg became a prominent place of refuge and resort : and she has never ceased 
to insist upon the validity of her claims to precedence, as the honored spot of the 
first settlement of Kentucky. 

Harrod survived the stormy scenes of his manhood. But age could not tran- 
quilize the restless elements of his character. In after times, when peace and 
quiet had ensued, and the range of the buffalo was filled up with a civilized and 
enterprizing population, and he had become the father of an interesting family, 
the veteran pioneer would turn away from the scenes of domestic and social life, 
and plunge again into the solitudes of the wilderness, to indulge himself in the 
cherished enjoyments of his earlier years. From one of those excursions, into a 
distant part of the country, he never returned. 

Such are some of the outlines of the character of James Harrod, one of the 
pioneers of Kentucky.* 

Among the early settlers of Harrodsburg, distinguished for their bravery, ac- 
tivity and enterprise, were Major Hugh McGary, Harlan, McBride, and Chap- 
lain. The former was ardent, impetuous and rash, but withal a man of daring 
courage, indomitable energy, and untiring perseverance. 

Colonel Gabriel Slaughter, governor of Kentucky, was a native of Virginia, 
but emigrated in his youth to Kentucky, and settled in Mercer county, some few 
miles from Harrodsburg. His residence was widely known under the attractive 
name of "Traveler's Rest." 

Early in life he became a member of the Baptist denomination of Christians, 
and was extensively known as a prominent and useful member of that numerous 
and respectable society. He was frequently employed as messenger to its asso- 
ciated churches, and generally presided as moderator of their assemblies. 

He rendered gallant and distinguished service in the battle of New Orleans on 
the 8th of January, 1815, as a colonel of a regiment of Kentucky troops. On one 
occasion, while acting as president of a court-martial — whose decision was not 
in accordance with the views of General Jackson — the court were ordered to re- 
verse their proceedings ; but Colonel Slaughter declined to comply, saying, " He 
knew his duty, and had performed it." General Jackson entertained the highest 
respect for his character as a soldier and patriot. * 

Colonel Slaughter was elected in 1816 to the office of lieutenant governor, and 
upon the death of George Madison, succeeded him in the executive chair, and 
administered the government as acting governor of Kentucky for the four years 
of Madison's term. He appointed John Pope, Esq., secretary of state, who, at 
that time, was somewhat unpopular in Kentucky, on account of his opposition to 
the war with England while senator of the United States. In consequence, it is 
thought, of this unexpected appointment, the new election question was fiercely 
agitated during the first session of the legislature after Governor Slaughter's in- 
auguration, and at the succeeding session also. The new election movement 
failed, and the construction or exposition then given to the constitution, in regard 
to the succession of the lieutenant governor to the office of governor, upon the 
"death, resignation, or refusal to qualify," of the governor elect, has been acqui- 
esced in ever since, and regarded as a settled precedent. 

Governor Slaughter, during this exciting controversy, displayed great indepen- 

•Morehead's Address. 



464 MERCER COUNTY. 

dence of opinion, and much firmness and decision of character. After one or 
two legislative sessions had passed, in unavailing and violent discussions of the 
question of new election, Mr. Pope, regarding himself as the principal cause of 
the continued and turbulent agitation of the question, resigned the office of sec- 
retary of state. The governor was advised by timid and panic-stricken friends to 
yield to the arrogant and disorganizing demands of the legislature. The firm and 
pugnacious old patriot declared his fixed resolution to administer the government 
alone and without a secretary, (for he had otTered the vacant secretaryship to 
Martin D. Hardin, who declined it), rather than submit to a violation of his 
rights in the overthrow of the constitution. A common sense and literal inter- 
pretation of the organic law, resumed its sway over the public mind, while par- 
tisan purpose and sophisticated opinion yielded the contest. Successive vacan- 
cies by death in the office of governor have since occurred, in the instances of 
Governor Breathitt, Clarke, &c., without a renewal of the long mooted question. 
At the end of his gubernatorial term. Governor Slaughter retired to his farm in 
Mercer, where he died in 1830, at the age of sixty-three years. The legislature, 
by joint resolution, some years since, ordered a marble monument to be erected 
to his memory on the spot where he was buried. 

Captain Samuel Daveiss, a well known citizen of Mercer, is a hrother of the 
celebrated Colonel Joseph H. Daveiss, and is a fine specimen of the old Ken- 
tucky gentleman. He is a lawyer of considerable eminence, and has frequently 
represented his county in the legislature of the Stale, of which body he was a 
very useful member. Having emigrated to Kentucky at an early day, he is ex- 
tensively acquainted with the facts connected with the first settlement of the 
country, which renders his conversation exceedingly interesting and instructive. 

Gen. Robert B. McAfee was born in the district of Kentucky, at his present 
residence, on Salt river, in February, 1784. His ancestors came to Kentucky, and 
settled at this place, in the fall of 1779. Robert McAfee, the father of Gen. 
McAfee, had to cultivate his farm gun in hand, for four or five years after he set- 
tled in Kentucky; and the subject of this sketch was born and reared amid the 
confusion and perils of continued Indian alarms. He was placed at school while 
yet very young, and continued at various institutions of instruction until he had 
obtained a good education. He lost his father when he was eleven years of age; 
and being thus left an orphan, (his mother having died the year previous), he was 
placed under the charge of the Hon. John Breckinridge and James McCoun, who 
had been appointed his guardians. In the year 1796, he entered Transylvania 
Seminary, (the germ of the present university of that name), then under the con- 
trol of the Rev. James Moore, a gentleman of learning and estimable character. 
He also attended, for a brief period, a private school, in Mercer county. When 
he had completed his classical education, he commenced the study of the law 
under the Hon. John Breckinridge, in whose office he continued three years. 
When he had completed his studies, he returned to Mercer county and commen- 
ced the practice of the law. In October, 1807, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary Cardwell, a niece of Col. Anthony Crockett, a revolutionary officer, who 
was with Gen. George Rogers Clark in the expedition against Kaskakias and 
Vincennes. In the year 1800 he was elected to represent Mercer county in the 
legislature; and, with the exception of two or three years, has been in public 
life ever since. Upon the breaking out of the late war, he volunteered as a pri- 
vate, in a company of mounted riflemen, and was among the first Kentuckians 
who joined the north-western army. In this company he was appointed sergeant, 
and was, subsequently, elected ensign, and, afterwards, second lieutenant. He 
was also made quarter-master of Col. R. M. Johnson's regiment. This regiment 
aided in relieving fort Wayne, at a very critical period, when surrounded by hos- 
tile Indians. A detachment having been sent, under Col. Wells, against the In- 
dian town of Five Medals, sixty miles north-west of fort Wayne, McAfee accom- 
panied the expedition. In 1813, he received from Governor Shelby a captain's 
commission in Col. Johnson's regiment of mounted riflemen, having, previously, 
raised a company of eighty men, by whom he had been elected captain. Col. 
Johnson's regiment marched on the 25rh of May, 1813, and was employed in 
active service on the frontiers. Capt. Mc.\fee's company, having been increased 
to one hundred and fifty men, were in the battle of the Thames, on the 5ih of 



THE MILITIA PIG. 465 

October, 1813, and did good service. At the close of the war, Capt. McAfee re- 
turned to his farm, in Mercer county, and spent two or three years in private life. 
In 1819, he was elected to the legislature ; and, in 1821, was chosen a member 
of the State senate. In 1824, he resigned his seat in the senate, and was elected 
lieutenant governor, in which capacity he served four years. He presided over 
the deliberations of the senate during those bitter and exciting contests, which 
are known in history as the new and old court questions. In 1829, he became a 
candidate for Congress, but declined before the election came on. In 1830, he 
was again elected to the legislature; and again in 1831-2. He was a member 
of the convention which assembled at Baltimore in 1832, and nominated Gen. 
Jackson as candidate for president, and Martin Van Buren for vice-president. In 
1833, he was appointed charge d'affaires to the republic of Colombia, in South 
America, and proceeded to the city of Bogota, where he remained, engaged in the 
discharge of his duties, until 1837, when he returned to the United States. In 
this mission he was accompanied by his son James, as private secretary. In 
1841, he was again elected to the senate of Kentucky; and, in 1842, was ap- 

fointed one of the visitors to West Point, and elected president of the board, 
n 1845, he retired from public life, and has since resided on his farm, in Mercer 
county. He is now in the sixty-third year of his age. It should not be omitted, 
that Gen. McAfee is a member of the Royal Antiquarian Society of Denmark, 
and an honorary member of the Kentucky Historical Society. 

Gen. Hugh Mercer, of Virginia, from whom this county received its name, 
was a native of Scotland, and graduated at an early age in the science of medi- 
cine. At the memorable battle of CuUoden, he acted as assistant surgeon, and 
with many of the vanquished sought a refuge in America. In the Indian war of 
1755, he served as a captain, under Washington. For his gallantry and military 
skill in this war, the corporation of Philadelphia presented him with an appro- 
priate medal. In 1775, he was in command of three regiments of minute-men ; 
and in 1776, he was made colonel in the army of Virginia. Having joined the 
continenial army, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, and served 
in that capacity with efficiency and distinction, until the period of his death, 
which occurred in the battle of Princeton, where he fell mortally wounded, while 
leading the vanguard of the American forces. He survived nine days, and then 
died of his wounds. 

During the last war with Great Britain a very remarkable circumstance occur- 
red in connection with the invasion of Canada by the Kentucky troops, which 
from its singularity merits preservation. A company of volunteers destined for 
Shelby's army, rendezvoused at Harrodsburg, Mercer county, and formed a 
nucleus around which the military recruits of the country gathered, obtaining 
fresh accessions of strength with their progress towards the Ohio. When they 
marched from Harrodsburg, about a mile or two out, they saw two pigs fighting, 
and delayed their march to see it out. When the march was recommenced, it 
was observed that the victorious pig was following in the route, and at night, 
when they encamped, the animal also hunted itself a shelter, and halted for the 
night. The following day, the pig accompanied the troops as before, and thus 
night and morning, in their progress to the river, the animal halted, rested, and 
started onwards when they resumed their journey. When they came opposite 
Cincinnati, at which place they crossed in a ferry boat, the pig on getting to the 
water's edge, promptly plunged in, waiting on the other side until the whole cor- 
tege crossed over, and resumed its post as customary in the flank of the moving 
column. In this way the animal kept on with the troops, until they got to the 
lake. On the whole journey, as the men grew more familiar with their comrade, 
it became a pet, receiving a full share of the rations issued to the soldiers, and 
destitute as the troops found themselves at times of sustenance, no one thought of 
putting the knife to the throat of their fellow soldier. What they had was still 
shared, and if the pig fared at times as scantily as the rest, it grunted on, and 
manifested as much patriotism in its own line, as the bipeds it accompanied in 
theirs. At the margin of the lake she embarked with the troops and went as far 
as Bass Island. She was there offered a passage into Canada, but obstinately 
refused to embark a second time. Some of the men attributed her conduct to 
constitutional scruples, and observed that she knew it was contrary to the constitu- 
30 



4G6 MERCER COUNTY. 

tif>n to force a mililia pig over the line. Inconsequence of this remark they crave 
her leave to remain. After the campaign had closed, the troops recrossed the 
lake, having left their horses on the American side. As soon as the line was 
formed, to the great surprise of many, and inspiring a deep interest in all, there 
was the pig on ihe right of the line, ready to resume her march with the rest. By 
this time the winter frosts had set in, and the animal suffered greatly on its 
homeward march. It made out, however, to reach Maysville, at which point the 
troops recrossed the Ohio river. There it gave out, and was placed in trusty 
hands by Governor Shelby; and finally taken to the Governor's home, where the 
animal passed the rest of its days in ease and indolence. The facts contained in 
this narrative are strictly true, and can be attested by many living witnesses.* 

The following account of some singular natural formations among the cliffs of 
the Kentucky river, should have appeared under the head of Jessamine county, 
but was not prepared until the description of that county had gone to press. They 
are situated immediately opposite the county of Mercer, which is the reason of 
its insertion in this place. 

The most picturesque of these natural objects is called the Devil's Pulpit. 
We are indebted for the following account of a visit to this remarkable curiosity, 
to the pen of a well known citizen of Kentucky, Dr. Graham, the enterprising 
and intelligent proprietor of the Harrodsburg Springs. He says ; 

"After much vexation and annoyance occasioned by the difficulties of the road, 
we arrived near the object of our visit, and quitting our horses, proceeded on foot. 
Upon approaching the break of the precipice, under the direction of our guide, 
we suddenly found ourselves standing on the verge of a yawning chasm, and 
immediately beyond, bottomed in darkness, the Devil's Pulpit was seen rearing 
its black, gigantic form, from amid the obscurity of the deep and silent valley. 
The back ground to this gloomy object presented a scene of unrelieved desola- 
tion. Cliff rose on cliff and crag surmounted crag, sweeping off on either hand 
in huge semicircles, until the wearied eye became unable to follow the countless 
and billowy-like mazes of that strange and awful scene. The prevailing charac- 
ter of the whole was that of savage grandeur and gloom. A profound silence 
broods over the place, broken only by the muffled rushing of the stream far down 
in its narrow passage, cleaving its way to its home in the ocean. Descending by 
a zigzag path to the shore of the river, while our companions were making prep- 
arations to cross, I strayed through the valley. The air was cool, refreshing and 
fragrant, and vocal with the voices of many birds. The bending trees, the wind- 
ing stream with its clear and crystal waters, the flowering shrubs, and cluster- 
ing vines walled in by these adamantine ramparts — which seem to tower to the 
skies — make this a place of rare and picturesque beauty. The dew drops still 
hung glittering on the leaves, the whispering winds played with soft music 
through the rustling foliage, and the sunbeams struggling through the overhang- 
ing forest kissed the opening flowers, and all combined made up a scene of rural 
loveliness and romance, which excited emotions of unmingled delight. The boat 
having arrived, the river was crossed without difficulty, and we commenced the 
ascent, and after measuring up two hundred and seventy feet, arrived at the base 
of the " Pulpit." Fifty paces from this point, and parallel with it, in the solid 
ledge of the cliff, is a cave of considerable extent. At its termination, there 
passes out like the neck of a funnel, an opening, not larger than a hogshead. 
Upon pitching rocks into this cave, a rumbling was heard at an immense distance 
below the earth. Some are of opinion that this cave contains a bottomless pit. 
We now ascended the cliffs some fifty feet further, clambering up through a fis- 
sure in the rocks, having the Pulpit on our right, and a range of cliffs on our left. 
To look up here makes the head dizzy. Huge and dark masses roll up above 
you, upon whose giddy heights vast crags jut out and overhang the valley, 
threatening destruction to all below. The floating clouds give these crags the 
appearance of swimming in mid air. The ascent up these rocks, though some- 
what laborious, is perfectly safe, being protected by natural walls on either 
side, and forming a perfect stairway with steps from eight to ten feet thick. At 
the head of this passage, there is a hole through the river side of the wall, large 
enough to admit the body, and through which one may crawl, and look down 

•Vide Cist's Cincinnati Miscellany for 1845-C, and McAfee's History of the Late War. 



MONROE COUNTY. 467 

tipon the rushing stream below. At the foot of the stairway stands the Pulpit, 
rising from the very brink of the main ledge, at more than two hundred feet of an 
elevation above the river, but separated from the portion which towers up to the 
extreme heights. The space is twelve feet at bottom, and as the cliff retreats 
slightly at this point, the gap is perhaps thirty feet at the top. The best idea that 
can be formed of this rock is to suppose it to be a single column, standing in 
front of the continuous wall of some vast building or ruin, the shaft standing as 
colonnades are frequently built upon an elevated platform. From the platform to 
the capital of the shaft is not less than one hundred feet, making the whole ele- 
vation of the " Devil's Pulpit " three hundred feet. It is called by some the inver- 
ted candlestick, to which it has a striking resemblance. There are two swells, 
which form the base moulding and occupy about forty feet of the shaft. It then 
narrows to an oblong of about three feet by six, at which point there are fifteen 
distinct projections. This narrow neck continues with some irregularity for eight 
or ten feet, winding off at an angle of more than one degree from the line of 
gravity. Then commences the increased swell, and craggy offsets, first over- 
hanging one side, and then the other, till they reach the top or cap rock, which is 
not so wide as the one below it, but is still fifteen feet across. 



MONROE COUNTY. 

Monroe county was formed in 1820, and named in honor of 
President James Monroe. It is situated on the southern border 
of the State, and lies on the head waters of Big Barren river, 
the Cumberland passing through its south-west corner : bounded 
on the north by Barren, east by Cumberland, south by the State 
of Tennessee, and west by Allen county. The face of the coun- 
ty is diversified — level; undulating and hilly — the principal 
growth walnut, hickory, beech, and white, black and chesnut 
oak, &c. Wheat, oats and corn are the principal products, and 
hogs are exported in considerable numbers. 

Number of acres of land in Monroe, 155,571 ; average value 
of land per acre, $2.29 ; valuation of taxable property in 1846, 
$755,397 ; number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 
1,118; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 
1,650. Population in 1840, 6,526. 

ToMPKiNsviLLE, thc scat of justice of Monroe county, is one 
hundred and forty miles from Frankfort. Contains a court-house 
and jail, Presbyterian and Methodist churches, one school, four 
lawyers, four doctors, one tavern, five stores, and five mechanics' 
shops — population 150. Incorporated in 1819, and named after 
Daniel D. Tompkins, vice-president of the United States. Centre 
Point is a small village on the Cumberland river. 

This county received its name in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president 
of the United States. He was a native of Virginia, and was born in Westmore- 
land county, on the 28th day of April, 1758. He was educated at William and 
Mary college, and graduated in 1776. Upon leaving college, he entered as a ca- 
det in a corps then organizing under General Mercer. He was soon after ap- 
pointed a lieutenant, and joined the army at York. He was in the engagement 
at Harlaem heights, and at White Plains, and accompanied the army in its retreat 
through the Jerseys. He was with Washington when he crc)Si?ed ihe Delaware, 



468 MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

and made tlie successful attack on the Hessians at Trenton. Here he was woun- 
ded in the shoulder. On recovering, he served as aid to Lord Sterling, and was 
with him in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. Retirinor 
from the army, he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, as a student of law. In 
1780 he was sent by Mr. Jefferson, then governor of Virginia, as a commissioner 
to the southern army, then under De Kalb, to ascertain its effective force, its 
wants and ulterior prospects. In 1782 he was elected a member of the legislature 
of Virginia, and the next year was sent to the continental Congress, when only 
twenty-four years of age. He continued in Congress three years. Upon retir- 
ing from Congress, he was again sent to the legislature of his native State. In 
1788 he was a member of the Virginia convention which adopted the constitution 
of the United States, but voted against the adoption of that instrument. From 
1790 to 1794, he was a member of the Senate of the United States, and was 
taken from that body to be envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to 
France. In 1796 he was recalled. Upon his return, he was elected governor of 
Virginia, and served in that capacity three years. In 1803 he was again sent by 
Mr. Jefferson to France, to act with Mr. Livingston, the resident minister there. 
From France he was transferred to London, as successor to Mr. King. From 
England he was ordered to Spain, from whence he returned to England on the 
death of Mr. Pitt. Upon his return to the United States, he spent several years 
in retirement upon his farm in Virginia, but in 1810 was sent to the legislature of 
Virginia. A few months after he was elected governor of the commonwealth, 
and remained in that office until he was appointed secretary of state under Mr. 
Madison. In 1817 he was elected president of the United States, and continued in 
that office eight years. After he retired from office, he continued to reside on his 
farm in Virginia till the 4th of July, 1831, when he expired, in the seventy-third 
year of his age. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

Montgomery county was formed in 1796, and named in honor 
of Gen. Richard Montgomery, of the revolutionary army. It lies 
on the waters of Hinkston and Red rivers : bounded on the north 
by Bath ; east, by Bath and Morgan ; south, by Estill and Ows- 
ley ; and west, by Clark and Bourbon, — and, originally, included 
Bath, part of Morgan, Floyd, Letcher, Perry, Breathitt, Owsley 
and Estill. The south-eastern half of the county is very thinly 
settled, being very mountainous, and does not embrace one hun- 
dred voters. Most of the residue of the county is first rate, rich, 
limestone land, — more broken and rolling than Bourbon, Clark, 
or Fayette, but the soil is considered as rich and productive as 
it is in those counties. Hemp is raised, to some extent, in the 
county ; but the principal exports are fat cattle, mules, horses and 
hogs. There arc nineteen schools in the county, two of which 
are in Mount-Sterling. 

Mount-Sterling, the county seat, is situated on Hinkston creek, 
near its head, about five miles east of the Clark county line, and 
seven miles west of the Bath county line, — being sixty miles from 
Frankfort. It has improved rapidly for a few years past, and 
now contains 1,000 inhabitants. The public buildings are, a very 
large, commodious, and well arranged brick court-house, clerks' 
offices, three churches, (Presbyterian, Methodist, and Reformed), 
a male academy — a large, fine, new brick building, built under a 



JOHN A. CRAWFORD. 469 

charter from the legislature, and in which is kept the Highland 
Institute, one of the most flourishing literary institutions in the 
State, having four teachers, and from one hundred to one hun- 
dred and eighty pupils each session. There are sixteen lawyers 
and seven physicians in the town, sixteen dry goods stores, one 
hardware store, one drug store, three groceries, one book store, 
printing office, two taverns, one shoe store, and a large number 
of mechanics' shops. Jefersonville is a small village, eight miles 
east of Mount-Sterling, on the State road to Prestonsburg, with 
one tavern, a store, and a blacksmith shop. 

Number of acres of land in Montgomery, 176,276 ; average 
value of land per acre, $13.14; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,360 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,778. Total valuation of taxable prop- 
erty in 1846, $4,039,948. Population in 1840, 9,332. 

No county in Kentucky has suffered more from land litigation 
than Montgomery. The laws of Virginia for the appropriation 
of lands, were the greatest curse that ever befell Kentucky. Some- 
times as many as five or six patents covered the same piece of 
land ; and the occupant, besides the title under which he entered, 
frequently had to buy two or three times more, or lose his home 
and his labor. The difficulties in the land titles belong to the 
State at large, and need not be specially pointed out here. 

The MOUND which gave name to Mount- Sterling, was cut down 
during the year 1846. Many curious things were found, inter- 
spersed with human bones — among which were, a copper and 
two white queensware breastplates, about the size of a man's 
hand ; a great number of large beads, some of copper and oth- 
ers of ivory ; bracelets of copper, &c. Thirty years ago, there 
were trees on this mound as large as those in the neighboring 
forest. 

About five miles west of Mount-Sterling, on the farm belonging 
to the heirs of Mr. Jacob Johnson, is another mound, near to what 
was once an entrenchment. The latter was square, and when 
cleared, the timber which was growing in the trenches and on the 
banks was of the largest and richest growth, — just such as that 
which surrounded it in the forest. On the eastern side of the 
square, was, evidently, a gate, some twenty feet wide, which was 
on the brow of the hill ; thence down to a spring, some thirty 
yards off, for the width of the gate, there were no trees of any 
kind, when the country was first settled by the whites. 

Montgomery county was not settled as early as those west of it. The first 
corn raised in it, was by Capt. John A. Crawford, in the year 1790. He was 
employed, in that year, to clear the land and cultivate a few acres of corn, for 
which he was to receive one hundred acres of choice land. In conjunction with 
a negro man, he cleared four acres and cultivated the same, for which he received 
his hundred acres, and which lies adjoining Mount-Sterling, and upon which he 
has resided ever since, and raised a large and respectable family. He is now a 
vigorous, sprightly old man, about eighty-two years old. He was under Gen. 
Wayne in the north-west, and, also, commanded a volunteer company during the 
last war with Great Britain. 



470 MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

In 1782 Montgomery county was the scene of a rencontre between the whites 
and the Indians, which was marked by a display of cool intrepidity, on both 
sides, worthy of veteran troops. This event is known in history as Estill's de- 
feat, and is perhaps more honorable to the Indian character than any other battle 
fought during those times. 

In the month of May, a party of about twenty-five Wyandots invested Estill's 
station, on the south of the Kentucky river. They killed a white man, took a 
negro prisoner, and after destroying the cattle, retreated. Soon after the Indians 
had disappeared, Captain Estill raised a company of twenty-five men, and with 
these pursued the enemy with the design of inflicting summary vengeance for 
these outrages. He came up with them at the Hinkston fork of Licking river. 
They had just crossed the creek, which is here very narrow, and were leisurely 
ascending a hill of moderate elevation which arose on the opposite side. Estill's 
men immediately opened a fire on the retreating Indians, who at first manifested 
a disposition to run, but their chief, being severely wounded, ordered them in a 
loud voice to stand and fight. Upon this the Indians promptly prepared for bat- 
tle, each man taking a tree,, in which position they returned the fire of the 
whites. 

Estill and his men had also, in the mean time, formed a line of battle, and 
protecting themselves as well as they could by the trees and bushes in the vicin- 
ity, kept up a rapid discharge of rifles. The opposing foemen were formed on 
opposite sides of the creek, and maintained the fight for some time with great de- 
liberation and coolness. 

The numbers were equal on each side, and the battle was more like a single 
combat, than an engagement between organized forces. Each rifleman singled 
out his man, and fired only when he saw his mark. The firing was deliberate, 
although life itself was often the forfeit. And thus both sides firmly stood, or 
bravely fell, for more than one hour. Upwards of one-fourth of the combatants 
on both sides had fallen. Never was the native bravery of men put to a more 
severe test. In the clangour and uproar of a general battle, death is forgotten, 
and even cowards die like brave men ; but in the cool and lingering expectation 
of death, none but the man of true courage can stand : and such was the situation 
of these combatants. Captain Estill clearly perceived that no advantage had 
been gained over the Indians up to this period of the contest, and that while the 
action was continued in the manner in which it had been commenced, no decided 
change could be produced in the relative fortunes of the fight. Victory itself, 
could it have been purchased with the loss of his last man, would be but a 
mournful triumph ; but even of victory, without some successful manoeuvre, he 
could not assure himself. His situation was critical ; the promptest action was 
required. He cast his e3'es over the field, and saw that the creek before him op- 
posed a charge in front; but on the other hand he observed a valley running from 
the creek towards the rear of the enemy's line, and prompted by the urgency of 
his situation, he determined to detach six of his men by this valley, to gain the 
flank or rear of the enemy ; while himself, with the residue, maintained their po- 
sition in front. 

The detachment accordingly moved ofTunder the command of Lieutenant Miller; 
but either mistaking his way, or not comprehending the orders of his superior, 
this oflScer did not proceed with the requisite dispatch, and the movement was 
not executed in time. The Indian leader, in the meantime, discovering from the 
slackening of the fire in front, that the line had been weakening, made a rapid 
charge across the creek with his whole force, drove the whites from their coverts, 
and compelled them to retreat with great slaughter. In the charge. Captain Es- 
till and eight of his men were killed. Four others were badly wounded, who 
made their escape. In this affair the Indians lost more than half of their num- 
ber ; the loss of the whites was much greater. The action lasted two hours, 
and there was nothing wanting in its circumstances, but numbers and the pomp 
and tactics of modern war, to make it memorable. 

The last incursion by the Indians on the interior of the State, was made on 
Easter Monday, being the 1st day of April, 1793, on which occasion they took 
Morgan's station, on Slate creek, about seven miles east of Mount-Sterling, and 
carried away nineteen prisoners, all of whom were women and children. The 
men, not anticipating danger, were engaged in the neighborhood preparing to 



MORGAN COUNTY. 471 

raise their crops. One old man and one woman were killed near the station, and 
pursuit hiiving been made by the whites, the savages killed several of the prison- 
ers, and the remainder were taken to the north-west and sold. After the treaty 
of Greenville, in 1795, they were all restored to their families and friends. 

General Richard Montgomery, in memory of whom this county received its 
name, was a major general in the American revolutionary army, and a native of 
Ireland — born in 1737. He embraced the profession of arms at an early period, 
and was with Wolfe at the capture of Quebec, in 1759. On his return to England, 
he resigned his commission and removed to America, purchased an estate in New 
York, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. On the commencement of 
the revolutionary struggle, his feelings in favor of the colonies being well known, 
he was entrusted with the command of the continental forces in the northern de- 
partment, in conjunction with General Schuyler. The indisposition of the latter 
devolved the chief command upon Montgomery, who, after various successes, 
(the reduction of fort Chamblee, the capture of St. John's, and of Montreal), 
proceeded to the siege of Quebec. Having formed a junction with Colonel Ar- 
nold, a combined attack was made on the place on the 1st of December, 1775; 
but for the want of artillery of sufficient calibre, although the attack was well 
planned, the assailants were defeated. General Montgomery and his two aids 
were killed by the only gun fired from the battery of the enemy. He was buried 
in Quebec, without the honors due his rank, but his remains, by order of Con- 
gress, were removed to New York in 1816, and placed in front of St. Paul's 
church, w here a monument was erected to his memory. He had received an ex- 
cellent education, and was gifted with fine abilities. His military talents espe- 
cially were of a high order, and the sorrow for his loss was heightened by the 
esteem which his amiable character had gained him. At the period of his death 
he was only thirty-eight years of age. 



MORGAN COUNTY. 

Morgan county was formed in 1822, and named for General 
Daniel Morgan. It is situated in the eastern part of the State — 
Licking river flowing in a north-western direction through the 
centre : Bounded on the north by Carter ; east by Lawrence and 
Johnson ; south by Breathitt and Owsley ; west by Montgomery 
and Bath, and north-west by Fleming. The face of the country 
is hilly, interspersed with fertile valleys. The soil is based on 
free stone, with red clay foundation. Iron ore, coal, alum and 
copperas, with mineral and oil springs, abound in the county. 
Principal productions are, Indian corn, oats, potatoes and flax — 
the exports, pork, beef and horses. Besides Licking river, which 
flows through this county, the head waters of Little Sandy and 
Red river have their rise here — the former flowing into the Ohio 
river in Greenup county, and the latter into the Kentucky river 
in Clark county. 

Number of acres of land in Morgan,* 515,962; average value 
of lands per acre, 96 cents ; valuation of taxable property in 
1846, $602,494 ; number of white males over twenty-one years 
of age, 1,068 ; number of children betvi^een five and sixteen, years 
old, 1,547: Population in 1840, 4,603. 

• The territory of this county is full six times as large as that of some other counties of 
the State. 



472 MUHLEiNBURG COUNTY. 

The towns of the county arc — West Liberty and Hazle-Green. 
West- Liberty, the seat of justice, is one hundred and seven miles 
from Frankfort — contains a coui't-house, a Methodist church, a 
Christian church, two lawyers, one physician, two taverns, three 
stores, and eight mechanics' shops : Population 100 — established 
in 1825. Hazle-Grccn is a pleasant little \'illage, with a popula- 
tion of about 40 souls. 

General Daniel Morgan, from whom this county received its name, was a dis- 
tinguished officer of the war of the revolution, and was born in New Jersey in 
173G. His first employment was that of a wagoner. In this capacity he was 
with the army at Braddock's defeat. On the return of the army he received a 
commission as ensign in the English service. From this period until 1774 noth- 
ing distinct is known of the history of General Morgan. In this year he com- 
manded a company in Dunmore's expedition against the Indians. He comman- 
ded a detachment consisting of three rifle companies under Arnold at Quebec, and 
led the forlorn hope in the assault. Here he was taken prisoner. On his exchange 
he received the appointment of colonel in the continental army. He was at the 
head of Lis riflemen in the decisive and victorious battle of Saratoga. For his 
gallantry in this action, the legislature of Virginia passed a resolution present- 
ing him with a horse, pistols, and a sword. 



MUHLENBURG COUNTY. 

MuHLENBURG couuty was formed in 1798, and named in honor 
of Gen. Peter Muhlenburg, of the revolutionary army. It is sit- 
uated in the south-western middle part of the State, and lies on 
the waters of Greene river : Bounded on the north and north-east 
by Greene river, which separates it from Daviess and Ohio ; east 
by Butler ; south by Todd and Logan ; and w^est by Hopkins. In 
the southern portion of the county the surface is broken, and the 
lands comparatively poor ; while the middle and northern divi- 
sions are undulating, and the soil productive. Corn, pork, and 
tobacco, are the staples. The countj^ abounds in coal and iron 
ore. The " Henry Clay L-on Works," four miles from Greeneville 
is supplied with ore of a superior quality from the contiguous 
high grounds, which, as the quantity is inexhaustible, has obtain- 
ed the name of the " Iron Mountain.'''' There are several mineral 
springs in Muhlenburg ; and salt, in small quantities, was at one 
time manufactured in the county. 

Number of acres of land in Muhlenburg, 274,809 ; average 
value of lands per acre, $1.93 ; valuation of taxable property in 
184G, $1,298,019 ; number of white males over twenty-one years 
old, 1,300; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 1,744; population in 1840, 0,904. 

There are five towns in the county, viz : Greeneville, Lewisburg, 
Rumsey, South Carrollton, and Skilesville. Greeneville, the seat 
of justice, is one hundred and twenty miles from Frankfort. It 
contains, besides the usual public buildings, one Presbyterian and 
one Methodist church, six lawyers, three physicians, one semi- 



NELSON COUNTY. 473 

nary, six stores, one grocery, two taverns, one wool carding fac- 
tory, two tobacco factories, and eight mechanics' shops. Popu- 
lation, 400. Established in 1812, and named after the distin- 
guished revolutionary general, Greene. Lewishurg is a small vil- 
lage, situated on Greene river, nine miles from Greeneville, con- 
taining two stores, one warehouse, and about 50 souls. Rumsey 
lies on Greene river, at lock and dam No. 2, about twenty-five 
miles north of Greeneville — contains one Union church, one law- 
yer, two physicians, two taverns, five stores, two groceries, one 
school, two saw-mills, two grist-mills, one carding factory, and 
six mechanics' shops. Population, 300. Named after James Rum- 
sey, for whom the honor is claimed of having built the first steam- 
boat in the United States. South Carrollton, situated on Greene 
river, two miles below Lewisburg — has two stores, three ware- 
houses, one Cumberland Presbyterian church, one physician, one 
tavern, and four mechanics' shops. Population, 75. Skilcsville 
is situated on Greene river, at lock and dam No. 3, fourteen miles 
east of Greeneville, and contains one physician, two stores, and 
about 15 souls. Named after James R. Skiles, who introduced 
the first steamboat upon Greene river, and who spent a fortune in 
promoting the navigation of the river. 

Gen. Peter Muhlenburg was a native of Pennsylvania, and by profession a 
clergyman of the Lutheran church. At the breaking out of the revolution, he 
was a young man of about thirty years of age, and pastor of a Lutheran church 
at Woodstock. In 1776, he received the commission of colonel, and was re- 
quested to raise his regiment among the Germans of the valley. Having in his 
pulpit inculcated the principles of liberty, he found no difficulty in enlisting a re- 
giment. He entered the pulpit with his sword and cockade, preached his fare- 
well sermon, and the next day marched at the head of his regiment to join the 
army. His regiment was the eighth Virginia, or, as it was commonly called, the 
German regiment. This corps behaved with honor throughout the war. They 
were at Brandywine, Monmouth, and Germantown, and in the southern campaigns. 
In 1777, Mr. Muhlenburg was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. After 
the war, he returned to Pennsylvania — was for many years treasurer of that State, 
and served three terms in Congress, after the adoption of the constitution. In 
person, Gen. Muhlenburg was tall and well-proportioned, and, in his address, re- 
markably courteous. He was a fine disciplinarian, an excellent officer, and es- 
teemed and beloved by both officers and soldiers. 



NELSON COUNTY. 

Nelson county was formed in 1781, and named for Gover- 
nor Thomas Nelson, of Virginia. It is situated in the middle part 
of the state, and lies on the waters of Salt river : Bounded on 
the north by Spencer ; east by Washington and Marion ; south 
by Larue ; west by Hardin ; and north-west by Bullitt. The sur- 
face of the county is undulating The soil in the northern por- 
tion is of an excellent quality, and well adapted to the growth 
of hemp ; while that of the southern portion is rather thin, though 
there are detached parcels of good land, particularly in the bot- 



474 



NELSON COUNTY. 



toms of the Beech and Rolling forks, and Pottingcr creeks. This 
county grows almost every variety of grain and grasses. The 
exports are, principally, hemp, flour, hay, corn, apples, hogs, cat- 
tle, horses, mules, and whisky. 

Number of acres of land in Nelson, 252,597 ; average value of 
lands per acre, $9.00 ; total valuation of taxable property in 
184(5, $4,967,176 ; number of white males over twenty-one years 
of age, 1,987; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 1,754. Population in 1840, 13,637. 




CATHOLIC COLLEGE, BARDSTOWN, KY. 



The towns of Nelson are, Bardstown, Bloomfield, Fairfield) 
Chaplin and New-Haven. Bardstown, the principal town and^ 
county seat, is situated on an elevated plain, three-fourths of a 
mile north of the Beech fork of Salt river, about fifty miles 
from Frankfort, and forty miles south-west from Louisville. It 
contains a fine brick court-house, four churches, (Baptist, Metho- 
dist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic,) fourteen lawyers, nine 
physicians, ten dry goods stores, one drug store, several grocery 
stores, one bagging factory, one wool factory, one steam cotton 
factory, and twenty-five mechanics' shops. Population about 
2,000. St. Joseph's College, located in this town, was founded in 



FEMALE COURAGE. 



475 



1819, and is under the control of the Roman Catholic denomina- 
tion. Rev. Edward McMahon is president, assisted by four pro- 
fessors. Numbers about one hundred and fifty students, with five 
thousand volumes in the library. Commencement in August. 
The college edifice is a very commodious and imposing structure. 
There is a Roman Catholic Female Institidion i-wo and a half 
miles north-west of Bardstown — and Presbyterian and Metho- 
dist Female Academies in Bardstown — all extensively patronised 
and in a flourishing condition. Bardstown is one of the hand- 
somest towns of the west, and contains an enterprising, intelli- 
gent and remarkably moral population. 

There is a natural tunnel under Bardstown, of circular form 
and several feet in diameter, commencing at the eastern and ter- 
minating at the western declivity of the eminence on which the 
town is built. We have not learned to what extent this subter- 
ranean passage has been penetrated. 

Bloomfield is a handsome town, containing one Baptist church, 
two physicians, five stores, two taverns, and sixteen mechanics' 
shops, with a population of 400. New Haven has a Roman Cath- 
olic church, one Methodist Episcopal church, one tavern, four phy- 
sicians, four stores, and ten mechanics' shops : Population 300. 
Fairjicld contains one Catholic church, three physicians, one tav- 
ern, four stores and six mechanics' shops — with a population of 
150. Chaplin has three physicians, three stores, one tavern, and 
seven mechanics' shops — population 150. 

Female Courage. — ^The following record of the indomitable courage and ama- 
zing physical strength of one of the pioneer females of Kentucky, we copy from 
the interesting work of Mr. McClung, the Sketches of Western Adventure: 

" During the summer of 1787, the house of Mr. John Merril, of Nelson county, 
Ky., was attacked by the Indians, and defended with singular address and good 
fortune. Merril was alarmed by the barking of a dog about midnight, and upon 
opening the door in order to ascertain the cause of the disturbance, he received 
the fire of six or seven Indians, by which his arm and thigh w^ere both broken. 
He instantly sunk upon the floor and called upon his wife to close the door. This 
had scarcely been done when it was violently assailed by the tomahawks of the 
enemy, and a large breach soon effected. Mrs. Merril, however, being a perfect 
Amazon, both in strength and courage, guarded it with an axe, and successively 
killed or badly wounded four of the enemy as they attempted to force their way 
into the cabin. 

"The Indians then ascended the roof, and attempted to enter by way of the 
chimney ; but here again they were met by the same determined enemy. Mrs. 
Merril seized the only feather bed which the cabin afforded, and hastily ripping 
it open, poured its contents upon the fire. A furious blaze and stifling smoke 
instantly ascended the chimney, and brought down two of the enemy, who lay 
for a few moments at the mercy of the lady. Seizing the axe, she quickly 
dispatched them, and was instantly afterwards summoned to the door, where the 
only remaining savage now appeared, endeavoring to effect an entrance, while 
Mrs. Merril was engaged at the chimney. He soon received a gash in the cheek, 
which compelled him, with a loud yell, to relinquish his purpose, and return has- 
tily to Chillicothe, where, from the report of a prisoner, he gave an exaggerated 
account of the fierceness, strength, and courage of the " long knife squaw !" 

In August, 1792, information was communicated to Major Brown, of Nelson 
county, that a party of Indians were committing depredations on the Rolling fork 
of Salt river. He immediately raised a company of volunteers, and commenced 



476 NELSON COUNTY. 

a vigilant search for the maraviders. Falling on their trail, he pursued and over- 
took them, when a brisk skirmish ensued between his men and the rear of the 
Indian force, consisting of twelve warriors. In this spirited conflict, four of the 
Indians were left dead upon the field, and the remainder were dispersed. The 
loss of the whites was one man killed, and two wounded. 

The Hon. Charles A. Wickmffe, who has filled a considerable space in the 
political history of his State and country, is a native of Kentucky. His father, 
C. Wickliffe, removed from Virginia to Kentucky in 1784, when the few and 
feeble settlements in the western forests were still exposed to the horrors of sav- 
age warfare. His mother was a sister of Col. John Hardin, so celebrated in the 
traditions of the west, for his heroism and tragical fate. The subject of our 
sketch is the youngest of nine children. His father, with small means and a 
large family, was unable, parti}' from the condition of the country at that early 
period, to bestow an education upon any of his sons, beyond the rudiments of the 
English language. The whole family, however, were brought up in habits of 
industry and economy. 

The oldest brother, Robert Wickliffe, after he had attained the age of twenty- 
one, commenced the study of the law under the celebrated George Nicholas, and, 
by his vigorous talents, and industry, has raised himself to well known eminence 
at the bar and in the councils of his country. The other two brothers, one of 
whom is dead, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and attained great respectability 
and high standing in the society in which they moved. Charles A. Wickliffe re- 
mained at home until his seventeenth year, when, manifesting a desire to obtain 
an education, he was sent to a grammar school in Bardstown, under the care of 
the Rev. Dr. Wilson, where he remained about one year. He afterwards enjoyed 
the benefit of Dr. Blythe's instructions, at Lexington, for about nine months. 

Expressing a desire to study law, he was placed under the tuition of his rela- 
tive, Gen. Martin D. Hardin. He was forced to enter upon the practice of his 
profession, after a shorter term of preparation than was usual at that day, — for his 
father's property was little more than adequate to the support of his family ; and 
young Wickliffe found himself almost wholly dependent upon his own exertions 
for the means of subsistence. His appearance at the bar was greeted by many 
warm friends of his youth, to whose kindness he was much indebted for his sub- 
sequent success, and for whom he has ever expressed the most grateful regard. 
Yet he had to struggle against a tremendous competition. 

The bar of Bardstown, when he commenced his professional career, was the 
ablest west of the Alleghany mountains. It comprised such men as Rowan, 
who, as an advocate, was excelled by few, if any, of his day : afterwards a judge 
of the highest court of the commonwealth, and senator in the Congress of the 
United States ; Pope, who has been pronounced, by good judges, one of the 
ablest debaters that this country has ever produced ; Hardin, who is well known 
as a skillful and learned jurist j and, at a subsequent period, that prodigy, John 
Hays, whose marvellous eloquence is never spoken of without enthusiasm, by 
those who had the good fortune to hear him. In this battle of giants, Mr. Wick- 
liffe, by fair and honorable exertion, forced his way to that high place in public 
estimation which he has ever since maintained. 

When the popular mind began to be deeply moved in reference to the vindica- 
tion of our national rights and honor against the maritime tyranny of England, 
Mr. Wickliffe took an active part, by public addresses, in preparing the people 
of that part of Kentucky in which he was then known, to support a declaration 
of war, and to take a share in the struggle worthy of her renown for courage and 
patriotism. After war had been declared in 1812, he entered the service as a vol- 
unteer, but was soon after appointed aid to Gen. Winlock. He had been chosen 
to represent Nelson county in the legislature, which met in December, 1812. This 
was an important session. Kentucky had responded, with her usual alacrity, to 
the call of the country. During the preceding summer, great numbers of volun- 
teers had left their homes for the hardships and perils of the north-western cam- 
paign. The general government having failed, in a great measure, to provide for 
their wants, the legislature threw open the treasury of the State ; and, at the same 
time that they devoted her revenues to the public service, pledged the lives of her 
80QS to the cause of the nation. 



CHARLES A. WICKLIFFE. 477 

While this legislature was in session, came the news of that dreadful disaster 
at the Raisin, which covered the State with mourning. The two houses requested 
the venerable Gov. Shelby, then in the executive chair, to take command of the 
Kentuckians, and lead them to victory and vengeance. Of all these measures 
for tlie vio-orous prosecution of the war, Mr. Wickliffe was the zealous and effi- 
cient advocate. His re-election, in 1813, was the best proof that his constituents 
approved his legislative conduct. 

In this year, he was married to Miss Margaret Cripps, a lady who is justly ad- 
mired for her colloquial powers and social accomplishments, and esteemed by her 
intimate friends for other less brilliant, but still more valuable qualities. Her 
father, some months before her birth, had fallen in a dreadful conflict with the In- 
dians, near Bullitt's Lick, after a display of courage and generosity unsurpassed 
in the annals of western adventure. 

When Gov. Shelby issued his proclamation, inviting his fellow-citizens to meet 
him at Newport, Mr. Wickliffe again volunteered, and was appointed aid to Gen. 
Caldwell, of the Kentucky troops, in which capacity he was present, and ren- 
dered valuable service, at the battle of the Thames. After that battle, he returned 
to Kentucky, and served in the ensuing session of the legislature. Tie then with- 
drew from public life, being under the necessity of providing for a family, by un- 
divided attention to his professional business. 

In 1820, he was again elected to the legislature. In the session of that year 
the commonwealth bank was chartered. Mr. Wickliffe made an able speech 
against that measure, basing his opposition to it not only upon constitutional 
ground, but also upon the evils and dangers of the paper system. He continued 
a member of the legislature until his election to Congress in 1822. In 1825, 
when the choice of a president devolved upon the house of representatives, Mr. 
Wickliffe, in opposition to most of his colleagues, voted for General Jackson, in 
accordance with the wishes of a large majority of the people whom he repre- 
sented. He preferred General Jackson to Mr. Adams, from his personal knowl- 
edge of their characters, as well as of their views in relation to the fundamental 
principles of the federal government. His re-election to Congress, by the unusu- 
ally large majority of two thousand votes, was a decisive proof of the approba- 
tion of his constituents. He continued to represent the same district in Con- 
gress until 1833, when the pressure of domestic cares and professional business 
compelled him once more to retire from public life. 

During his ten years' service in the councils of the nation, his reputation stea- 
dily rose as a debater and a man of business. He was for several years chair- 
man of the important committee of public lands, and was chosen by the house 
one of the managers of the impeachment of Judge Peck, in which capacity he 
appeared before the senate, and made one of the ablest speeches reported in the 
proceedings of that celebrated trial. 

Mr. Wickliffe was not long permitted to remain in retirement. The same year 
in which he left Congress, he was called upon by the people of Nelson county 
to represent them in the legislature. In the session of 1834, he was chosen 
speaker of the hovise of representatives. At a subsequent session Mr. Wickliffe 
drafted, supported and carried through the legislature, in the face of violent oppo- 
sition, the bill establishing the present jury system of Kentucky. Every one 
acquainted with the defects of the former system, must admit that we are indebted 
to Mr. Wickliffe for a valuable reform in the administration of justice — perhaps 
the most important of all the objects for which governments are instituted. 

Scarcely had he left the legislature, when, in 1836, he was chosen lieutenant 
governor of Kentucky, by which he became president of the senate. His com- 
manding person, dignified manners, and prompt decision, well qualify him to pre- 
side over a deliberative body. In 1839, by the death of Governor Clarke, he 
became the acting governor of the commonwealth, and discharged the duties of 
that high office with ability, integrity, and to the general satisfaction of the pub- 
lic. He found the finances of the commonwealth in such a condition, owing to 
the excesses of the internal improvement system, as threatened to impair the credit 
of the State. He saw that this state of things required a prompt remedy, and in 
his annual message, he called upon the legislature to prevent the further issue 
and sale of bonds, without an adequate provision for paying the interest on the 
vast liabilities already incurred. 



478 NELSON COUNTY. 

In 1811, he was called by Mr. Tyler to a seat in his cabinet, as post master 
general of the United States. All who know him will acknowledge that he was 
well qualified for that responsible office, by methodical habits of business, saga- 
city, combined with scrupulous attention to details, and unswerving determination 
to do his duty according to law, regardless of the clamors of interested men. 
The close of his official career was signalized by a transaction, perhaps the most 
memorable of his public life. It was his fortune to take a considerable share in 
bringing to its final consummation the annexation of Texas ; a measure which may 
be regarded as a link in a chain of events that will girdle the North American 
continent with a wide belt of illumination : which has given an impulse to the 
extension of anglo American institutions, that cannot be arrested until the circuit 
of empire shall have been completed on the shores of the Pacific. 

In conclusion, we may remark that, though, like all men who have been prom- 
inently connected with public transactions, Mr. WicklifTe has given offence to 
many, his conduct in all the domestic relations, as a citizen, as a man of busi- 
ness, and as a christian gentleman, secures the respect and confidence even of his 
bitterest political enemies. 

The Hon. Benjamin Hardin is one of the ablest men in the State. He has 
frequently been a member of the legislature, and elector for president and vice- 
president. He was a member of Congress from 1815 to 1817, from 1819 to 1823, 
and from 1833 to 1837. While in Congress, few occupied higher rank as a de- 
bater than Mr. Hardin. His style is peculiar, pungent, sarcastic, pointed and 
energetic; making him an antagonist to be feared. The late eccentric John 
Randolph, of Roanoke, in allusion to Hardin's peculiar style of oratory, used to 
call him " the kitchen knife," rough and homely, but keen and trenchant. As 
an advocate at the bar, he has few if any superiors in the State. In 1814, when 
William Owsley became governor of the State, he appointed Hardin his secre- 
tary of state, which office he held until February, 1847, when he resigned. His 
person is tall and commanding, his eye remarkably keen and penetrating, and 
his countenance exhibits striking indications of decided talent. In his politics 
he is a whig. 

Thomas Nelson, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, from 
whom this county received its name, was a native of Virginia. He was educa- 
ted in England; and entered the Virginia house of burgesses, in 1774. Iri the 
military organization of Virginia, at the breaking out of the war, he was appointed 
to the command of a regiment. In 1775, he was sent to the general Congress, 
at Philadelphia, and was a member of that body at the time of the declaration of 
independence. About this time he was appointed, by the State of Virginia, a 
brigadier general, and invested with the chief command of the military of the 
State. In 1779, he was again, for a short time, a member of Congress, but was 
forced by ill health to resign his seat. In 1781, he succeeded Mr. Jefferson as 
governor of Virginia ; and continued to unite in himself the two offices of gov- 
ernor and commander of the military forces, until the surrender of Lord Corn- 
wallis. He died in 1789, aged fifty years. 

The following incidents, from an esteemed and valuable contributor, were de- 
signed to appear under the head of Bullitt, but were not received until after the 
description of that county had passed through the hands of the stereotyper. They 
are too interesting to be lost, and we therefore transfer them to Nelson : 

" If I could have taken the time, I might have given you many other interest- 
ing particulars of the early times. about Bullitt's Lick — when the fires of an hun- 
dred salt furnaces gleamed through the forest, and the Wyandot sat on Caha's 
knob and looked down on five hundred men on the plain below. I have sat in 
the fork of the chesnut-oak to which Caha was bound by the Indians, while they 
procured his funeral pile out of the dead limbs of the pitch-pine that grows on 
the mountain's side — (they intended to burn him in sight of Bullitt's Lick). Some 
oxen had been turned out to graze, and were straggling up the hill side. The 
Indians heard the cracking of the brush, and supposing it to be their enemies 
(the whites) coming in search of their lost companion, darted into the thicket on 
the opposite side of the hill. Caha improved their temporary absence — slipped 
his bands, and escaped in the darkness, and in a half hour arrived safe at the 



NICHOLAS COUNTY. 479 

licks. A company was immediately raised, and made pursuit. They followed 
the trail of about twenty Indians to the bank of the Ohio river, and saw the In- 
dians crossing on dead timber they had rolled into the river. Some shots were 
exchanged, but no damage was known to be done on either side. 

"I have sat under the shade of the elm, about three miles north of Shepherds- 
ville, where Col. FMoyd fell ; and have a thousand times walked the path that 
May and his companions pursued, as they returned from making surveys in the 
new county of Washington, when they were waylaid by some twelve Indians, 
about a mile and a half above Shepherdsville, on the south side of Salt river. 
The surveyors, including the elder May, were all killed but one — his name wa3 
Hardin. He fled to the river bank, pursued by the Indians. There was a small 
station on the opposite side, (called Brashear's station, I think), about a quarter 
of a mile above the site of the present beautiful watering place called Paroquette 
Springs. The men in the station, about twenty-five in number, sallied out. Har- 
din ran under the river bank and took shelter. The whites, on the opposite side, 
kept the Indians off of him with their rifles, until a part of their company ran 
down and crossed at the ford, (Shepherdsville), came up on the side Hardin was 
on, and drove the Indians from their prey. May's field-notes of his surveys were 
preserved, and subsequently sustained by the supreme court of the commonwealth." 

In 1778, John Fitch, for whom the honor has been claimed of having invented 
the steamboat, came to Kentucky, located a tract of land in Nelson county, and 
appears to have resided there for some time. He was a native of Connecticut — 
a man of robust person and vigorous intellect — inclined to mechanics in his stu- 
dies and habits, but not educated as a practical mechanic. The idea of applying 
steam as a propelling power in navigation, first suggested itself to his mind while 
sitting on the bank of the Ohio river, and thinking of the vastness and fertility of 
the great valley watered by that and the Mississippi river. After repeated trials, 
and much annoyance from unsuccessful applications for assistance, he finally suc- 
ceeded in carrying his project into execution, and made a boat which was propel- 
led by steam. He visited Europe, in the course of his labors, and availed him- 
self of the knowledge to be obtained from an examination of Watts' improvement 
in the steam engine. He endeavored to procure a patent for his invention, but 
failed. The remainder of his life was spent in harassing efforts to make his inven- 
tion productive, but without avail. His disappointments preyed upon his spirit. 
He resorted to the bottle, and died in extreme poverty. He was interred in the 
public burial ground at Bardstown. 



NICHO LAS COUNTY. 

Nicholas county was formed in 1799, and named in honor of 
Colonel George Nicholas. It is situated in the north-east middle 
part of the State, and lies on both sides of the Licking river, 
which flows through the county in a north-western direction. 
The other more important streams of the county are, Flat, Som- 
erset and Cassady's creeks. That portion of the county which 
borders upon Bourbon and Bath, is generally level or gently undu- 
lating, and is quite rich and productive : the remainder of the 
county, with the exception of the vallies of Licking and its trib- 
utaries, is broken oak lands. The soil is based on limestone, 
with red clay foundation. The staple articles of trade and com- 
merce are, corn, hemp, cattle and hogs. Carlisle is the present 
Beat of justice, 58 miles from Frankfort. It is a singular fact 
that the county seat has been located at every prominent point 
in the county. First at the Blue Licks ; next at Bedinger's mill, 



480 NICHOLAS COUNTY. 

two miles above ; then at Ellidville, on the road from Maysville 
to Lexington ; and finally it found a permanent location at Cax- 
lisle in 1816. 

Number of acres of land in Nicholas, 142,305 ; average value 
of land per acre, $11.55 ; total valuation of taxable property in 
1846, $2,450,145 ; number of w^hite males over twenty-one years 
old, 1,623; number of children between five and sixteen years 
old, 2,121. Population in 1840, 8,745. 

Carlisle, the seat of justice for Nicholas county, is situated two 
miles east of the Maysville and Lexington road, thirty-four miles 
from Maysville, fifty-eight miles from Frankfort, and five hundred 
and ten miles from Washington city : contains a new brick court- 
house, two churches, six lawj'ers, three physicians, two taverns, 
five dry goods stores, one drug and hat store, two tanneries and 
fifteen mechanics' shops. Population about 300. Incorporated 
in 1817. Moorcjicld is a small village, six miles east of Carlisle 
— containing one church, two physicians, four mechanics' shops, 
and about 40 inhabitants. 

The Blue Lick Springs have, from various causes, become the most celebra- 
ted watering place in the west. It was here that the bloody battle was fought 
with the Indians, which shrouded Kentucky in mourning; and next to Braddock'a 
defeat, has become famous in the annals of savage warfare. At an early day, 
the Licks became a point of great importance to the settlers, as it was chiefly 
here that they procured, with great labor, and at much expense, their supply of 
salt. In modern times, it has become a favorite and fashionable resort, where 
liundreds of the elite of the land annually assemble in the pursuit of health or 
pleasure. The largest and most valuable spring, whose supply of water appears 
to be inexhaustible, is situated on the northern bank of the Licking river, about 
two hundred yards from that stream. The water has been analyzed by experi- 
enced chemists, and contains the following ingredients: — Sulphurated hydrogen, 
carbonic acid, muriate of soda, muriate of magnesia, muriate of lime, sulphate 
of lime, sulphate of soda, sulphate of magnesia, and carbonate of lime. In its 
action on the system, it is purgative, diaphoretic and alterative. 

Since this watering place has passed into the possession of the Messrs. Holli- 
day, the buildings have been greatly extended, the accommodations increased, 
and the grounds improved and beautifully adorned. The main hotel is six hun- 
dred and seventy feet in length, three stories high, and surrounded by large and 
airy galleries, eighteen hundred feet in extent. It has a large and commodious 
dining room, ball room, and three elegantly furnished parlors. The large cedar 
grove which occupies the site of the battle ground, has been enclosed and set in 
blue grass, and affords a delightful retreat to visitors in the hot months of July 
and August. The Blue Lick water has become an important article of commerce, 
several thousand barrels being annually exported. 

On the ■25th of September, 177G, Colonel John Todd, with a party of ten men, 
left Hinkston's station, for the purpose of removing the military stores secreted 
by General George Rogers Clark on Limestone creek,* (near Maysville,) to 
Harrodsburg. When near the Blue Licks, they met a small body of Indians, 
which was following the trail of Clark and his companions, who had made their 
way a few days previous to Harrodsburg. The savages made a sudden and vig- 
orous onset upon the whites, killing Jones and one or two others, making two or 
three prisoners, and putting the remainder to flight. 

In January, 1778, accompanied by thirty men, Boone went to the Blue Licks 
to make salt for the diflerent stations ; and on the seventh of February following, 
while out hunting, he fell in with one hundred and two Indian warriors, on their 
march to attack Boonsborough. He instantly fled, but, being upwards of fifty 

» See sketch of General George Rogers Clark. 



BATTLE OF THE BLUE LICKS. 481 

years old, was unable to contend with the fleet young men who pursued him, and 
was a second time taken prisoner. As usual he was treated with kindness until 
his final fate was determined, and was led back to the Licks, where his men 
were still encamped. Here his whole party, to the number of twenty-seven, sur- 
rendered themselves, upon promise of life and good treatment, both of which con- 
ditions were faithfully observed.* 

In 1782, the Indians having committed some depredations at Hoy's station, 
and taken two boys prisoners. Captain Holder raised a party of seventeen men 
and pursued them. Near the Upper Blue Licks, he came in sight of the enemy, 
and a spirited conflict ensued ; but Captain Holder finding his force greatly infe- 
rior in number to the Indians, very prudently gave orders to retreat, which was 
effected with the loss of four men killed and wounded. The loss on the part of 
the Indians was never ascertained. 

On the 19th of August, 1782, the fatal battle to which we have previously re- 
ferred, took place, on the old State road, about half a mile north of the Lower 
Blue Licks. The Kentuckians who fought this battle left Bryant's station on 
the afternoon of the 18th, and was composed of one hundred and eighty-two 
men, according to General G. R. Clark, and of one hundred and sixty-six, ac- 
cording to Mr. Marshall. The subjoined account of the troops, pursuit, and bat- 
tle, we copy from McC lung's Sketches : 

" Colonel Daniel Boone, accompanied by his youngest son, headed a strong 
party from Boonsborough ; Trigg brought up the force from the neighborhood of 
Harrodsburg, and Todd commanded the militia around Lexington. Nearly a 
third of the whole number assembled was composed of commissioned officers, 
who hurried from a distance to the scene of hostilities, and for the time took their 
station in the ranks. Of those under the rank of colonel, the most conspicuous 
were Majors Harland, McBride, McGary, and Levi Todd, and Captains Bulger 
and Gordon. Of the six last named officers, all fell in the subsequent battle, ex- 
cept Todd and McGaiy. Todd and Trigg, as senior colonels, took the command, 
although their authority seems to have been in a great measure nominal. That, 
however, was of less consequence, as a sense of common danger is often more 
binding than the strictest discipline. 

" A tumultuous consultation, in which every one seems to have had a voice, 
terminated in an unanimous resolution to pursue the enemy without delay. It 
was well known that General Logan had collected a strong force in Lincoln, and 
would join them at farthest in twenty-four hours. It was distinctly understood 
that the enemy was at least double, and, according to Girty's account, more than 
treble their own numbers. It was seen that their trail was broad and obvious, 
and that even some indications of a tardiness and willingness to be pursued, had 
been observed by their scouts, who had been sent out to reconnoitre, and from 
which it might reasonably be inferred that they would halt on the way, at least 
march so leisurely, as to permit them to wait for the aid of Logan ! Yet so keen 
was the ardor of officer and soldier, that all these obvious reasons were over- 
looked, and in the afternoon of the 18th of August, the line of march was taken 
up, and the pursuit urged with that precipitate courage which has so often been 
fatal to Kentuckians. Most of the officers and many of the privates were 
mounted. 

"The Indians had followed the buffalo trace, and as if to render their trail still 
more evident, they had chopped many of the trees on each side of the road with 
their hatchets. These strong indications of tardiness, made some impression 
upon the cool and calculating mind of Boone ; but it was too late to advise re- 
treat. They encamped that night in the woods, and on the following day reached 
the fatal boundary of their pursuit. At the Lower Blue Licks, for the first time 
since the pursuit commenced, they came within view of an enemy. As the mis- 
cellaneous crowd of horse and foot reached the southern bank of Licking, they 
saw a number of Indians ascending the rocky ridge on the other side. 

"They halted upon the appearance of the Kentuckians, gazed at them for a 
few moments in silence, and then leisurely disappeared over the top of the hill. 
A halt immediately ensued. A dozen or twenty officers met in front of the ranks, 

*Life of Boone. 

31 



482 NICHOLAS COUNTY. 

and entered into consultation. The wild and lonely aspect of the country around 
them, their distance from any point of support, with the certainty of their being 
in the presence of a superior enemy, seems to have inspired a portion of serious- 
ness, borderinor upon awe. All eyes were now turned upon Boone, and Colonel 
Todd asked his opinion as to what should be done. The veteran woodsman, with 
his usual unmoved <rravity, replied: 

" That their situation was critical and delicate ; that the force opposed to them was un- 
doubtedly numerous and ready for battle, as might readily be seen from the leisurely retreat 
of the few Indians who had appeared upon the crest of the hill; that he was well acquain- 
ted with liie ground in the neighborhood of the Lick, and was apprehensive that an ambus- 
cade was formed at the distance of a mile in advance, where two ravines, one upon each 
side of the ridge, ran in such a manner that a concealed enemy might assail them at once 
both in front and flank, before they were apprised of the danger. 

" It would be proper, therefore, to do one of two things. Either to await the arrival of 
Logan, who was now undoubtedly on his march to join them, or if it was determined to at- 
tack without delay, that one half of their number should march up the river, which there 
bends in an elliptical form, cross at the rapids and fall upon the rear of the enemy, while the 
other division attacked in front. At any rate, he strongly urged the necessity of recon- 
noitering the ground carefully before the main body crossetl the river." 

" Such was the counsel of Boone. And although no measure could have been 
much more disastrous than that which was adopted, yet it may be doubted if any 
thing short of an immediate retreat upon Logan, could have saved this gallant 
body of men from the fate which they encountered. If they divided their force, 
the enemy, as in Estill's case, might have overwhelmed them in detail ; if they 
remained- where they were, without advancing, the enemy would certainly have 
attacked them, probably in the night, and with a certainty of success. They had 
committed a great error at first, in not waiting for Logan, and nothing short of a 
retreat, which would have been considered disgraceful, could now repair it. 

" Boone was heard in silence and with deep attention. Some wished to adopt 
the first plan ; others preferred the second ; and the discussion threatened to be 
drawn out to some length, when the boiling ardor of McGary, who could never 
endure the presence of an enemy without instant battle, stimulated him to an act, 
which had nearly proved destructive to his country. He suddenly interrupted 
the consultation with a loud whoop, resembling the war-cry of the Indians, spur- 
red his horse into the stream, waved his hat over his head, and shouted aloud : — 
" Let all who are not cowards, follow me ! " The w-ords and the action together, 
produced an electrical effect. The mounted men dashed tumultuously into the 
river, each striving to be foremost. The footmen were mingled with them in one 
rolling and irregular mass. 

" No order was given, and none observed. They struggled through a deep 
ford as well as they could, McGary still leading the van, closely followed by 
Majors Harland and McBride. With the same rapidity they ascended the ridge, 
which, by the tramping of buffalo foragers, had been stripped bare of all vegetation, 
with the exception of a few dwarfish cedars, and which was rendered still more 
desolate in appearance, by the multitude of rocks, blackened by the sun, which 
were spread over its surface. Upon reaching the top of the ridge, they followed 
the buffalo trace with the same precipitate ardor; Todd and Trigg in the rear; 
McGary, Harland, McBride, and Boone in front. No scouts were sent in ad- 
vance ; none explored either flank ; officers and soldiers seemed alike demented 
by the contagious example of a single man, and all struggled forward, horse and 
foot, as if to outstrip each other in the advance. 

" Suddenly, the van halted. They had reached the spot mentioned by Boone, 
where the two ravines head, on each side of the ridge. Here a body of Indians 
presented themselves, and attacked the van. McGary's party instantly returned 
the fire, but under great disadvantage. They were upon a bare and open ridge ; 
the Indians in a bushy ravine. The center and rear, ignorant of the ground, hur- 
ried up to the assistance of the van, but were soon stopped by a terrible fire from 
the ravine which flanked them. They found themselves enclosed as if in the 
wings of a net, destitute of proper shelter, while the enemy were in a great mea- 
sure covered from their fire. Still, however, they maintained their ground. The 
action became warm and bloody. The parties gradually closed, the Indians 
emerged from the ravines, and the fire became mutually destructive. The oflicers 



BATTLE OF THE BLUE LICKS. 483 

suffered dreadfully. Todd and Trigg in the rear; Harland, McBride, and young 
Boone, in front, were already killed. 

"The Indians gradually extended their line, to turn the right of the Kentucki- 
ans, and cut off their retreat. This was quickly perceived by the weight of the 
fire from that quarter, and the rear instantly fell back in disorder, and attempted 
to rush through their only opening to the river. The motion quickly communi- 
cated itself to the van, and a hurried retreat became general. The Indians in- 
stantly sprang forward in pursuit, and falling upon them with their tomahawks, 
made a cruel slaughter. From the battle ground to the river, the spectacle was 
terrible. The horsemen generally escaped, but the foot, particularly the van, 
which had advanced farthest within the wings of the net, were almost totally de- 
stroyed. Colonel Boone, after witnessing the death of his son and many of his 
dearest friends, found himself almost entirely surrounded at the very commence- 
ment of the retreat. 

Several hundred Indians were between him and the ford, to which the great 
mass of the fugitives were bending their flight, and to which the attention of the 
savages was principally directed. Being intimately acquainted with the ground, 
he, together with a few friends, dashed into the ravine which the Indians had oc- 
cupied, but which most of them had now left to join in the pursuit. After sus- 
taining one or two heavy fires, and bafiling one or two small parties, who pursued 
him for a short distance, he crossed the river below the ford, by swimming, and 
entering the wood at a point where there was no pursuit, returned by a circuitous 
route to Bryant's station. In the mean time, the great mass of the victors and 
vanquished crowded the bank of the ford. 

"The slaughter was great in the river. The ford was crowded with horsemen 
and foot and Indians, all mingled together. Some were compelled to seek a pas- 
sage above by swimming ; some, who could not swim, were overtaken and killed 
at the edge of the water. A man by the name of Netherland, who had for- 
merly been strongly suspected of cowardice, here displayed a coolness and pres- 
ence of mind, equally noble and unexpected. Being finely mounted, he had out- 
stripped the great mass of the fugitives, and crossed the river in safety. A dozen 
or twenty horsemen accompanied him, and having placed the river between them 
and the enemy, showed a disposition to continue their flight, without regard to 
the safety of their friends who were on foot, and still struggling with the current. 

" Netherland instantly checked his horse, and in a loud voice, called upon his 
companions to halt, fire upon the Indians, and save those who were still in the 
stream. The party instantly obeyed ; and facing about, poured a close and fatal 
discharge of rifles upon the foremost of the pursuers. The enemy instantly fell 
back from the opposite bank, and gave time for the harassed and miserable foot- 
men to cross in safety. The check, however, was but momentary. Indians 
were seen crossing in great numbers above and below, and the flight again be- 
came general. Most of the foot left the great buffalo track, and plunging into 
the thickets, escaped by a circuitous route to Bryant's station. 

" But little loss was sustained after crossing the river, although the pursuit 
was urged keenly for twenty miles. From the battle ground to the ford, the loss 
was very heavy ; and at that stage of the retreat, there occurred a rare and strik- 
ing instance of magnanimity, which it would be criminal to omit." 

The foregoing account of the battle of the Blue Licks, we copy from McClung's 
Sketches, who, we suppose, derived his facts from Marshall. A letter to the au- 
thor, from a distinguished citizen of Kentucky, far advanced in years, makes the 
following statement in reference to the battle, which differs, in some important 
particulars, from Mr. McClung. The writer says : 

" Will you include the battle of the Blue Licks in your notes upon Nicholas 
county ? If so, and you are not in possession of the true account of that battle, 
I believe I can supply you, and on information derived from Gen. Clark and Si- 
mon Kenton ; and, also, Capt. Samuel Johnson and Judge Twyman, both of 
whom were in the battle. It substantially varies from Marshall, &c., who have, 
most erroneously, blamed the conduct of the officers. Johnson was a captain, 
and Judge Twyman a man of high intelligence and perfect veracity. I went over 
the ground with him, many years since, and was not only shown the spot where 
the battle began, and where Trigg was killed, but the position of Trigg's, Todd's 
and Boone's lines. These statements ajireed with Kenton's and Gen. Clark's — 



484 NICHOLAS COUNTY. 

the latter receiving his information from his friends in the action, and the Indian 
chief who fought it. Indeed, Boone's short letter, when correctly understood, 
corroborates my information, and proves Marshall and others to be in error. 

"The whole force assembled in the open Lick ground, and formed three lines 
— Todd commanding the centre, Trigg the right, and Boone the left lines ; while 
Capt. Harlan, with tw-enty-five picked men, formed an advance guard. The whole 
road from the Lick to the forks was examined by two spies, who reported that they 
could find no Indians between the two points — the latter, as was soon ascertained, 
having fallen behind the river hills on either side of the horse-shoe, leaving a few 
of their number concealed in the grass, in the right hand hollow. As the troops 
moved on, Trigg's battalion came upon the small number last mentioned, who 
fired upon his command, and killed him and two or three of his men. This threw 
Trigg's line into confusion, and, being attacked by the Indians from the right hill 
side of the river, before order could be restored, the whole battalion broke. This 
exposed Todd to a fire in flank, while Harlan and his twenty-five men were at- 
tacked in front, and the whole, with three exceptions, cut down. Todd's line, in 
consequence, became exposed to the Indian fire in front as well as on his flank, 
when a large portion of his men gave ground, leaving the left and front ranks ex- 
posed to the galling fire of the enemy. A general and tumultuous retreat soon 
followed, &c. 

"Equally untrue is the statement, that Todd hurried the pursuit, without wait- 
ing the arrival of Logan, for fear of being superseded in the command. The fact 
is, that Todd was then both a militia colonel and a colonel in the State line, and 
Logan was but a captain.* Logan did not reach Bryant's station until the day 
after the action, so that, if the battle had been delayed, the Indians would have 
crossed the Ohio before he reached Lexington." 

There are fe\y objects of more interest than the struggle of a great mind with 
all the disadvantages of poverty and obscurity ; nor is there any sight more grand 
and imposing — more eminently worthy of contemplation — than the ultimate tri- 
umph of such a mind. Of such struggles and such triumphs, our country affords 
many bright examples ; though there are few, if any, more illustrious than the 
subject of this brief memoir. 

Thomas Metcalfe was born on the 20th of March, 1780, in the county of Fau- 
quier and State of Virginia. His parents were poor and humble, aspiring to no 
distinction saving that of a good name and spotless reputation. At an early day 
they emigrated to Kentucky, and settled in the county of Fayette. 

The necessity growing out of the poverty and misfortunes of his father and 
family, contributed, in no small degree, to stamp the character of the boy with 
the elements of greatness, which his natural industry and enterprize subsequently 
so fully developed. In his early youth he was sent to school only long enough 
to attain to moderate perfection in the then recognized rudiments of an English 
education — sufficient, however, to inspire an ardent love for knowledge. At the 
age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to an elder brother, to learn the trade of a stone 
mason. Here it was that the character he had displayed in boyhood, shone out 
in its fullness. The hours which other boys devoted to idleness and unprofitable 
amusements, were by him assiduously devoted to study and to books. What to 
other boys was labor, was to him relaxation and repose. At the age of nineteen, 
his father died, leaving his mother and several children extremely poor, and de- 
pendent, partially, upon him for sustenance and support. To enable him more 
effectually to render them the aid their circumstances required, his brother can- 
celled his indentures, and he was declared free. With his accustomed energy, 
he set about providing for his widowed mother and her orphan children ; and lie 
most faithfully performed his duty towards them, — rearing and educating the 
children — protecting and sustaining all of them. 

In 1809, he made his first public speech. A requisition had been made upon 
the State, to vindicate the honor of the nation in the contemplated difficulties with 

* The writer of this letter evidently laliors under a mistake in relation to the rank of Gen. I.oeran at 
this period. In the year 17S0. aecording to Mr. Butler, (History of Kentucky, pp. 114 and 115). Ben- 
jamin Logan was commissioned colonel, and Stephen Trigg lieutenant colonel, of Lincoln ; and John 
Todd colonel, and Bairel Boone lieutenant colonel, of Fayette. Marshall, McClung, and Morehead, 
agree with Butler, as to the rank of Logan. 




GOV. METCALFE'S REZiOE^C^, FOREST RETREAT, KY- 



t 



i 



GEORGE NICHOLAS. 485 

old Spain. In the language of one who witnessed this effort of the young sol- 
dier, "the fire of his language spread through the ranks of the regiment, and im- 
parted to the men the same noble ardor that animated his own bosom. Nothing 
could withstand the eloquence of his call ; and volunteers flocked to the standard 
of this Norval of the Grampian hills, until an overflowing complement proved the 
success of his undertaking." 

His expectations were disappointed, — as indeed they had been on two former 
occasions, on which he had raised volunteers for the contemplated war. He qui- 
etly again doffed his title, and betook himself to the labor of his trade. In 1812, 
he was elected a member of the lower branch of the general assembly of Ken- 
tucky. Here his worth was as manifest as in the station of a private citizen. In 
the sprino- of 1813, he raised a company of volunteers; and, at the memorable 
battle of fort Meigs, he commanded one of the companies under Boswell, on the 
left flank of the line on this side of the river, which defeated more than double 
its number of Indians. He displayed an intrepidity and gallantry which secured 
him the favorable notice of his commander-in-chief, the lamented Harrison. 
While absent on the campaign of 1813, he was again elected to the legislature, 
receiving the suffrage of every voter in the county but thirteen. He served in this 
body several years; and, in 1818, was elected a member of Congress, under cir- 
cumstances most gratifying to his friends. He remained in Congress until 1827, 
when he received the nomination of the national republican party as their candi- 
date for governor of Kentucky. He resigned his seat in Congress, returned to 
Kentucky, and accepted the nomination. He entered at once, fearlessly, and with 
his accustomed energy, upon the duties of the canvass ; and though the majority 
was understood to be in favor of the party of his distinguished competitor. Major 
Barry, he overcame every obstacle, and bore his banner proudly and victoriously 
through the contest. 

After the expiration of his term of service as governor, he retired to his farm, 
in Nicholas county ; but he was not permitted to leave the field of active service 
— he was soon recalled to public life. In 1834, he was returned a member of the 
senate, from the district of Nicholas and Bracken. In 1840, he was appointed 
president of the board of internal improvements, which office he has ever since 
filled,— the arduous and responsible duties of which, he has most faithfully and 
honorably performed. The venerable man is now, as ever, the honored and be- 
loved of all who know him — a true and worthy specimen of a "fine old Ken- 
tucky gentleman." 

Major George M. Bedinger was a pioneer of Kentucky, and an early settler 
in Nicholas county. In 1779, he acted as adjutant in the unfortunate expedition 
of Col. Bowman against the Indian town of old Chillicothe; and, in 1782, he 
was a major at the fatal battle of the Blue Licks. In both the expedition and 
battle he bore himself gallantly, as a brave and efficient officer. In 1792, he was 
elected a member of the house of representatives of the first legislature of Ken- 
tucky, from Bourbon county — the territory of Nicholas then constituting a part 
of that county. In 1802, he was elected a member of Congress, and served two 
terms in that body, — retiring to private life in 1807. He lived to an advanced 
age, and died a few years since, on his farm, near the lower Blue Licks. 

Colonel George Nicholas, in honor of whom Nicholas county was named, 
was an eminent lawyer of Virginia, who served for some years as colonel during 
the revolutionary war. He came to Kentucky just before it became a State. He 
was a prominent and influential member of the Virginia convention, and a zeal- 
ous advocate in favor of the adoption of the Federal Constitution. He was a 
prominent, if not the most influential member of the convention which framed 
the first constitution of Kentucky. He enjoyed in an eminent degree the confi- 
dence of the people of Kentucky, and contributed largely, by speaking and wri- 
ting, to influence the course they took in the great political contest of '98. He 
died when between fifty and sixty years of age, in 1799. As indicating the tone 
of Colonel Nicholas' moral sentiments, it may be stated that in theory and prac- 
tice he was opposed to dueling. The following extract from a letter written by 
him to A. S. Bullitt, in 1792, is honorable alike to his head and his heart. " You 
ask ' if I expect any further satisfaction from you, on this subject.' I make no 
scruple to declare, that I have long been of opinion that fighting does no real 



486 OHIO COUNTY. 

service to the reputation ; that 1 think it w rong to hazard life in that way contrary 
both to the laws of God and man ; and that for these reasons I shall never call any 
person to the field. But I hold myself at full liberty to resent any aspersion that 
may he cast on me ; and to defend myself against any personal attack that may 
be made on me. 

"Your obedient servant, 

"G. NICHOLAS." 



OHIO COUNTY. 

Ohio county was formed in 1798, and named from the Ohio river. 
It is situated in the west middle portion of the State, lying on 
the waters of Greene river, which forms its southern and a part 
of its south-western boundary — Rough creek, quite a considera- 
ble stream, flowing, in a meandering course, through its north- 
ern territory : bounded on the north by Hancock ; east by Gray- 
son ; south-east by Butler ; south-west by Muhlenburg ; and 
north-west by Daveiss. The soil of this county is considered 
equal to that of the Greene river lands generally, producing 
excellent crops of corn, tobacco, oats, potatoes, clover and other 
gi'asses, but supposed not to contain sufficient lime for the profit- 
able growing of wheat. The timber is heavy and of a superior 
quality. Iron ore abounds in the county, and the beds of excel- 
lent coal are inexhaustible. The morus multicaulis flourishes 
here, and the culture of silk might be carried on to any extent. 
Some specimens of the manufactured article have been pro- 
nounced equal to the best Italian. 

Valuation of taxable property in Ohio county, in 1846, $1,280,- 
237 ; number of acres of land in the county, 309,630 ; average 
value of lands per acre, $2.08 ; number of white males over 
twenty one years of age, 1,407 ; number of children between five 
and seventeen years old, 2,032. Population in 1840, 6,592 — but 
supposed to be one-third greater in 1847. 

Hartford, the seat of justice, is situated on the bank of Rough 
creek, about twenty-eight miles by water from its junction with 
Greene river, and one hundred and sixty miles from Frankfort. 
Its location is pleasant and agreeable, remarkable for its fine 
water, and the general health of the population, which numbers 
about 400. It contains a brick court-house and other county 
buildings, two churches (Methodist and Free,) six lawyers, six phy- 
sicians, two taverns, fifteen stores and groceries and ten mechan- 
ics' shops. Established in 1808. 

Ohio was the first county formed below Hardin, and once included all of the 
present counties of Ohio, Daveiss and Hancock, with portions of Breckinridge, 
Grayson and Butler. The immediate vicinity of Hartford was settled at a very 
early period, and was often the scene of bloody strife and acts of noble daring. 
Hartford and Barnett's stations were about two miles apart, and although never 
regularly besieged, were frequently harassed by straggling parties of Indians, 
and a number of persons, who imprudently ventured out of sight of the stations, 



ESCAPE FROM INDIANS. 487 

killed or captured. The following facts we have derived from Mr. Stephen State- 
ler, a pioneer and venerable and esteemed citizen of Ohio county: 

In April, 1790, the Indians waylaid Barnett's station, and killed two of the 
children of John Anderson. One of the party assaulted Mrs. Anderson with a 
sword, inflicted several severe wounds upon her person, and while in the act of 
taking off her scalp, John Miller ran up within about twenty steps, and snapped 
his rifle at him. The Indian fled, leaving his sword, but succeeded in carrying 
off the scalp of Mrs. Anderson. She however recovered and lived some ten or 
twelve years afterwards. The same party captured and carried off Hannah Bar- 
nett, a daughter of Colonel Joseph Barnett, then a girl of about ten years of age. 
They retained her as a captive until October of the same year, when through the 
instrumentality of her brother-in-law, Robert Baird, she was recovered and res- 
tored to her friends. 

In August, of the same year, three men were attacked by a party of Indians, 
near the mouth of Greene river. John Mcllmurray, one of the whites, was killed, 
a man named Faith was wounded, and Martin Vannada was made a prisoner. 
The Indians immediately crossed the Ohio river, and, after traveling for some 
days in the direction of their towns, struck, as they supposed, the trail of some 
white men. In order to pursue them with the utmost celerity and without im- 
pediment, they tied Vannada to a tree. With the view of rendering his escape 
hopeless, during their absence, they spread a blanket at the root of a tree, and 
caused him to sit upon it, with his back against the tree. His hands were then 
pinioned behind him, and fastened to the tree with one rope, while they tied an- 
other rope around his neck, and fastened it to the tree above. In this painful po- 
sition they left him, and commenced the pursuit of their supposed enemies. But 
no sooner had they departed, than he commenced the work of extricating himself. 
With much difficulty he succeeded in releasing his hands, but his task appeared 
then only to have begun. He ascertained that he could not reach round the tree 
so as to get to the knot ; and it was so twisted or tied between his neck and the 
tree, that it was impossible for him to slip it one way or the other. Without a 
knife, he made powerful efforts to get the rope between his teeth, that he might 
gnaw it in two. Failing in this, he almost regretted having made any effort to 
effect his escape, as, upon the return of the Indians, the forfeit of his life would, 
in all probability, be the consequence. At this moment he recollected that there 
were some metal buttons on his waistcoat. Instantly tearing one off, he placed 
it between his teeth, and, by great efforts, broke it into two pieces. With the 
rough edge of one of these, he succeeded in fretting rather than cutting the cord 
in two which bound his neck to the tree, and was once more free. But in what 
a condition ! In a wilderness and an enemy's country, with no clothing save a 
shirt, waistcoat, breeches and moccasins ! — no provisions, no gun, no ammunition, 
no knife, not even a flint to strike fire with ! He did not, however, hesitate or 
falter, but instantly struck into the trackless forest, in the direction of home, — 
and, under the direction of a kind Providence, reached Hartford the ninth day 
after his escape, having subsisted upon such small animals and insects as he could 
catch and eat raw. He was nearly famished, and greatly emaciated ; but having 
fallen into good hands, he was soon recruited, and returned to his family in fine 
health. 

In the year 1786 or 1787, an incident occurred at a fort on Greene river, which 
displays the dangers which beset the emigrants of that period, and illustrates the 
magnanimity of the female character. 

About twenty young persons — male and female — of the fort, had united in a 
flax pulling, in one of the most distant fields. In the course of the forenoon two 
of their mothers made them a visit, and the younger took along her child, about 
eighteen months old. When the whole party were near the woods, one of the 
young women, who had climbed over the fence, was fired upon by several Indians 
concealed in the bushes, who at the same time raised the usual war-whoop. She 
was wounded, but retreated, as did the whole party, — some running with her 
down the lane, which happened to open near that point, and others across the 
field. They were hotly pursued by the enemy, who continued to yell and fire 
upon them. The older of the two mothers who had gone out, recollecting in her 
flight that the younger, a small and feeble woman, was burthened with her child, 
turned back in the face of the enemy, they firing and yelling hideously, took the 



Ii$ OLDHAM COUNTY. 

child from its almost exhausted mother, and ran with it to the fort, a distance of 
three hundred yards. During the chase, she was twice shot at with rifles, when 
the enemy were so near that the powder burned her, and one arrow passed through 
her sleeve; but she escaped uninjured. The young woman who was wounded 
almost reached the place of safety, when she sunk, and her pursuer, who had the 
hardihood to attempt to scalp her, was killed by a bullet from the fort. 



OLDHAM COUNTY. 

Oldiiaai county was formed in 1823, and named in honor of 
Colonel William Oldham.' It is situated in the north middle part 
of the State, and lies on the Ohio river : bounded on the north 
by Trimble, east by Henry, south by Jefferson and Shelby, and 
west and north-west by the Ohio river, and contains a surface of 
about one hundred and seventy square miles. The face of the 
country along the Ohio river and Eighteen Mile creek, and in the 
upper part of the county, adjoining Trimble, is hilly and broken. 
The remainder of the county is gently undulating, and generally 
good, arable land — based on limestone. The principal products 
and exports consist of wheat, hemp, tobacco, hogs and cattle. 
The principal streams of the county are Harrod's creek and 
Curry's fork of Floyd's fork, both having their source in Henry 
county. 

The taxable property of Oldham in 1846 was assessed at $2,- 
517,50.5 ; number of acres of land in the county, 102,423 ; aver- 
age value of land per acre, $13.13 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,066 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years of age, 1,169. Population in 1840, 7,380. 

LaGrange, the county seat, contains a court-house and other 
county buildings, one church, six lawyers, three physicians, five 
stores and groceries, twelve or fifteen mechanics' shops, and 
about 300 inhabitants. Masonic College, under the supervision and 
sustained by the funds of the grand lodge of Kentucky — located in 
LaGrange — is quite a flourishing institution. LaGrange took its 
name from General Lafayette's residence in France. Ballards- 
villc is a small village four miles south-east of Lagrange, and 
contains one church, one physician, two stores, and several me- 
chanics' shops. West-Port, formerly the county seat, is a small 
town on the Ohio river, containing two physicians, two mer- 
chants, with several mechanics. Brownsborough, a small village, 
has tM'o physicians and two merchants — and Floydsbiirg has one 
physician and three merchants. LaGrange, the seat of justice, 
is about forty miles from Frankfort. 

Oldham county was named in compliment to Colonel William Olpham, who 
was killed by the Indians at St. Clair's defeat, on the -llh of November, 1791. 
Colonel Oldham was a brave and experienced officer, and commanded a regiment 
of Kentucky militia in that memorable battle. 

He was a native of Berkely county, Virginia, and entered the revolutionary 
army in 1775, as an ensign, and continued in active service until the spring of 



OWEN COUNTY. 489 

1779, when he resiirned, (bein^ then a captain), and came to the Falls of the 
Ohio, where he remained until his death in 1791. 

Col. Oldham was a chivalrous and enterprising man, and was very efficient in 
defending the country against the incursions of the Indians : and in other respects 
contributed much to advance its settlement. 

The following incident we find in Cist's "Cincinnati Miscellany" for 1846. 
It is from the " Recollections of the Last Sixty Years," by J. Johnston, Esq., of 
Piqua, Ohio. The writer, in speaking of the celebrated Indian chief. Little 
Turtle, says : 

"The Little Turtle used to entertain us with many of his war adventures, and 
would laugh immoderately at the recital of the following: — A white man, a pris- 
oner for many years in the tribe, had often solicited permission to go on a war 
party to Kentucky, and had been refused. It never was the practice with the In- 
dians to ask or encourage white prisoners among them to go to war against their 
countrymen. This man, however, had so far acquired the confidence of the In- 
dians, and being very importunate to go to war, the Turtle at length consented, 
and took him on an expedition into Kentucky. As was their practice, they had 
reconnoitered during the day, and had fixed on a house recently built and occu- 
pied, as the object to be attacked next morning a little before the dawn of day. 
The house was surrounded by a clearing, there being much brush and fallen tim- 
ber on the ground. At the appointed time, the Indians, with the white man, be- 
fan to move to the attack. At all such times no talking or noise is to be made, 
'hey crawl along the ground on their hands and feet ; all is done by signs from 
the leader. The white man all the time was striving to be foremost, the Indians 
beckoning him to keep back. In spite of all their efforts, he would keep foremost; 
and having at length got within running distance of the house, he jumped to his 
feet and went with all his speed, shouting at the top of his voice, " Indians ! In- 
dians ! " The Turtle and his party had to make a precipitate retreat, losing for- 
ever their white companion, and disappointed in their fancied conquest of the un- 
suspecting victims of the log cabin. From that day forth, this chief would never 
trust a white man to accompany him again to war." 



OWEN COUNTY. 

Owen county was formed in 1819, and named in honor of Col- 
onel Abraham Owen. It is situated in the north middle part of 
the State, and lies on the Kentucky river, which borders it on the 
west : bounded on the north by Carroll and Gallatin ; east by 
Grant and Pendleton ; south by Scott and Franklin ; and west by 
Henry. The face of the country is undulating and the soil good 
— producing fine tobacco, corn, oats, buckwheat, &c. Sheep are 
raised in large numbers, and do well. The county is watered by 
the Kentucky river and Big Eagle creek, with many smaller 
streams. Big Eagle rises in Scott, and flows through the south- 
ern part of Owen into Grant in a northern direction ; then, ma- 
king a sudden bend, takes a direction somewhat south of west, 
and running parallel with the Ohio river, flows into the Kentucky 
in Carroll, skirting the northern boundary of Owen in its pro- 
gress. Many valuable mineral springs are found in the county, 
the medicinal virtues of some of which are supposed to be equal 
to any in the State. 

Valuation of taxable property in Owen in 1846, $2,014,066; 



490 OWEN COUNTY. 

number of acres of land in the county, 185,462 ; average value 
of lands per acre $6.28 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years old, 1,602; number of children between the ages of five 
and sixteen years, 1,963. Population in 1830,5,792 — in 1840, 
8,232. 

The towns of the county are — Owenton, the seat of justice, 
Marion, New-Liberty and Williamsburg. Owenton is about thirty 
miles from Frankfort — and contains a court-house and the usual 
county buildings, three churches, three lawyers, five physicians, 
five stores and groceries, two taverns and nine mechanics' shops. 
Established in 1828 — population 200. Marion is a small village, 
with but few houses. New-Libci-ty has four lawyers, four physi- 
cians, seven or eight merchants, fourteen mechanics' shops, two 
taverns, with a population of 400. Incorporated in 1827. Wil- 
liamshurg is a small village with one tavern, one store, one phy- 
sician, and about fifty inhabit;ants. The whole county contains 
fourteen Baptist, six Methodist, and five Christian churches, and 
one Presbyterian church. 

There are several remarkable places in Owen, which merit a description. The 
" Jump Off," on the Kentucky river, is a perpendicular precipice, at least one 
hundred feet high, with a hollow passing through its centre about wide enough 
for a wagon road. The " Point of Rocks," on Gedar creek, just above its mouth, 
and near Williamsburg, is a beautiful and highly romantic spot, where an im- 
mense rock, about seventy-five feet high, overhangs a place in the creek called 
the " Deep Hole," to which no bottom has ever been found, and which abounds 
with fish of a fine quality. " Pond Branch " is a stream of water which flows 
from a large pond in a rich, alluvial valley, which, from its general appearance, 
is supposed to have been at one time the bed of the Kentucky river. It is about 
a mile and a half distant from Lock and Dam number 3, The water flows from 
the pond and empties into the river, by two outlets, and thus forms a complete 
mountain island, two and a half miles long and a mile and a half wide in its 
broadest part. 

Colonel Abraham Owen, in honor of whom this county received its name, was 
born in Prince Edward county, Virginia, in the year ITG'J, and emigrated to 
Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1785. Tiie particulars of his early life are not 
known, and his first appearance on the public theatre and in the service of the 
country, was upon Wilkinson's campaign, in the summer of 1791, on the White 
and Wabash rivers. He was a lieutenant in Captain Lemon's company in St. 
Clair's defeat, November Ith, 1791, and received two wounds in that engagement 
— one on the chin, and the other in the arm. He was in the expedition led by 
Colonel Hardin to White river, and participated in the action which routed the 
Indians in their hunting camps. His brother John, James Ballard and others of 
Shelby county, were his associates on this occasion. It is not known that he 
was in Wayne's campaign; but in 1796, he was surveyor of Shelby county, and 
afterwards a magistrate. He commanded the first militia company raised in the 
county, and the present venerable Singleton Wilson, of Shelbyville, brother of 
the late Dr. Wilson of Cincinnati, was the lieutenant. They had been asso- 
ciates in Wilkinson's campaign, and the humane efl^orts of Colonel Owen to pro- 
vide for the wants and promote the comforts of his companion, were illustrative 
of his general good character. Owen was soon promoted to be a major, and then 
colonel of the regiment. Lieutenant Wilson was promoted to the rank of captain, 
having served with distinction as a spy in the campaign led by General Wayne. 

Col. Owen was, soon after, elected to the legislature, by the largest vote ever 
before polled in the county; and, in 1799, was chosen a member of the conven- 
tion which framed our present constitution. Shortly before his death, he was a 
member of the senate of Kentucky. No man in the county had a stronger hold 
on the aflfections of the people, whom he was always ready to serve in peace or 



OWSLEY COUNTY. 491 

in war. In 1811, he was the first to join Gov. Harrison at Vincennes, for the 
purpose of aiding in the effort to resist the hostile movements of the Indian bands 
collected by the energy and influence of Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet. 
He was chosen by Gen. Harrison to be one of his aids-de-camp ; and, at the 
memorable battle of Tippecanoe, fell at the side of his heroic chief, bravely fight- 
ing for his country, deeply regretted by the whole army and by his numerous 
friends in Kentucky. In battle he was fearless — as a citizen, mild and gentle- 
manly. He was esteemed an excellent officer on parade, and possessed a high 
order of military talent. 

In the following December, the legislature of Kentucky went into mourning for 
the loss of colonels Daveiss and Owen, and others who had fallen at Tippecanoe; 
and, in 1819-20, the memory of Col. Owen was perpetuated by a county bearing 
his name. McAfee, in his histbry of the late war, says : " His character was 
that of a good citizen and a brave soldier ;" which Butler, in his history of Ken- 
tucky, speaking of him, pronounces to be " no little praise in a republic and in a 
warlike State." 

He left a large family to unite with his country in deploring his premature fall. 
His daughters intermarried with the most respectable citizens of Henry county, 
and his son Clark is a distinguished citizen of Texas, having won a high rank 
in her civil and military annals. His brothers, Robert and William, survive him, 
and are highly respectable citizens of Shelby county. His father was an early 
settler, of high standing and marked character. His fort, near Shelbyville, was 
the resort of intrepid families of that day, and may be said to have been the foun- 
dation of the capital of the flourishing county of Shelby. The chivalric patriot- 
ism of Col. Owen, in leaving a position of ease and civil distinction at home, to 
volunteer his services against the north-western savages, is truly illustrative of 
the Kentucky character; and after ages will look back upon the deeds of heroism 
at Tippecanoe, with the same veneration with which the present generation re- 
gards the memory of those who fought and fell at Thermopylae. 



OWSLEY COUNTY. 

Owsley county was formed in 1842, and named after Gov. Wil- 
liam Owsley. It is situated in the eastern part of the State, on 
each side of the Kentucky river, — the three forks of that river — 
the north fork, the middle fork, and the south-east fork, — forming 
a junction within the territory of the county : bounded on the 
north by Montgomery and Morgan ; east by Breathitt ; south by 
Clay ; and west by Estill. The soil along the river valleys is rich 
and remarkably productive ; but the face of the country is gene- 
rally broken, and the soil not sufficiently strong for profitable cul- 
tivation. Corn is the staple production — but rye, wheat and oats, 
are also raised. At the confluence and on the banks of each fork 
of the Kentucky, there are inexhaustible supplies of bituminous 
coal, in strata of from three to six feet thick. The cannel or Eng- 
lish coal, of a very superior quality, is also found in great abun- 
dance along the banks of these rivers. 

In 184G, the valuation of taxable property in Owsley county 
amounted to $238,390 ; number of acres of land in the county, 
153,141 ; average value of land per acre, $1.22 ; number of white 
males over twenty-one years old, 512 ; number of children be- 
tween five and sixteen years of age, 669. 



492 OWSLEY COUNTY. 

The county seat bears the name of Owsley Court-House. It 
contains one Methodist church, four stores, two physicians, two 
lawyers, one tavern, school, &c. Population, 75. Proctor is a 
very small village, containing about 20 inhabitants. 

William Owslet, the present governor of Kentucky, was born in the State of 
Virginia, in the year 1782. In 1783, his father, (William Owsley), left that 
State and moved to the then " county of Kentucky," and settled on the waters 
of Drake's creek, near where the town of Crab Orchard, in Lincoln county, now 
stands. It was but fourteen years previous that Daniel Boone had first penetra- 
ted this western wilderness, so that William Owsley can date his citizenship in 
the State over which he presides, with the very first settlement made in her 
borders. 

The father' of William Owsley was one of eleven children, and the family be- 
ing in very moderate circumstances in life, his share of fortune and education 
was meagre enough. But being of an adventurous disposition, he struck out 
boldly, resolved to find a home and fortune in this wild land. With his young 
family he sat down in the woods where the tomahawk and scalping knife of the 
stealthy savage still frequently gleamed and bathed itself in the white man's 
blood. In the midst of such perils, common to all the early settlers of Kentucky, 
our emigrant lived, labored and throve ; and, in worthy imitation of paternal ex- 
ample, he had in due time surrounded himself with ten or twelve children, a ma- 
jority of whom were daughters. 

William and .Toel, two of the sonfi, by their devotion to study, succeeded in 
getting a better education than was common for boys at that day. Joel studied 
medicine, and he is now living, a highly esteemed physician, in Cumberland 
county, in this State. 

William Owsley taught for a while a country school, and, while thus engaged, 
improved his education and learned plain surveying. He shortly after became 
deputy surveyor, and afterwards deputy sheriff, his father being high sheriff of 
the county. 

It may be proper to add, just here, that among the pupils of William Owsley, 
the young school master, was a young Miss of near seventeen, whose name was 
Elizabeth Gill. It so fell out that the lessons taught and learned between this 
pupil and teacher soon pertained to other matters than books. In a short time 
William Owsley, being about twenty-one years of age, married his young and 
blooming scholar: and this connexion, thus early and happily commenced, has, 
by a kind Providence, been full forty-four years continued — the wife as much dis- 
tinguished for all the virtues and devotion of a Kentucky housewife, as the man 
for the plain, unostentatious manners of the olden time. 

It was whilst William Owsley was engaged in his early official pursuits as 
deputy sheriff, &c., that he attracted the attention of John Boyle, afterwards 
chief justice of Kentucky. Judge Boyle, perceiving the promise that was in 
young Owsley, offered him the use of his library, and the advantage of his in- 
structions in the study of law. The offer was accepted, and by perseverance 
and close application, Owsley soon obtained license and commenced the practice 
of law in Garrard county. His success was immediate. He ranked high at the 
bar, and became the intimate and firm friend of Judge Boyle. He afterwards 
represented Garrard county several years in the legislature, and became so favor- 
ably known to the public as a legislator and lawyer, that, in 1812, when he was 
only thirt5'-one years of age, and had been but few years at the bar. Governor 
Scott appointed him to the supreme bench of the State, as the colleague of Judge 
Boyle, who had been honored by a seat on the appellate bench three years pre- 
viously. Judge Owsley resigned this office in a short time, in consequence of 
the passage of a law reducing the number of judges of the court to three. But a 
vacancy occurring in 1813, he was immediately re-appointed by Governor Shelby. 

During the service of Boyle, Owsley and Mills, on the supreme bench, that 
ever memorable controversy between the old and new court parties was waged. 
The annals of Kentucky's history will attest the momentous character of that 
struggle, and duly commemorate the virtues of the men that were then made 
conspicuous. Never before did the fires of discord burn more fiercely in any 
civil community. Never before was a State so near anarchy, revolution and ruin. 



PENDLETON COUNTY. 493 

Firmness, wisdom and coolness alone could save the country in that time of dread 
and peril. All these qualities were pre-eminent in the judges who then sat upon 
the bench. They were equal to the crisis. They withstood the storm of popular 
tumult, careless of the rage of disappointed partisans, flushed with temporary 
triumph, but crossed in the enjoyment of victory. It seems Providential that 
such men were on the bench to save the State in that stormy trial. 

Having seen the constitution of his country safe through the dangers that 
beset it, Judge Owsley remained at his high and honorable post till the year 1828, 
when, after having served upon the bench longer than any man in the State, except 
•Judge Boyle, he resigned his office, and retired to private life on his farm in Gar- 
rard county, which he had held and cultivated as a successful practical farmer, 
for about twenty-five years. Sometime after this, he again represented his old 
county, Garrard, in the legislature. But finding it inconvenient to attend to his 
circuit court practice and his growing practice in the court of appeals, he gave 
up the former, and having parcelled out his farm among his children, (of whom 
he has five,) he removed to Frankfort. Here he resided until 1843, when, out of 
the gains of his practice, he purchased himself a splendid farm in Boyle county, 
to which he removed, giving up his practice altogether. In 1844, after one of 
the most exciting and hard fought contests ever witnessed in the State, Wil- 
liam Owsley was elected governor of Kentucky over Colonel William O. 
Butler, by far the most popular and formidable candidate the democratic party 
has ever run in the State. The vote received by Governor Owsley was 59,680, 
which is larger by 1,191 than the great vote received by General Harrison in 1840. 

Governor Owsley's administration is not yet ended, and therefore can not now 
have the verdict of history. But his friends confidently look to the future for as 
full justification of all his present and recent acts as the present has already 
awarded to his past acts. As governor of the State, he is distinguished for his 
devotion to the duties of his office — his laborious and faithful examination into 
the affairs of the State, particularly its public debt — and his clear and concise 
statements thereof in his annual messages ; and for his unshaken determination 
to bring every officer up to his duty, and as far as in him lies, to have the laws 
"faithfully executed" in every department of the government. 

But his friends claim, as the chief glory of his administration, that the public 
debt has been checked in its fearful and rapid increase, and for the first time since 
the debt was created, has been from year to year, during his administration, sen- 
sibly diminished. Already has Governor Owsley paid off upwards of one hun- 
dred thousand dollars of the public debt, and he has all the means in constant 
operation for the continued payment and reduction of the State debt. 

In person, Governor Owsley is very tall, being about six feet two inches high, 
and is slender for such height. His disposition is reserved, and he talks very 
little. His deportment is ever calm and quiet, and in times of greatest excite- 
ment, when he might be supposed to be intensely anxious, there is no perceptible 
change in his spirits or demeanor. He is proverbial for honesty, firmness and 
impartiality, and making the principle of right the ground of every action. He 
seems wholly indifferent to falsely raised popular clamor or the present judgment 
of men, and relies with unshaken confidence on the calm afterthought of the peo- 
ple. His manners are very plain, simple and purely republican, and he has ever 
been the sturdy foe of all new fangled fashions in social intercourse, and new 
notions in law and politics. 



PENDLETON COUNTY. 

Pendleton county was formed in 1798, and named for the Hon- 
orable Edmund Pendleton, of Virginia. It is situated in the nor- 
thern section of the State, nearly square in shape, and embraces 
about three hundred squai-e miles. Bounded on the north by 



494 PENDLETON COUNTY. 

Kenton and Campbell ; on the east by Bracken ; south by Har- 
rison ; and west by Grant and Owen. Pendleton is drained by 
Main and South Licking rivers, which flow into the county on 
the south-eastern and southern borders, form a junction near 
its centre, and passing out near the middle of its northern bor- 
der — having, as their tributaries. Fork Lick, Kincade, Flour and 
Grassy creeks. Along the rivers and smaller streams, there are 
many thousand acres of fine bottom lands, which produce rich 
and luxuriant crops of corn and grasses. Receding from the 
streams, the surface is undulating and hilly, but the soil, based 
upon limestone, is comparatively good, and yields excellent crops 
of tobacco, wheat, oats, rye, &c. A large portion of the lands, 
although within from twenty to thirty miles of the fine markets 
of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport; are yet in a state of nature. 
In the hands of enterprising men, these lands might be converted 
into beautiful and profitable stock farms, being well adapted 
for grasses of all kinds, and particularly the blue grass, the favor- 
ite of stock raisers — Licking river affording a safe downward 
navigation through the year, except at very low water. The 
timber along the water courses in some of the up-lands, is 
remarkably luxuriant, and well adapted for all the purposes of 
civilized life — embracing the oak, the walnut, the poplar, the 
ash, &c. 

Valuation of taxable property, in Pendleton county, for 1846, 
$927,469 ; number of acres of land in the county, 180,760 ; average 
value of lands per acre, $3 .95 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years old, 1,128 ; number of children between the ages of five 
and sixteen years, 1,156. Population in 1830,3,886 — in 1840,4,455. 

Falmouth is the seat of justice, and only town of Pendleton 
county. It is situated on an elevated and very beautiful and ex- 
tensive bottom, at the confluence of main Licking and the south 
branch of Licking river, about sixty miles from Frankfort : con- 
tains a court-house and other county buildings, four churches, 
(Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian,) two lawyers, two 
physicians, male and female school, four stores, two taverns, one 
wool factory, and ten mechanics' shops. Population, 300. Es- 
tablished in 1793; and being settled by Virginians, was named 
after Falmouth, Virginia. 

There are several salt and sulphur springs in Pendleton ; iron 
ore abounds, and some coal has been discovered. 

Within a few hundred yards of the boundaries of Falmouth, the remains of an 
ancient fortification are yet distinctly visible. It is situated upon elevated and 
commanding ground, near midway between the two rivers, and commanding the 
junction, and some distance up both streams. In form, it is a regular circle, with 
four apertures or openings, opposite to each other, and corresponding very nearly 
to the four cardinal points of the compass. Twenty years ago,* trees, from two 
and a half to three feet in diameter, were standing upon the circular embankment 
of earth which formed the fortification ; while the enclosure, covering probably up- 
wards of a quarter of an acre of ground, was grown up in trees, bearing the same 

• More than ihirty-five years since, when the avtthor was a very small boy, he recollects to have 
examined these ancient remains. The circular embankment, at that time, he thinks, was upwards 
of three feel high. 



EDMUND PENDLETON. 495 

marks as to age, size, &c. The timber of the surrounding forest was about the 
same size of that growing within and upon the embankment, and must have grown 
up many years after this fortification had been abandoned by its ancient builders. 
This fortification, combined with the fact, that every height and hill surrounding 
the junction of the two rivers and overlooking the fort, as well as for miles around, 
are crowned with one or more Indian graves, or small mounds, present strong and 
abiding evidence that a warfare, of a bloody and desolating character, once pre- 
vailed here, between a people possessing and occupying the ground, and an inva- 
ding and aggressive enemy. 

Pendleton is not the scene of any Indian battle or bloody rencounter, within 
the recollection of its "oldest inhabitant." But her territory has been desecrated 
by the feet of hostile Britons, as well as of the blood-thirsty savages. In June, 
1779, Col. Byrd, with his Canadian and Indian force of six hundred men, in his 
route to attack Ruddell's station, ascended the Licking river to its junction with 
the south branch, where Falmouth now stands. Here he landed his cannon, con- 
centrated his forces, and took up his line of march for that station. The track he 
pursued was distinctly marked by blazing the forest trees, and may still be traced 
where the trees are left standing. After capturing Ruddell's and Martin's sta- 
tions, he returned by the same route, took water at Falmouth, and descended the 
Licking to its mouth. The traces of his march, south of Falmouth, served to 
give notoriety, in the surveyors' books, to the entries of land subsequently made. 

Edmund Pendleton, in honor of whom this county was named, was born in 
Caroline county, Virginia, in 1741, and died in Richmond in 1803. He was 
president of the Virginia court of appeals, and of the Virginia convention of 
1775 — was twice elected a member of Congress — in 1778, was chosen president 
of the Virginia convention which met to consider the federal constitution, and 
when the federal government was organized, he was selected by Congress to be 
district Judge of Virginia, but declined the appointment. Wirt says, " he had 
in a great measure overcome the disadvantages of an extremely defective educa- 
tion, and by the force of good company, and the study of correct anthors, had at- 
tained a great accuracy and perspicuity of style. His manners were elevated, 
graceful, and insinuating. His person was spare, but well proportioned, and his 
countenance one of the finest in the world ; serene, contemplative, benignant ; 
with that expression of unclouded intelligence and extensive reach, which seem- 
ed to denote him capable of any thing that could be effected by the power of the 
human mind. His mind itself was of a very fine order. It was clear, compre- 
hensive, sagacious and correct; with a most acute and subtle faculty of discrim- 
ination ; a fertility of expedient which never could be exhausted ; a dexterity of 
address which never lost an advantage and never gave one, and a capacity for a 
continued and unremitting application which was perfectly invincible. As a law- 
yer and a statesman, he had few equals and no superiors. For parliamentary man- 
agement, he was without a rival. With all these advantages of person, manners, 
address, and intellect, he was also a speaker of distinguished eminence. He had 
that silver voice of which Cicero makes such frequent and honorable mention; 
an articulation uncommonly distinct ; a perennial stream of transparent, cool and 
sweet elocution, and the power of presenting his arguments with great simplicity 
and striking effect. He was always graceful, argumentative, persuasive; never 
vehement, rapid or abrupt. He could instruct and delight; but he had no preten- 
sions to those high powers which are calculated to " shake the human soul." 



PERRY COUNTY. 

Perry county was formed in 1820, and named in honor of Com- 
modore Oliver Hazard Perry, of the United States' navy. It is 
situated in the south-eastern section of the State, and lies on the 
head waters of tlie Kentucky river : bounded on the north by 



49G PERRY COUNTY. 

Breathitt ; east by Floyd and Letcher ; south by Harlan, and west 
by Clay. This county is drained by the north and middle forks 
of Kentucky river, with their tributaries, which are navigable, for 
descending boats, the greater portion of the year. The surface 
is hilly and mountainous, and a large portion is unsuitable for 
cultivation, but well adapted for wool growing. The valleys are 
fertile and productive, with a sandstone foundation. The princi- 
pal articles of export are — horses, cattle, hogs, salt, coal, ginseng 
and wool. 

Valuation of taxable property in Perry in 1846, §20*2,068 ; num- 
ber of acres of land in the county, 109,863; average value of 
lands per acre, $1.64; number of white males over twenty-one 
years old, 338 ; number of children between the ages of five and 
sixteen, 678. Population in 1840, 3,089. 

Hazard, the count}' seat, is a small village, situated on the 
nortli fork of the Kentucky river, about one hundred miles from 
Frankfort. 

Early in the summer ot" 1794, a party of Indians passed through the scattered 
settlements of Russell or Lee county, Virorinia, to the residence of the Livings- 
tons, in Washington county, of the same State. The two Livingstons had gone 
out into the field, unarmed and unsuspicious of danger, when the Indians broke 
into the house, and killed their mother (an old Avoman) and a negro child, and 
took the two Mrs. Livingstons, all the children, a negro fellow and a negro boy, 
prisoners ; and, taking such other property as they fancied, commenced a retreat. 
As the children were running along the path, in advance of their mother, she 
made signs to them to take a path which turned off to a neighbor's house, and 
the Indians permitted them to run on, only retaining the two women and negroes. 
Knowing that the Indians must pass either through Russell or Lee to gain the 
wilderness, expresses were instantly sent to both these counties. The court was 
in session when the express reached the court-house, and it immediately adjourn- 
ed, and a party was organized upon the spot, under the command of Capt. Vin- 
cent Hobbs. to waylay a gap in Cumberland mountain, called the Stone gap, 
through which, it was supposed, the Indians would most probably pass. On his 
arrival at the gap, Hobbs discovered that Indians had just passed through before 
him ; he, therefore, pursued with eagerness, and soon discovered two Indians kin- 
dling a fire. These they instantly dispatched ; and, finding some plunder with 
them which they knew must have been taken out of Livingston's house, they at 
once came to the conclusion, that these two had been sent forward to hunt for 
provisions, and that the others were yet behind, with the prisoners. 

The object of Hobbs was now to make a quick retreat, to cover his own sign, if 
possible, at the gap, before the Indians should discover it, and perhaps kill the 
prisoners and escape. Having gained this point, he chose a place of ambuscade: 
but not exactly liking his position, he left his men there, and taking one with 
him, by the name of Van Bibber, he went some little distance in the advance, in 
order, if possible, to find a position better suited to his purpose. As they stood 
looking round for such a place, they discovered the Indians advancing, with the 
prisoners. They cautiously concealed themselves, and each singled out his man. 
Benje, (a noted Indian), having charge of the younger Mrs. Livingston, led the van, 
and the others followed in succession; but the Indian who had charge of the elder 
Mrs. Livingston was considerably behind, she not being able to march with the 
same light, elastic step of her sister. When the front came directly opposite to 
Hobbs and Van Bibber, they both fired, Hobbs killing Benje, and Van Bibber 
the next behind him. At the crack of the guns the other men rushed forward, 
but the Indians had e.scaped into a laurel thicket, taking with them the negro 
fellow. The Indian who had charge of the elder Mrs. Livingston tried his best 
to kill her, but he was so hurried that he missed his aim. Her arms were badly 
cut by defending her head from the blows of his tomahawk. 



PIKE COUNTY. 497 

The prisoners had scarcely time to recover from their surprise, before the two 
Livingstons, who heard the guns and who were now in close pursuit with a party 
of me'n from Washington, came rushing up, and received their wives at the hands 
of Hobbs with a gust of joy. Four Indians were killed, and five had escaped ; 
and it appears they were separated into parties of three and two. The first had 
the negro lellow with them, and, by his account, they lodged that night in a cave, 
where he escaped from them and got home. 

In the meantime, a parly of the hardy mountaineers of Russell collected and 
proceeded in haste to waylay a noted Indian crossing-place high up on the Ken- 
tucky river, (in the present county of Perry.) When they got there, they found 
some Indians had just passed. These they pursued, and soon overtook two, 
whom they killed. They immediately drew the. same conclusion that Hobbs 
had done, and hastened back to the river for fear those behind should discover 
their siorn. Shortly after they had stationed themselves, the other three made 
their appearance; the men fired upon them, two fell and the other fled, but left a 
trail of blood behind him, which readily conducted his pursuers to where he had 
taken refuge in a thick cane-brake. It was thought imprudent to follow him any 
farther, as he might be concealed and kill some of them before they could dis- 
«cover him. Thus eight of the party were killed, and the other perhaps mortally 
wounded.* 

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, in honor of whom this county received 
its name, was a distinguished officer in the United States' navy, and was born at 
Newport, Rhode Island, in August, 1785. He was entered as a midshipman on 
the sloop of war General Greene, in 1798. He served in the Tripolitan war, and 
secured the affection and respect of all the officers and men in the squadron. In 
1810 he was a lieutenant commandant in the schooner Revenge. In this vessel, 
in the spring of 1811, he was wrecked in a fog near Stonington. He demanded 
a court of inquiry, which acquitted him of all blame in the affair. In 1812 he 
was promoted to the rank of master and commander, and appointed to the com- 
mand of the gun boats in the harbor of New York. Disliking his situation here, 
he solicited to be transferred to the lakes, and the greater portion of his men went 
with him. On his arrival at Sackett's Harbor, he was ordered by Commodore 
Chauncey to Lake Erie, to superintend the building of vessels in order to meet 
the British force on those waters. On the 4th of August, he got his squadron 
over the bar, and on the 10th of September met the British squadron under Com- 
modore Barclay. This fight resulted in a complete victory to the Americans, and 
Perry was promoted to the rank of Captain. In the battle of the Thames, on 
the 5th of October, he served as aid to General Harrison, and rendered important 
assistance. At the conclusion of the war, he was appointed to the command of 
the Java, a frigate of the first class. In this frigate he attended Commodore De- 
catur, to chastise the Dey of Algiers, who had committed depredations on our 
commerce. In 1819 he was sent to the West India station, where he died of 
the yellow fever on the 23d of August, 1320. 



PIKE COUNTY. 

Pike county was formed in 1821, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral Zebulon M. Pike. It is situated in the extreme eastern part 
of the State, and is drained by the West and Tug forks of Big 
Sandy river : bounded on the north by Johnson and Floyd ; north- 
east, east, and south-east and south by Virginia ; west by Letcher j 
and north-west by Floyd. The surface of the county presents 
quite a variegated appearance. Along the water courses, the 
lands are of a superior quality and very productive : but the up- 

• Benjamin Sharp, in the Western Pioneer, Vol. I, pp. 466-7-3. 

32 



498 PULASKI COUNTY. 

lands are broken and mountainous, and the soil generally com- 
paratively poor. Stone coal, of a fine quality, abounds — some 
banks have been opened, where the seam is from five to eight feet 
thick. Iron ore is found in small bodies, but has not been worked. 
There are a number of salt wells in the county, at two of which 
salt has been manufactured. Corn is the staple product, but 
oats, wheat, rye, buck-wheat and potatoes are also cultivated. 
Value of taxable property in Pike in 1846, $450,984 ; number of 
acres of land in the county, 104,100 ; average value of lands per 
acre, $2.82 : number of white males over twenty-one years old, 
098 ; number of children between five and sixteen years old, 1,112. 
Population in 1840, 3,567. 

PiKEviLLE, the seat of justice, is situated on the West fork of 
Big Sandy river, near the centre of the county, and about one 
hundred miles from Frankfort — being at the head of navigation 
on the river named; it contains a court-house and other county 
buildings, three lawyers, three physicians, nine stores and gro- 
ceries, and eight or ten mechanics' shops. Established in 1824. 

This county was named in honor of General Zkbulon M. Pike, who was born 
at Lamberton, in the State of New Jersey, January 5th, 1779. His father was a 
respectable officer in the army of the United States. He entered the army while 
yet a boy, and served for some time as a cadet in his father's company, which 
was then stationed on the western frontiers of the United States. At an early 
age he obtained a commission as ensign, and some time after that of lieutenant. 
In 1805 he was sent by the government of the United States to explore the Mis- 
sissippi river to its sources. After his return from this expedition, he was sent 
by General Wilkinson on an excursion into the interior of Louisiana, with a 
view of fixing the boundary line between New Mexico and the United States. 
This expedition proved a partial failure, and after a variety of adventures, he 
returned with his little band to the United States, July 1, 1807. Upon his return 
he was appointed a captain, subsequently a major, and in 1810 a colonel of 
infantry. In 1812 he was stationed with his regiment on the northern frontier, 
and at the beginning of the campaign of 1813 appointed a brigadier general. He 
was selected to command the land forces in an expedition against York, the capi- 
tal of Upper Canada, and April 25th sailed from Sackett's Harbor in the squad- 
ron commanded by Commodore Chauncey. On the 27th he arrived at York with 
seventeen hundred chosen men. A landing having been effected under a heavy 
fire from the enemy, General Pike assaulted the works, and in the course of the 
attack, the British magazine exploded, throwing large stones in every direction, 
one of which struck Pike on the breast, inflicting a mortal wound, of which he 
died in a few hours. 



PULASKI COUNTY. 

Pulaski county was formed in 1798, and named for Count 
Pulaski. It is situated in the south middle part of the State, and 
is drained by the Cumberland river, which skirts it on the south 
and east : bounded by Lincoln on the north ; Casey and Laurel 
on the east ; Wayne on the south ; and Russell and Casey on the 
west. The northern part of the county is gently undulating — 
the remainder hilly or mountainous. There are extensive coal 



JOSEPH PULASKI. 499 

mines in the county, principally bordering on the Cumberland river, 
from which large quantities are shipped annually to the city of 
Nashville and other points on the river. Salt is manufactured in 
considerable quantities at Fishing creek salt w^orks, about five 
miles from Somerset. The Cumberland river is navigable for 
steamboats of the smaller class as high up as Stegall's ferry and 
Waitsborough, and w^ithin six miles of Somerset. The staple 
products of the county are — corn, wheat, rye, oats and tobacco. 

Valuation of taxable property in Pulaski in 1846, $1,264,975 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 288,509 ; average value 
of lands per acre, $2.16; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 2,097 ; number of children between the ages of 
five and sixteen years, 3,197. Population in 1840, 9,620. 

Somerset, the seat of justice, is about eighty miles nearly south 
from Frankfort. It contains three churches, (Baptist, Methodist 
and Christian,) one school, six lawyers, five physicians, thirteen 
stores and groceries, four taverns, one iron foundi-y, one tannery, 
ten mechanical trades, with a population of about three hundred. 
Incorporated in 1812. Waitsborough is a small village, laid out in 
1845, and situated on the Cumberland — containing a warehouse 
and a few residences. 

In the month of December, 1786, a body of Indians defeated a small party of 
whites, at the mouth of Buck creek, under the command of Captain Hargrove. 
The Indians made their attack in the night, killed one man, and severely woun- 
ded Hargrove. An Indian, who had probably fired his rifle, made an onset on 
Captain Hargrove with his tomahawk, and a fierce encounter ensued. Each 
party exerted himself to the utmost. Hargrove finally succeeded in wresting the 
tomahawk from the hand of the Indian, and bore it off. 

In May, 1788, a party of southern Indians stole some horses near the Crab 
Orchard. Nathan McClure, lieutenant to Captain Whitley, with a portion of his 
company, pursued the trail to the ridge between Rockcastle and Buck creek. 
Here he incidentally fell in with another party, and a fierce skirmish ensued. 
After several discharges of their guns, both parties precipitately retreated — but 
not until after Lieutenant McClure was mortally, and several of his men, slightly 
wounded. The loss on the part of the Indians was not ascertained. McClure 
died the succeeding night in a cave, where, at his own instance, he had been 
left — and on the next day, when a party came for him, his remains were found 
shockingly mangled and torn by wild beasts. He was an active officer, and his 
loss was deeply deplored. 

This county was named in honor of Count Joseph Pulaski, a distinguished 
Pole, who after in vain attempting to restore the independence of his own coun- 
try, entered the American service. Pulaski had followed the profession of the 
law, and in 1768 was at the head of the patriots who formed the confederation 
of Bar. Eight noblemen only constituted the first assembly of that confede- 
ration; and of these, three were the sons and one the nephew of Pulaski. In 
1771, at the head of a few accomplices, he seized the person of the king, but the 
latter having procured his liberation, Pulaski was condemned to death, and obli- 
ged to save himself by flight. He soon after came to America, and offered his 
services to the United States against the mother country. Being appointed briga- 
dier general in the American service, he served both in the northern and in the 
southern army. October 9, 1779, he was mortally wounded in the attack on Sa- 
vannah, and died two days afterwards. 



500 ROCKCASTLE COUNTY. 



ROCKCASTLE COUNTY. 

Rockcastle county was formed in 1810, and named after Rock- 
castle river, which forms its south-eastern border. It is situated 
in the south-ea!<t middle section of the State : bounded on the 
north by Madison and Garrard ; north-east by Madison ; south- 
cast by Laurel ; south-west by Pulaski ; and west by Lincoln. 
The north-eastern and south-eastern parts of the county are bro- 
ken and hilly, but interspersed with numerous creeks and branch- 
es, along which there are some fine, rich bottom lands. In the 
western part of the county, the surface is level, or gently undu- 
lating, and the soil quite productive. The timber consists, prin- 
cipally, of hickory, poplar, white, chesnut, black and spotted 
oak ; lynn, walnut, and dogwood ; and, on the watercourses, large 
and lofty sycamore. In some locations there are fine sugar or- 
chards, which yield a large quantity of sugar for domestic con- 
sumption. The staple products are corn, wheat and oats. 

Valuation of taxable property in Rockcastle in 1846, $.518,876; 
number of acres of land in the county, 124,214; average value 
of lands per acre, $2.19 ; number of white males in the county 
over twentj^-one years of age, 812 ; number of children between 
the ages of five and sixteen years, 1,176. Population in 1840, 
4,238. 

Mount Vernon, the seat of justice, is situated on the main road 
from Crab Orchard to the Cumberland Gap, — thirteen miles from 
the former, seventy-eight miles from the latter, and about seventy 
miles from Frankfort. It contains a court-house and other county 
buildings ; one Presbyterian, one Methodist, one Baptist, and one 
Christian church, (with four others in the county); one school in 
town, (and various schools in the county on the free school sys- 
tem) ; eight lawyers, two physicians, two taverns, six stores, five 
tanneries, and a number of mechanics' shops. Established in 
1818, and contains about 200 inhabitants. 

Rockcastle river, from its source to the mouth, is about seventy- 
five miles. It is lined by numerous banks of bituminous coal; 
but, for the want of navigation, they have not been opened to 
any extent. The river is about eighty yards wide, but the navi- 
gation is obstructed, near its mouth, by what are called " the nar- 
rows." By some freak of nature, or powerful concussion of the 
earth, the rocks have broken loose from the adjoining cliffs and 
tumbled into the bed of the river, forming an impenetrable bar- 
rier to water crafts for about three-fourths of a mile. The whole 
bed is so closely obstructed, that the largest size fish in Cumber- 
land river do not pass. The expenditure of forty thousand dol- 
lars, according to the report of the state engineer, would render 
the river navigable, and open a market to one of the finest coal 
regions in the State. 

Among the hills of Rockcastle there are numerous saltpetre caves, at which 
large quantities of saltpetre were manufactured during the late war. One of these, 



RUSSELL COUNTY. 501 

called the " Big Cave," eight miles north-east of the county seat, extends through 
a spur of the mountain, usually termed the " Big Hill," ahout six hundred yards. 
It was discovered by John Baker, who, in company with his wife, commenced 
exploring it with a torchlight. At the distance of about three hundred yards, 
their light went out, and they were forced to crawl about, in perfect darkness, for 
forty hours, before they found the place at which they entered. The arch is from 
ten to twenty feet high. Large rooms branch off several hundred yards long, and 
the end of one has not been reached. Some of the rooms cover an area of seve- 
ral acres. The saltpetre manufactured here, before and during the late war, gave 
employment to some sixty or seventy laborers. There is a fine, bold running 
stream of water in the cave, and works were constructed inside, for the manufac- 
ture of saltpetre by torchlight. Carts and wagons passed through, from one 
side of the mountain to the other, without difficulty. The way is so level and 
straight, that oxen were soon taught to pass through in perfect darkness, without 
a driver. 

There are several mineral springs in the county, but their waters have never 
been analyzed. 

Boone's old trace, and Skegg's trace, pass through this county, — the former 
leading to Boonsborough, and the latter to the Crab Orchard. On Skegg's trace, 
there were two defeats among the emigrants, in the early settlement of Kentucky. 
McClure's family and company were defeated near the head of the east fork of 
Skegg's creek, and Capt, Baughman and company on Negro creek. 

The following incident appears in Cist's " Cincinnati Miscellany," for 1846. 
It is characteristic of the female character, in times of emergency : 

" About the year 1790, several families emigrating together into the interior of 
Kentucky, encamped at the distance of a mile from a new settlement of five cab- 
ins. Before they had laid down, and were still sitting around the blazing brush, 
a party of Indians approached behind the trees, and fired upon them. One man 
was killed on the spot, and another fled to the village, leaving behind him a young 
wife and infant child ! As no danger had been apprehended, the men had not 
their ammunition at hand, and were so confused by the fire of the savages, that 
it was left for one of the mothers of the party to ascend into the wagon where it 
was deposited, break open the box with an axe, hand it out, and direct the men 
to return the fire of the enemy. This was done, and they dispersed." 



RUSSELL COUNTY. 

Russell county was formed in 1825, and named for Col. Wil- 
liam Russell. It is situated in the south middle section of the 
State, and lies on both sides of Cumberland river : bounded on 
the north by Casey ; east by Pulaski and Wayne ; south by Clin- 
ton ; and west and north-west by Cumberland and Adair. The 
beautiful level bottom lands on the Cumberland are very fertile ; 
but the surface of the county, generally, is hilly and broken, and 
the soil not well adapted for profitable agriculture. The water 
power of the county is remarkably fine — one cotton and two 
woollen factories have been already erected, and many others 
might be profitably established. 

Russell is a small county, embracing 118,544 acres of land, the 
average value of which, in 1846, was $2.01 ; total valuation of 
taxable property, same year, $523,967 ; number of white males 
over twenty-one years old, 825 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years of age, 1,307. Population in 1840, 4,238. 



502 RUSSELL COUNTY 

Jamestown, the seat of justice, contains four laAA^^ers, five phy- 
sicians, six stores, three taverns, eight or ten mechanics' shops, 
the usual public buildings, and about 150 inhabitants. Crcclsburg 
is a small village, situated on the Cumberland river, and contains 
about 50 inhabitants. 

Colonel William Russell, in honor of whom this county was named, was 
born in the year 1758, in the county of Culpepper, in the then province of Vir- 
ginia. Whilst yet a boy, his father, a man of an enterprising and adventurous 
disposition, and who afterwards attained considerable distinction in the strug- 
gles of the revolution, removed into the extreme south-western portion of the 
province — then an exposed frontier settlement. Here the youthful days of Wil- 
liam Russell were spent in acquiring such information as the means of a new 
settlement afforded him, or in the hardy and robust exercises incident to a fron- 
tier residence. 

It is not our purpose, in this sketch, to detail minutely the various transactions 
of his useful life. The limits to which we are necessarily prescribed, will per- 
mit us only to glance at some of the most prominent events of his military and 
political career. In the year 1774, young Russell, at the early age of fifteen, 
was engaged with a party under the command of the illustrious Daniel Boone, 
in repelling the aggressions made upon the settlement by a tribe of southern 
Indians. During his expedition, his comrades, from his tender age, were com- 
pelled to relieve the weight of his rifle, by carrying his portion of baggage and 
provisions. From this period, until the year 1779, both before and after the 
epoch of Independence, he was engaged in frequent excursions against the sava- 
ges, who waged a continued warfare with the white settlers. In the spring of 
1780 he visited Kentucky, and thence proceeded to West Tennessee, where a 
settlement had just been effected on what now forms the site of the flourishing 
city of Nashville. Here he spent the summer, generously aiding the settlers in 
defending their infant home against the repeated assaults of the neighboring In- 
dians. He returned to Virginia the ensuing fall. During his absence the war 
of the Revolution which hitherto had raged at a distance, had now, besides 
assuming a much more appalling aspect, approached the vicinity of his own 
abode. That courage and intrepidity so often evinced in his previous engage- 
ments with the Indians, combined with a natural love of liberty, soon nerved his 
still youthful arm for the patriotic struggle. The memorable battle of "King's 
Mountain," which may be considered the most decisive of the revolution, burst 
like a meteor light upon the drooping spirits of the American army. The imme- 
diate results of this victory proved an epoch in the struggle, and has conferred 
the boon of immortality upon the principal actors. In this glorious contest, young 
Russell bore a valiant and distinguished part. He was a lieutenant in the moun- 
ted regiment from Virginia, and owing to the indisposition of his captain, led his 
company in the action. He was, it is believed, the first man in the advance, to 
reach the summit of the mountain, and among the first to receive a sword from 
the vanquished enemy. In the course of the same season. Captain Russell joined 
an expeditiim against the Ciierokee Indians, which led in its results to a treaty 
of peace. The succeeding spring lu? joined a company of volunteers under the 
command of Colonel William Campbell, and in the capacity of his lieutenant, 
marched to the assistance of the southern army. During the service that ensued, 
he fought in the battle of Whitsell's mills, and subseijuently was engaged in the 
memorable action of Guilford court-house. Soon after the conclusion of the war, 
Captain Russell migrated to Kentucky, and settled himself in Fayette county, 
then the constant scene of Indian depredations. Hence the event of peace, far 
from terminating his military operations, served only to enlarge their field and 
add to his exposures. The promptitude and alacrity which he ever displayed in 
leaving his home and fireside, and marching to repel the slightest encroachment 
of the savage upon the defenceless inhai)itants, endeared him to the early settlers, 
and rendered him distinguished for all the noble traits of the western pioneer. 
In almost every general expedition in the western country, he hore an active par- 
ticipation. In each of the expeditions which were conducted in the course of 
the same season respectively by the late Governor Scott and General Wilkinson 



WILLIAM RUSSELL. 503 

against the Indian towns in the North-western Territory, he volunteered as a 
private. His patriotic services, however, had been too conspicuous to permit his 
merit to escape the attention of his commanders. In the first he was invested 
under General Hardin, by the intrepid Scott, with the command of the advance 
of the army. In the second, he was selected by General Wilkinson and assigned 
to the chief command of the same post of danger and of honor. 

In the celebrated expedition under Wayne, Colonel Russell commanded one of 
the regiments of Kentucky volunteers, and when in the second campaign of that 
distinguished officer, these regiments were reduced to battalions, he again appeared 
in the field at the head of a battalion. At the close of this campaign, which led 
in its results to the restoration of peace to all of our savage frontier, Colonel 
Russell returned to the pursuits of agriculture. But the patriotism, zeal and fidel- 
ity which he had so often exhibited in a military capacity, soon pointed him out 
to his fellow citizens as eminently qualified to do service in another department. 
Accordingly, in 1789, he was elected a delegate to the Virginia legislature which 
passed the act separating the district of Kentucky from the parent State. Imme- 
diately after the organization of the State government, he was annually returned a 
member of the legislature from Fayette, except one or two years, until 1808. 
During the whole of this period, he was the intimate associate of Nicholas and 
Breckinridge. In 1808, Colonel Russell was again called to resume his original 
profession ; Mr. Madison, in anticipation of the rupture with Great Britain, hav- 
ing appointed him to the command of a regiment in the regular army. In 1811, 
after the battle of Tippecanoe, where as much gallantry and intrepidity was 
evinced as on any subsequent occasion during the war. General Harrison by a 
combination of circumstances'was transferred to the command of the north-wes- 
tern army, and it became important that he should be succeeded by an officer of 
judgment and experience. The whole frontier of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri 
was nakedly exposed to the depredations of the Indians, and Colonel Russell 
was assigned to this important command by General Harrison. Taking into con- 
sideration the almost boundless frontier which he had to protect from the merci- 
less attacks of the savage, and the comparatively small force under his command, 
consisting only of one regiment of rangers, scattered in forts at great distances 
apart, we must admire, even at this day, when much of the character of the 
Indian warfare is forgotten, the activity, sagacity and courage of the man who 
could thus avert the ruthless butchery of so many innocent women and children. 

After Hopkins' campaign. Col. Russell, in conjunction with Gov. Edwards, of 
Illinois, planned the expedition against the Peoria Indians. The secrecy and ce- 
lerity attending the movements of this expedition, together with the complete 
success that crowned the enterprise, exhibit the strongest evidences of the skill 
of the commander. When peace was restored, Col. Russell retired again to his 
farm, in Fayette county, where, surrounded by a large family and numerous con- 
nexions, he devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of the soil. In 1823, 
during the prevalence of great political excitement in the State, the attention of 
his fellow-citizens was, with one accord, directed to Col. Russell; and he was 
induced, reluctantly, to leave the quiet and retirement of his farm, and to become 
a candidate for *he legislature. The contending parties seemed to forget their 
feuds, and all rallied around the '■'■ old soldier.'''' Subsequently, he was urgently 
solicited to offer as a candidate for the chief magistracy of the State. The mod- 
esty of his nature shrunk from the solicitation as the result of the partiality of 
friendship. He was urged to it by some of the most distinguished men of the 
State. In fact, he seemed to be the only individual of his party who offered any 
promise of success. He was presented as a candidate, and when both parties 
seemed, in consideration of his public services, about to forget the difference of 
sentiment that divided them, and unite in his unanimous choice, some strange in- 
fatuation seized the minds of his own party, and he was suddenly discarded in 
favor of another candidate, and the State thus deprived of his ripe experience and 
valuable services. In the spring of 1825, he was called from his sick room to 
preside over a public meeting ; and, from the exposure of the occasion, contracted 
an illness which resulted, in a few weeks, in his death. 

Possessing an amiable disposition, a kind heart, and a high moral character, 
few men were more useful in society. From the age of sixteen to that of sixty- 
seven, in the field or in the cabinet, he may literally be said to have been employed 



504 SCOTT COUNTY. 

in the service of his country. In both stations, many have served their country 
with a greater glare ot' |)ersonal renown — some more successfully ; but no man 
ever served his country with a more steady and persevering zeal, or witli a more 
fervent and devoted patriotism. J. H. T. 



"^ SCOTT COUNTY. 

Scott county was formed in 1792, and named in honor of Gov- 
ernor Charles Scott. It is situated in the north middle part of 
the State, and watered by North Elkhorn and Eagle creeks — both 
of which flow into the Kentucky river : bounded on the north by 
Owen ; east by Harrison and Bourbon ; south by Fayette and 
Woodford ; and west by Franklin. The surface of the county 
presents quite a variegated .appearance — level, undulating, and 
hilly. The southern and south-eastern portion, bordering on 
Woodford, Fayette and Bourbon, is embraced in that beautiful 
region known as the " Garden of Kentucky ;" vvith a level or 
very gently undulating surface, and a deep, rich, black soil, based 
on limestone, and unsurpassed in fertility. In the northern and 
north-western parts of the county, which are drained by Big 
Eagle and Elkhorn, the surface is hilly and broken, and the soil 
less rich and productive. The exports consist, principally, of 
horses, mules, cattle and hogs. Hemp and corn are the staple 
products, and wheat is cultivated to some extent. 

Valuation of taxable property in Scott in 1846, $5,945,662; 
number of acres of land in the county, 167,179; average value 
of land per acre, $20.73 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years old, 1,917 ; number of children between the ages of live 
and sixteen years, 1,697. Population in 1840, 13,668. 

There are five towns in Scott, viz : Georgetown, Great Cross- 
ings, Marion, Newtown, and Stamping Ground. 

Georgetown, the seat of justice, occupies an elevated site, se- 
venteen miles east of Frankfort, sixteen miles west of Paris, 
twelve miles north of Lexington, and seventy miles south of Cov- 
ington and Cincinnati. Contains six churches, — Regular Baptist, 
Particular Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian, and Afri- 
can, under the Regular Baptists, — one college, two female schools, 
four primary schools, (including a common school), ten lawyers, 
ten physicians, ten dry goods stores, two drug and book stores, 
thirteen grocery stores, one shoe store, five taverns, two woollen 
manufactories, two carding factories, two bagging and rope fac- 
tories, one printing office, (Georgetown Herald), one tannery, and 
forty-five mechanics' shops. Population, 1,800. Incorporated by 
the legislature of Virginia in 1790, and named in honor of George 
Washington. One of the finest springs in the State, — called at 
an early period the '^ Rot/al Spring " — and affording an ample sup- 
ply of water for the entire population, — bursts from a high bluff' 
of limestone rock, and Hows through the west end of the town. 



GEORGETOWN COLLEGE. 



505 



and empties into Elkhorn five-eighths of a mile from its source. 
The stream from this spring aliords suliicient water power for a 
woollen factory and grist mill, which are located upon it. The 
late Nathaniel Hart, of Woodford county, advanced the opinion, 
that tlie first settlement in Kentucky was made at this spring. 




GEORGETOWN COLLEGE GEORGETOAVN, KY 



Georgetown College occupies a fine swell, on the south-eastern 
border of the town, and affords a handsome view of the surround- 
ing country. The buildings consist, 1 , of a PresidenCs Housc^^ with 
fifty acres of land. 2. The Main Edifice, one hundred feet long 
by sixty wide, two stories high, and a basement. It contains a 
handsome chapel, sixty by forty feet — spacious halls for library, 
philosophical rooms, cabinets, museum, laboratory, &c. 3. Pauld- 
ing Hal), appropriated to the use of candidates for the ministry. 
It contains, besides chapel and dining-room, apartments for a stew- 
ard's family and thirty-two students. 4. Rittcnhouse Academy^ 

•This building does not appear in the engraving. 




FEMALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, GEORGETOWN, KY. 




WESTERN MILITARY 1 .N S T IT U TL , G KG RG i:T O WN, KY. 



SCOTT COUNTY. 507 

forty-five feet square, two stories high, with a cupola. The lower 
story accommodates the preparatory department, and the upper 
furnishes two good halls for the voluntary societies connected 
with the college. The lawn embraces about sixteen acres, beau- 
tifully elevated, and laid out with trees and shrubbery. 

The library contains about four thousand volumes, many of 
them rare and valuable ; besides a large collection of ancient and 
modern maps, charts, &c. The philosophical apparatus is of the 
most recent construction, and has been procured at great expense. 
It includes a standing telescope, for astronomical observations, 
Chamlain's great air-pump, fine magnetic and galvanic imple- 
ments, and abundant means of illustrating mechanical powers. 
Chemical experiments are given ; and the cabinets of minerals, 
fossils, shells, and natural productions, furnish many facilities in 
the natural sciences. 

The institution began its chartered existence in 1829, but the 
faculty was never full till 1840, and the usual classes were not 
all formed till 1842. The commencement of the enterprise was 
a legacy of $20,000 from Issachar Paulding, a native of New 
Jersey, long settled in Kentucky : but most of the endowment 
was obtained in 1839, by the Rev. Rockwell Giddings, from New 
England, who had settled in Shelbyville, over the Baptist church 
in that place. He was elected President of the college, and ob- 
tained, in less than a year, about $70,000 in subscriptions, but 
died before he had completed his great work. In 1840, Rev. How- 
ard Malcom, D. D., was chosen president, and is still in office — 
(1847). 

Besides the usual four years' course, there is a shorter or scien- 
tific course, which may be completed in two or three years, accord- 
ing to the proficiency of the student at the time of entering. It 
embraces the regular course, except the Latin and Greek lan- 
guages, and on completing it, the student is entitled to a diploma 
certifying the fact. Persons whose circumstances do not permit 
them to complete either course, may study particular branches 
and receive certificates of their actual attainments. Chemistry 
is now taught in the institution with special reference to agricul- 
ture and the improvement of soils. 

The college is not in debt, and possesses revenues, aside from 
tuition, sufficient to maintain the faculty even with the present 
average of students, which is about 130. The Institution is 
deservedly enjoying great prosperity ; and from the high qualifi- 
cations of the faculty, combined with its salubrious location, the 
intelligence, refinement and elevated morality of the inhabitants 
of the beautiful and thriving town, it must continue to grow in 
popular favor. 

Two flourishing Female Institutions, of high grade, are located 
at Georgetown. 

The Female Collegiate Institute, T. F. Johnson, Esq., principal, 
was organized in March, 1838, and has continued steadily to 
advance in public estimation. The number of students at pres- 



508 SCOTT COUNTY. 

ent (1847) in attendance is about 100. The Institute is provided 
with splendid plnlosophical and clieinical ap])aratus, and has a 
select library contaiiiing- five hundred volumes. The pu])ils have 
free use of these without charge. The assistants, who arc expe- 
rienced teachers from the best female schools in the United States, 
reside at the Institute, and are constant in their attentions to the 
pupils. The pupils are permitted to attend any place of wor- 
ship they may prefer, but are not allowed to visit or receive vis- 
its, or to attend night meetings or parties of pleasure. The col- 
legiate year is divided into two sessions ; the first commencing 
on the first Monday in March, and closing on the third Friday in 
July ; the second opens on the first Monday in August, and closes 
at Christmas. 

The advantages possessed by this school, together with the 
high character of the estimable gentleman at the head, makes it 
one of the most eligible institutions of the kind in the United 
States ; and it bids fair to have a career of extensive usefulness 
and prosperity. 

The Western Military Institute, also under the superintendence 
of Professor Johnson, was recently established with a view to 
unite civil education with military discipline. It has been incor- 
porated by an act of the legislature, with all the powers, privi- 
leges and rights in conferring literary degrees and honors, and 
granting diplomas, which are exercised by any college in the 
State. The professors are men of science, and have had a large 
experience in the instruction of youth. The principal, together 
with several of the professors, were educated at the National Mil- 
itary Academy at West Point. The design of the Institution is 
to afford to youth a course of instruction as varied and more 
practical than can be obtained at most seminaries of learning. In 
the scientific and mathematical departments, are taught chemis- 
try, mineralogy, civil engineering, architecture, navigation, sur- 
veying, drawing, &c. In the languages, Greek, Latin, French 
German and Spanish. In the department of law, is taught the 
elements of constitutional, international and common law. In 
the military department, special attention is paid to field fortifica- 
tions, infantry, rifle and artillery drills ; and, where circumstan- 
ces justify, to the sword exercise, cavalry drill, &c. The insti- 
tute, already, has a large number of students, and is in a most 
flourishing condition. 

Great Crossings is a small but neat village, containing one 
Baptist church, one school, one physician, two stores, one grocery, 
one tavern, one paper and flouring mill, six mechanics' shops, and 
a population of 130. Took its name from the fact that the great 
buffalo trace from the southern part of Kentucky to the Ohio 
river, crossed North Elkhorn at that point. Marion is a small 
village, having a population of about fifty souls — with one Meth- 
odist and one Christian church, one school, one physician, and five 
mechanical trades. Newtown contains Methodist and Presbyterian 
churches, one school, store, grocery, post oflice, and several 



COLONEL PATTERSON. 509 

mechanics' shops — population 100. Stampinrr Ground has a Bap- 
tist and a Christian churcli, two scliools, three physicians, two 
taverns, four stores and groceries, one tannery, ten mechanics' 
shops, with a population of 150. Incorporated in 1834. Derived 
its name from the fact that the herds of buffalo which resorted 
here for salt water, tramped down the undergrowth as well as the 
soil for a great distance around — hence the name of " Stamping 
Ground." 

During the summer of 177G, several families, collected from the mouth of Ken- 
tucky river, from Kingston's settlement, and from Drennon's Lick, built a fort at 
Itoyal Spring, where Georgetown now stands, which received the name of Mc- 
Clellan's fort or station. On the 29th of December, of the same year, a large 
body of Indians made an attack on this fort, and killed McClellan and two others. 
The terror inspired by this event, caused the occupants to abandon the fort and 
retire to Harrodsburg. Col. Patterson* assisted in building the fort, and was 
one of its defenders until the beginning of October, 1776. The supply of pow- 
der being nearly exhausted, he and six others started to Pittsburgh to procure am- 
munition and other necessaries. On their way they spent several days at the Blue 
Licks, curing buffalo jerk and tallow for their journey up the river. At Lime- 
stone (now Maysville) they procured a canoe, commenced their journey, and ar- 
rived at Point Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, without encounter- 
ing any Indians. From the Point they proceeded on their journey, traveling very 
cautiously, — starting before daybreak and going on until after dark, and sleeping 
without fire. 

Late in the evening of the 12th of October, they landed a few miles below the 
mouth of Hockhocking, in the present State of Ohio, and, contrary to their usual 
practice, made a fire, — having become less cautious in consequence of their near 
approach to the settlements. They laid upon their arms around the fire, and in 
the night were attacked by a party of eleven Indians, who gave them a volley, 
and then fell upon them with their tomahawks. Col. Patterson received two balls 
in his right arm, by which it was broken; and a tomahawk was struck into his 
side, between two of his ribs, penetrating into the cavity of the body. He sprang 
out into the darkness and got clear, supposing all his companions were killed. 
He made for the river, in hopes of getting into the canoe and floating down to 
Point Pleasant ; but as he approached it, he discovered that there was an Indian 
in it. In a short time the whole party of Indians went on board, and floated down 
the river. Col. Patterson then made an attempt to get to the fire, in which he 
succeeded. He found a companion, named Templeton, wounded in a manner 
very similar to his own case ; another, named Wernock, wounded dangerously ; 
and another, named Perry, slightly. Of the other three, one was killed, one was 
missing, and the other, named Mitchell, was unluirt. 'J'hey had saved one gun 
and some ammunition. They remained on the ground until morning, when they 
attempted to proceed up the river on foot; but Wernock was unable to move, and 
they were forced to leave him. They, however, found themselves unable to pro- 
ceed farther than a quarter of a mile from the camp, and it was then agreed that 
Perry should endeavor to reach Grave creek, and bring them aid, while Mitchell 
was to remain and take care of the others. Wernock, who was left behind, died 
in the evening; and Mitchell, who had gone back to assist him, lost his way in 
returning to Patterson and Templeton, and did not find them until next morning. 
They then moved a couple of hundred yards further from the river, and the next 
day got under a clift', which sheltered them from the rain, where they remained 
until Perry returned from Grave creek with assistance. They were removed to 
that place, after lying eight days in their suffering condition. Patterson laid 
twelve months under the surgeon's care.f 

In the latter part of May, 1778, a party of Indians stole twenty horses, near 

• See the interesting incident in the battle of the Blue I.ioks. Col. Patterson was a brave and mer- 
itorious officer and valuable citizen, lie removed from licxincflon in 18()4, to the vicinity of Dayton, 
Ohio, where he resided on a farm till his death, in August, 1S27, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

t American Pioneer, vol. 2, pp. 344-5. 



510 SCOTT COUNTY. 

Col. Jolinsou's mill. Tliey were jiursuecl by Capt, Herntlon wllli a small body 
of whites, but escaped. On this occasion, a most singular manamvre was exe- 
cuted by one of tlie Indians, probably the leader. The party, after traveling about 
twenty miles, halted in a brushy copse of wood, and were overtaken by the pur- 
suers, who came upon them before they were discovered or saw tiieir adversary. 
The whiles, on discovering the marauders, made instant preparation to fire ; and, 
at the same moment, the Indians gave a loud yell, sprang to their feet, and, with 
one exception, ran in various directions. One, who remained in view of the 
whites, continued to yell and scream and jump — now Hying to one tree, then to 
another — now dodging, then S[)ringing aloft, as one perfectly frantic. 'I'his strange 
exhibition attracted and so engrossed the attention of the whites, that they did 
not even fire — thus, without doubt, effecting the very object intended by this dex- 
terous and wily savage. In the mean time, the other Indians had secured their 
guns and blankets, and made their escape, as did also the partisan hero, in an in- 
stant after his followers were safe — leaving an enemy, superior in numbers, to 
express their wonder at the enchantment which had thus deluded them.* 

About the 20th of June, 1788, three Indians made an incursion into Scott county, 
and stole three horses from the tarm of Jacob IStuoker, on North Elkhorn. On 
the succeeding day, a lad was killed near Col. Johnson's mill. The neighbor- 
hood was roused, and Capt Henderson, immediately assembling a company, gave 
pursuit. He struck the horse trail, and, pursuing it with great vigor, soon over- 
hauled the Indians. At the first fire, two of the Indians fell dead, and the third, 
tliough wounded, effected his escape. The horses were recovered, and the whites 
returned to their homes without having received the slightest injury. 

The first paper mill in Kentucky was erected by Messrs. Craig and Parkers, 
near Georgetown, in the year 1795. 

Captain William Hubbell. — The subject of this brief notice was a native of 
Vermont, and served five and a half years in the revolutionary army, in the vari- 
ous stations of private, sergeant, ensign, and second and first lieutenant. He 
participated in the capture of St. John's and Montreal, and was engaged in many 
skirmishes during the war. Some years after the close of the revolutionary war. 
Captain Hubbell removed to Kentucky, and settled in Scott county, where he resi- 
ded until his death at a very advanced age — enjoying throughout life, in an emi- 
nent degree, the confidence and esteem of the community among whom his lot 
was cast. In the year 1791, while the Indians were yet troublesome, especially 
on the banks of the Ohio, Captain Hubbell, who had been compelled to go to 
the eastward on business, was returning to his home in Kentucky. On one of the 
tributary streams of the river Monongahela, he procured a flat bottomed boat, and 
embarked in company with Mr. Daniel Light, and Mr. William Plascut and his 
family, consisting of a wife and eight children, destined for Limestone, Kentucky. 
On their progress down the river Ohio, and soon after passing Pittsburgh, they 
saw evident traces of Indians along the banks, and there is every reason to believe 
that a boat which they overtook, and which, through carelessness, was suffered 
to run aground on an island, became a prey to the merciless savages. 

Though Captain Hubbell and his party stopped some time for it in a lower 
part of the river, it did not arrive, and has never to their knowledge been heard 
of since. Before they reached the mouth of the Great Kenhawa, they had, by 
several successive additions, increased their number to twenty, consisting of nine 
men, three women, and eight children. The men, besides those mentioned above,, 
were one John Stoner, an Irishman, and a Dutchman, whose names are not 
recollected, Messrs. Kay and Tucker, and a Mr. Kilpatrick, whose two daugh- 
ters also were of the party. Information received at Gallipolis confirmed the 
expectation which appearances previously raised, of a serious conflict with a 
large body of Indians ; and as Captain Hubbell had been regularly appointed 
commander of the boat, every possible preparation was made for a formidable and 
successful resistance of the anticipated attack. 

The nine men were divided into three watches for the night, who were alternately 
to continue awake and be on the look-out for two hours at a time. The arms on 
board, which consisted principally of old muskets much out of order, were col- 

• Marshall's History, Vol. I, pp. 284-3. 



WILLIAM HUBBELL. 511 

lected, loaded, and put in the best possible condition for service. At about sun- 
set on that day, the 23d of March, 1791, our party overtook a fleet of six boats 
descending the river in company, and intended to have continued with thern ; but 
as their passengers seemed more disposed to dancing than fighting, and as, soon 
after dark, notwithstanding the remonstrances of Captain Hubbeli, tliny com- 
menced fiddling and dancing instead of preparing their arms and taking the neces- 
sary rest preparatory to battle, it was wisely considered more hazardous to be 
in such company than to be alone. 

It was therefore determined to proceed rapidly forward by aid of the oars, and 
to leave those thoughtless fellow-travelers behind. One of the boats, however, 
belonging to the fleet, commanded by a Captain Greathouse,* adopted the same 
plan, and for a while kept up with Captain Hubbeli, but all its crew at length 
falling asleep, that boat also ceased to be propelled by the oars, and Captain 
Hubbeli and his party proceeded steadily forward alone. Early in the night a 
canoe was dimly seen floating down the river, in which were probably Indians 
reconnoitering, and other evident indications were observed of the neighborhood 
and hostile intentions of a formidable party of savages. 

It was now agreed, that should the attack, as was probable, be deferred till 
morning, every man should be up before the dawn, in order to make as great a 
show as possible of numbers and of strength ; and that, whenever the action 
should take place, the women and children should lie down on the cabin floor and 
be protected as well as they could by the trunks and other baggage, which might 
be placed around them. In this perilous situation they continued during the 
night, and the captain, who had not slept more than one hour since he left Pitts- 
burgh, was too deeply impressed with the imminent danger which surrounded 
him to obtain any rest at that time. 

Just as daylight began to appear in the east, and before the men were up and 
at their posts agreeably to arrangement, a voice at some distance below them in 
a plaintive tone repeatedly solicited them to come on shore, as there were some 
white persons who wished to obtain a passage in their boat. This the captain 
very naturally and correctly concluded to be an Indian artifice, and its only eflfect 
was to rouse the men and place every one on his guard. The voice of entreaty 
was soon changed into the language of indignation and insult, and the sound of 
distant paddles announced the approach of the savage foe. At length three 
Indian canoes were seen through the mist of the morning rapidly advancing. 
"With the utmost coolness the captain and his companions prepared to receive 
them. The chairs, tables, and other incumbrances were thrown into the river, in 
order to clear the deck for action. 

Every man took his position, and was ordered not to fire till the savages had 
approached so near, that (to use the words of Captain Hubbeli,) " the flash from 
the guns might singe their eyebrows ; " and a special caution was given that the 
men should fire successively, so that there might be no interval. On the arrival 
of the canoes, they were found to contain about twenty-five or thirty Indians 
each. As soon as they approached within the reach of musket shot, a general 
fire was given from one of them, which wounded Mr. Tucker through the hip so 
severely that his leg hung only by the flesh, and shot Mr. Light just below the 
ribs. The three canoes placed themselves at the bow, stern, and on the right 
side of the boat, so that they had an opportunity of raking in every direction. 
The fire now commenced from the boat, and had a powerful effect in checking 
the confidence and fury of the Indians. 

The captain, after firing his own gun, took up that of one of the wounded men, 
raised it to his shoulder, and was about to discharge it, when a ball came and 
took away the lock ; he coolly turned round, seized a brand of fire from the ket- 
tle which served for a caboose, and applying it to the pan, discharged the piece 
with effect. A very regular and constant fire was now kept up on both sides. 
The captain was just in the act of raising his gun a third time, when a ball passed 
through his right arm, and for a moment disabled him. Scarcely had he recov- 
ered from the shock and re-acquired the use of his hand, which had been sud- 
denly drawn up by the wound, when he observed the Indians in one of the 
canoes just about to board the boat in its bow, where the horses were placed 

* Captain Greatliou«e was on shore hunting, and shot in the river while swimming to his boat. 



512 SCOTT COUNTY. 

belonging to the party. So near had they approached, that some of theni had 
actually seized with their hands the side of the boat. 

Severely wounded as he was, he caught up a pair of horseman's pistols, and 
rushed forward to repel the attempt at boarding. On his approach the Indians 
fell back, and he discharged a pistol with effect at the foremost man. After fir- 
ing the second pistol, he found himself without- arms, and was compelled to 
retreat; but stepping back upon a pile of small wood which had been prepared 
for burning in the kettle, the tbought struck him, that it might be made use of in 
repelling the foe, and he continued for some time to strike them with it so forci- 
bly and actively that they were unable to enter the boat, and at length he woun- 
ded one of them so severely that with a yell they suddenly gave way. All the 
canoes instantly discontinued the contest and directed their course to Captain 
Greathouse's boat, which was then in sight. Here a striking contrast was exhib- 
ited to the firmness and intrepidity which had been displayed. 

Instead of resisting the attack, the people on board of this boat retired to the 
cabin in dismay. The Indians entered it without opposition, and rowed it to 
the shore, where they instantly killed the captain and a lad of about fourteen 
years of age. The women they placed in the centre of their canoes, and man- 
ning them with fresh hands, again pursued Captain Hubbell and party. A mel- 
ancholy alternative now presented itself to these brave but almost desponding 
men, either to fall a prey to the savages themselves, or to run the risk of shoot- 
ing the women, who had been placed in the canoes in the hope of deriving pro- 
tection from their presence. But " self preservation is the first law of nature," 
and the captain very justly remarked, there would not be much humanity in pre- 
serving their lives at such a sacrifice, merely that they might become victims of 
savage cruelty at some subsequent period. 

There were now but four men left on board of Captain Hubbell's boat, capable 
of defending it, and the captain himself was severely wounded in two places. The 
second attack, however, was resisted with almost incredible firmness and vigor. 
Whenever the Indians would rise to fire, their opponents would commonly give 
them the first shot, which in almost every instance would prove fatal. Notwith- 
standing the disparity of numbers, and the exhausted condition of the defenders 
of the boat, the Indians at length appeared to despair of success, and the canoes 
successively retired to the shore. Just as the last one was departing. Captain 
Hubbell called to the Indian, who was standing in the stern, and on his turning 
round, discharged his piece at him. When the smoke, which for a moment 
obstructed the vision, was dissipated, he was seen lying on his back, and appeared 
to be severely, perhaps mortally wounded. 

Unfortunately the boat now drifted near to the shore where the Indians were col- 
lected, and a large concourse, probably between four and five hundred, were seen 
rushing down on the bank. Ray and Plascut, the only men remaining unhurt, 
were placed at the oars, and as the boat was not more than twenty yards from 
shore, it was deemed prudent for all to lie down in as safe a position as possible 
and attempt to push forward with the utmost practicable rapidity. While they 
continued in this situation, nine balls were shot into one oar, and ten into the 
other, without wounding the rowers, who were hidden from view and protected 
by the side of the boat and the blankets in its stern. During this dreadful expo- 
sure to the fire of the savages, which continued about twenty minutes, Mr. Kil- 
patrick observed a particular Indian, whom he thought a favorable mark for his 
rifle, and, notwithstanding the solemn warning of Captain Hubbell, rose to shoot 
him. He immediately received a ball in his mouth, which passed out at the back 
part of his head, and was almost at the same moment shot throngh the heart. 
He fell among the horses that about the same time were killed, and presented to 
his afflicted daughters and fellow travelers, who were witnesses of the awful oc- 
currence, a spectacle of horror which we need not further attempt to describe. 

The boat was now providentially and suddenly carried out into the middle of 
the stream, and taken by the current beyond the reach of the enemy's balls. Our 
little band, reduced as they were in numbers, wounded, afflicted, and almost 
exhausted by fatigue, were still unsubdued in spirit, and being assembled in all 
their strength, men, women and children, with an appearance of triumph gave 
three hearty cheers, calling to the Indians to come on again if they were fond of 
the sport. 



WILLIAM HUBBELL. 513 

Thus ended this awful conflict, in which, out of nine men, two only escaped 
unhurt. Tucker and Kilpatrick were killed on the spot, Stoner was mortally 
wounded, and died on his arrival at Limestone, and all the rest, excepting Ray 
and Plascut, were severely wounded. The women and children were all unin- 
jured, excepting a little son of Mr. Plascut, who, after the battle was over, came 
to the captain, and, with great coolness, requested him to take a ball out of his 
head. On examination, it appeared that a bullet, which had passed through the 
side of the boat, had penetrated the forehead of this little hero, and remained un- 
der the skin. The captain took it out, and the youth, observing, " that is not all" 
raised his arm, and exhibited a piece of bone at the point of his elbow, which 
had been shot off, and hung only by the skin. His mother exclaimed, " why did 
you not tell me of this 1"" "Because," he coolly replied, "the captain directed 
us to be silent during the action, and I thought you would be likely to make a 
noise if I told you." 

The boat made the best of its way down the river, and the object was to reach 
Limestone that night. The captain's arm had bled profusely, and he was com- 
pelled to close the sleeve of his coat in order to retain the blood and stop its effu- 
sion. In this situation, tormented by excruciating pain and faint through loss of 
blood, he was under the necessity of steering the boat with his left arm, till about 
ten o'clock that night, when he was relieved by Mr. William Brooks, who resi- 
ded on the bank of the river, and who was induced, by the calls of the suffering 
party, to come out to their assistance. By his aid, and that of some other persons, 
who were in the same manner brought to their relief, they were enabled to reach 
Limestone about twelve o'clock that night. 

Immediately on the arrival of Mr. Brooks, Capt. Hubbell, relieved from labor 
and responsibility, sunk under the weight of pain and fatigue, and became for a 
while totally insensible. When the boat reached Limestone, he found himself 
unable to walk, and was obliged to be carried up to the tavern. Here he had his 
wound dressed, and continued several days, until he acquired sufficient strength 
to proceed homewards. 

On the arrival of our party at Limestone, they found a considerable force of 
armed men, about to march against the same Indians, from whose attacks they 
had so severely suffered. They now learned, that en the Sunday preceding, the 
same party of savages had cut off a detachment of men ascending the Ohio from 
Fort Washington, at the mouth of Licking river, and had killed with their toma- 
hawks, without firing a gun, twenty-one out of twenty-two men, of which the 
detachment consisted. 

Crowds of people, as might be expected, came to witness the boat which had 
been the scene of so much heroism, and such horrid carnage, and to visit the reso- 
lute little band by whom it had been so gallantly and perseveringly defended. On 
examination, it was found that the sides of the boat were literally filled with bul- 
lets and with bullet holes. There was scarcely a space of two feet square, in the 
part above water, which had not either a ball remaining in it, or a hole through 
which a ball had passed. Some persons who had the curiosity to count the num- 
ber of holes in the blankets which were hung up as curtains in the stern of the 
boat, affirmed that in the space of five feet square there were one hundred and 
twenty-two. Four horses out of five were killed, and the escape of the fifth, 
amidst such a shower of balls, appears almost miraculous. 

The day after the arrival of Capt. Hubbell and his companions, the five remain- 
ing boats, which they had passed on the night preceding the battle, reached Lime- 
stone. Those on board remarked, that during the action they distinctly saw the 
flashes, but could not hear the reports of the guns. The Indians, it appears, had 
met with too formidable a resistance from a single boat to attack a fleet, and suf- 
fered them to pass unmolested ; and since that time, it is believed that no boat 
has been assailed by Indians on the Ohio. 

The force which marched out to disperse this formidable body of savages, dis- 
covered several Indians dead on the shore, near the scene of action. They also 
found the bodies of Capt, Greathouse and several others, — men, women and chil- 
dren, — who had been on board of his boat. Most of them appeared to have been 
whipped to death, as they were found stripped, tied to trees, and marked with the 
appearance of lashes ; and large rods, which seemed to have been worn with use, 
were observed lying near them. 
33 



614 SCOTT COUNTY. 

In llie year 1788, a party of hunters, — five in number, — from the station near 
Georgetown, Kentucky, landed at the mouth of Deer creek, in Cincinnati, in two 
canoes.* After hiding the canoes among the willows and weeds, that grew thick 
and rank upon that little stream, they proceeded to ascend the creek along the left 
bank. At the distance of about one hundred and fifty yards from the mouth, in 
the shade of a branching elm, they halted for refreshment, and sat down to par- 
take of the rude repast of the wilderness. The month was September, the day 
clear and warm, and the hour that within which the sun would "sink to rest." 
After having partaken of their coarse evening meal, the party, at the suggestion 
of a man named Hall, — one of their number, — proposed, as a matter of safety 
and comfort, that they should go among the northern hills, and there encamp un- 
til the morning's dawn, as the musquitoes and the frogs, amongst the creek's 
marshes, dinned the night with most annoying cherivari. The proposition of 
Hall was acceded to, and the party packed up for their journey. 

Emerging from a thicket of iron weed, through which a deer-path was open, 
and into which the party walked single file, they entered, one after another, upon 
a grassy, weedless knob, which being elevated some distance above the tops of 
the blossomed iron weeds around, had the appearance of a green island in the 
midst of a^purple sea. The deer-path crossed the knob, and entered the weed 
thicket again on the northern side. The hunters did not pause for a moment, but 
entered the narrow avenue, one after another. 

As the last man was about to enter the path, he fell simultaneously with the 
crack of a rifle, discharged from amongst the weeds on the western slope. The 
whole party dashed into the thicket on either side, and "squatted," with rifles 
cocked, ready for any emergency. Quietly in this position they waited until night- 
fall ; but every thing around being still, and no further hostile demonstrations be- 
ing made, one after another they again ventured out into the path and started to- 
wards the opening — observing, however, the utmost caution. 

Hall, a bold fellow, and connected by ties of kindred with the man who had 
been shot, whose name was Baxter, crawled quietly upon his hands and knees to 
the spot where his comrade had fallen, and fftund him dead, lying with his face 
downward, a bullet having entered his skull forward of the left temple. Baxter 
had fallen some ten feet from the thicket's entrance, and Hall, after getting out 
of the thicket, rolled slowly to the side of the dead man, lest he should be ob- 
served by the skulking enemy — as, in an upright position, notwithstanding the 
gloom of nightfall, he would have been. He lay for several minutes by the side 
of the corpse, analyzing, as it were, the sounds of the night, as if to detect in 
them the decoying tricks so common with the Indian. There was nothing, how- 
ever, that, even to his practiced ear, indicated the presence of an enemy ; and he 
ventured, at length, to stand erect. With rifle ready, and eye-ball strained to 
penetrate the gloom that hung like a marsh-mist upon the purple fields around, he 
stood for several seconds, and then gave a signal for the approach of his compa- 
nions. The party cautiously approached the spot where Hall stood, and after a 
moment's consultation in whispers, agreed to bury the unfortunate man, and then 
pursue their journey. Poor Baxter was carried to the bank of the river, and si- 
lently interred under a beech, a few feet from the bluff, the grave being dug by 
the knives and tomahawks of his late companions. Yet in the warmth of recent 
life, the body was laid in its rude resting-place, and the sod which was to shut it 
out from the glow of star or planet — the light of sun or moon — was moistened 
with many a tear from many an eye that danger never blenched. 

Having performed the last sad duties to the departed, the party prepared to 
leave, and had advanced, silently, a step or two, when they were startled by a 
sound upon the water. "A canoe!" whispered Hall. A suspicion flashed upon 
his mind, and he crawled to the spot where the canoes had been hidden, and found 
one of them gone. 

Quick to decide, and fired with a spirit of vengeance, he proposed to his com- 
rades that immediate pursuit be made. The proposition was agreed to, and in 
less than five minutes three of the hunters, armed and determined for a deadly 
mission, were darting silently through the quiet waters, in the direction of the 
sound which they had recently heard. About one hundred yards below the mouth 

• Cisl's Cincinnati Adverliser, 1647. 



JOSEPH DESHA. 5T5 

of Lickinor, on the Kentucky side, they came within rifle-shot of the canoe, fired 
at the person who was paddling it, scarcely visible in the dim starlight, and a 
short exclamation of agony evidenced the certainty of the shot. 

Paddling up along side, the canoe was found to contain but a single person, 
and that an old Indian, writhing in death's agony, the blood gushing from his 
shaven brow. In the bottom of the canoe lay a rifle, and near it a pouch of 
parched corn, and a gourd about half filled with whisky. It was this Indian, 
evidently, who shot Baxter, and it seemed equally evident that he was alone upon 
the war-path. The savage was scalped, and his body thrown into the river. 

Hall and his party returned to the month of the creek — again hid the canoes — 
encamped near Baxter's grave for the night, and with the morning's dawn started 
upon their journey to the north. 

Col. Robert .Tohnson (the father of colonels Richard M., James, and Major 
John T. Johnson,) was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky, then a 
county of that State, during the stormy period of the revolution. He was distin- 
guished for that high-toned integrity and courage which marked the age and coun- 
try in which he lived; and took an active and prominent part in the sanguinary 
conflicts which raged between the settlers and natives, in the early settlement of 
Kentucky. So great was the confidence reposed in his skill and courage, by the 
adventurers of that age, by whom he was surrounded, that he was called to take 
a consfiicuous position in almost every hazardous enterprise. The sentiments of 
patrio ism and integrity which marked the history of his active life, he did not 
fail to inculcate upon the minds of his children ; and the character of those chil- 
dren, as developed, shows that they were not without their proper effect. Of Col. 
Richard M. Johnson, the eldest son, a sketch will be found under the head of 
Johnson county. Col. James Johnson was the lieutenant-colonel of the mounted 
regiment of Col. R. M. Johnson, during the late war, and distinguislied himself 
at the battle of the Thames, as well as on several occasions while in the service. 
He subsequently served several sessions in the Congress of the United States, 
with general acceptance. At the time of his death, which occurred many years 
since, he was in communion with the Baptist church, and was esteemed a zealous 
and devoted christian. Major John T. Johnson was, for a short time, a member 
of the appellate court of Kentucky ; subsequently, for several sessions, a member 
of Congress ; and is now, (1847), and has been for some eight or ten years, a dis- 
tinguished minister of the Christian church. 

Gen. Joseph Desha was a descendant of the Huguenots of France, his pater- 
nal grandfather being one of that persecuted sect, who in the middle of the seven- 
teenth century fled to America, to avoid the fury of intolerance, and enjoy, unmo- 
lested, the religion of their choice. The subject of this notice was born on the 
9th day of December, 1768, in the western part of the then colony of Pennsyl- 
vania. In July, 1781, his father emigrated to Kentucky, and in the following 
year removed to that part of the present State of Tennessee which was then 
known as the Cumberland District. In the month of December, 1789, Joseph 
Desha was united in marriage with the daughter of Col. Bledsoe; and in the 
year 1792, settled permanently in Mason county, Kentucky. 

As early as the year 1794, he volunteered under General Wayne, and served in 
his campaigns against the Indians, with distinction. Indeed, at the early age of 
fifteen, and between that age and twenty-two, he took an active part in various 
skirmishes with the foe, who at that period in the early history of the west, proved 
so fatal an annoyance to the settlers. In one of these skirmishes he had the mis- 
fortune to lose two of his brothers, who were shot down by his side ; an event 
which no doubt stimulated his courage and greatly excited his vengeance against 
the perfidious enemy. His gallant bearing as a soldier, and amiable qualities as 
a man, rendered him justly popular with the people, and for several years pre- 
vious to 180G, he represented the county of Mason in the State legislature. In 
1816 he was elected to Congress, and by successive re-elections was continued 
in that body until the year 1819. 

While in Congress he acted with the republican party, and was devotedly 
zealous in the prosecution of all such measures as were calculated in his judg- 
ment to advance the interest and glory of the nation. He was a warm supporter 



516 SCOTT COUNTY. 

of the war of 1812, and in 1813 accepted a commission as major general of vol- 
unteers, and was present with his division, in the battle of the Thames. 

In 1824 he was elected governor of Kentucky, and served the usual term of 
four years. His administration of the State government was efficient and vigor- 
ous. At the expiration of his term he retired from public life, and continued 
engaged in his private affairs upon his farm, in Harrison county, until his death, 
which occurred, at Georgetown, Scott county, on the 11th of October, 1842. 

General Charles Scott, from whom this county received its name, a distin- 
guished officer of the revolution, was born in Cumberland county, Virginia. He 
served as a corporal in a volunteer company of militia in the memorable cam- 
paign of 1755, which terminated in Braddock's defeat. Upon the breaking out 
of the revolutionary war, he raised the first company of volunteers south of James 
river that entered into actual service, and so distinguished himself that when the 
county of Powhatan was formed in 1777, the county of Scott was named in honor 
of him. Having been appointed by General Washington to the command of a 
regiment in the continental line, he was with General Wayne at the storming of 
Stony Point. He was in Charleston when it surrendered to Sir Henry Clinton. 
When marching out of the gate a British officer spoke to him very abruptly ; 
ordered him to march faster to give room for others. Scott turned upon him, rip- 
ped out a tremendous oath, (one of his characteristics,) and shamed the officer 
for having let so few men stand out so long against so large an army. The offi- 
cer molested him no further. After the war terminated he removed to Kentucky, 
and in 1785 settled in Woodford county. He was with General St. Clair in his 
defeat on the 4th of November, 1791, when there were about six hundred men 
killed in one hour. In 1763, he and General Wilkinson conducted a corps of 
horsemen against the Indian towns on the Wabash, killed some of the warriors 
and took a number of prisoners. In 1794 he commanded a portion of Wayne's 
army at the battle of the Fallen Timber, where the Indians were defeated and 
driven under the walls of the British fort. In 1808 he was elected to the office 
of Governor of Kentucky, and discharged its duties faithfully. 

General Scott was a man of strong natural powers, but somewhat illiterate, 
and rough in his manners. He was very eccentric, and many amusing anecdotes 
are related of him. The following anecdote we believe is literally authentic : 

While Scott, as governor of Kentucky, was reposing on his military renown, 
a puny whipster, himself just about as brave a man as any of the descendants of 
Ezekiel Polk, took it into his head to distinguish his own prowess, and as a mark 
for its exhibition, pretending some offence, singled out General Scott, to whom 
he sent a challenge to a duel. The old veteran very properly returned no answer 
to the summons. Meantime the braggart had been ostentatiously speculating on 
the occurrence in advance, not anticipating the turn it took. Being committed 
by the knowledge of the public, he was in a desperate predicament. After wait- 
ing in vain for an acceptance, and not even receiving an answer, he went person- 
ally to demand an explanation. 

" General Scott, you received a challenge from me 1 " 

" Your challenge was delivered, sir." 

" But I have received neither an acknowledgment nor an acceptance of it." 

" I presume not sir, as I have sent neither." 

" But of course you intend to accept 1 " 

" Of course I do not." 

" What ! Not accept my challenge ] Is it possible that you, General Scott, 
brought up in the army, decline a combat]" 

" I do with you, sir," coolly answered the hero. 

"Then I have no means of satisfaction left, but to post you a coward." 

" Post me a coward 1 Ha, ha, ha ! Post and be ; but if you do, you 

will only post yourself a liar, and every body else will say so." 

And that was the end of it. 

General Scott was a faithful and constant friend, but a bitter and implacable 
enemy. He died about the year 1820, at a very advanced age. 



SHELBY COUNTY. 517 



SHELBY COUNTY. 

Shelby county was formed in 1792, and named in honor of Gov. 
Isaac Shelby. It is drained by the waters of Kentucky and Salt 
rivers : bounded on the north by Oldham and Henry ; east by 
Franklin ; south by Spencer ; and west by Jefferson. The streams 
of the county are — Clear, Beech, Brashear's, Bullskin, Fox, Jef- 
frey's and Fitch's creeks, which flow into the Kentucky, and Six 
Mile creek, which enters into Salt river. The general surface is 
gently undulating, and the lands finely timbered, and in a high 
state of cultivation. The soil is based upon limestone, with red 
clay foundation, and is black, friable, and remarkably fertile. The 
grasses succeed well ; but hemp, corn and wheat, form the staple 
products ; horses, mules, cattle, hogs, bagging and bale rope, the 
principal articles of export. The exports of Shelby, in 1846, 
amounted to the sum of $630,750 — the imports to $350,000, — 
leaving an excess, in favor of the exports, of $280,750. 

Valuation of the lands of Shelby, $4,852,725 ; total valuation 
of taxable property in 1846, $8,331,400 ; number of acres of land 
in the county, 241,523 ; average value of land per acre, $19.94 ; 
number of white males over twenty-one years of age, 2,348 ; 
number of children between five and sixteen years old, 2714. 
Population in 1840, 17,768. 

The towns of Shelby consist of Shelbyville, the seat of justice, 
Christiansburg, Hardinsville, Simpsonville, Clay village, and Har- 
risonville. 

Shelbyville is situated on the waters of Clear creek, thirty miles 
from Louisville, and twenty-one miles from Frankfort, immedi- 
ately on the turnpike road from the former to the latter place. 
It has a population of about 1,600; seven churches, with four 
denominations, viz : Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Chris- 
tians ; ten lawyers, nine physicians, fourteen merchants, thirty- 
one mechanics' shops, and nine manufacturing establishments. 
It contains, also, one college, and two male and two female schools. 
The court-house is a large three story new brick building, ninety 
feet in length and seventy-five feet in width, including court room, 
and the various offices of the clerks, sheriff', &c. 

Trustees to lay off a town at Shelby court-house, were appointed by an act of 
the general assembly of Kentucky, passed in 1792; and on the 15th day of Jan- 
uary, 1793, the said trustees met, and laid off fifty-one acres of land, "around 
and adjacent to the place whereon the public buildings are to be erected, into suit- 
able lots and streets." The " gentlemen trustees," as they styled themselves in 
the record, among their first acts, passed the following resolution, indicating, very 
clearly, the plainness and simplicity of the style of building of our ancestors': 
"Ordered, that every purchaser or purchasers of lotts in the town of Shelbyville, 
shall build theijeon a hued log house, with a brick or stone chimney, not less than 
one story and a half high, otherwise the lot or lots shall be forfeited for the use 
of the town." These trustees were David Standiford, Joseph Winlock, and Abra-\ 
ham Owen — the last of whom was the Col. Owen who fell at the battle of Tip- j ^ 
pecanoe. 

Shelby College, which is located here, was organized in 1836, 



618 SHELBY COUNTY. 

and transferred to the Episcopal church in 1841. Its presidency 
is now (1847) temporarily vacant. The college edifice is a hand- 
some brick building, forty-two feet by seventy, with a president's 
house on the grounds, which include about eighteen acres. The 
Female Seminaries are very popular institutions, and embrace a 
large number of pupils. The one under the superintendence of 
W. F. Hill, has a beautiful edifice, lately constructed. The loca- 
tion of Shelbyville is very favorable to health ; and the zeal and 
liberality displayed by the citizens in the cause of education, — 
resulting in the organization of an unusual number of flourish- 
ing schools, — is a guaranty of its permanent prosperity. The 
population of the town and county, generally, is intelligent, re- 
fined, and remarkably moral. 

Chnstiansburg is a small village, situated on the New-Castle 
road, eight miles east of Shelbyville ; and contains two churches, 
(Baptist and Methodist), two physicians, two taverns, four stores 
and groceries, a steam saw-mill, woollen factory, and three or 
four mechanics' shops. Hardinsville is situated at the east corner 
of the county, at the junction of the Louisville, Frankfort, and 
Harrodsburg turnpike roads, fifteen miles from Shelbyville, and 
nine miles from Frankfort : contains one tavern, two stores, post- 
ofiice, and several mechanics' shops. Population, 60. Simpson- 
ville is situated on the turnpike from Louisville to Shelbyville, 
eight miles west of the latter ; was laid out in 1816, and named 
after Capt. John Simpson, who was killed at the battle of the 
river Raisin, during the late war with Great Britain. It has 
a population of 200 ; three churches, (Baptist, Methodist and 
Presbyterian,) three physicans, three merchants, four mechanics' 
shops, one steam saw-mill, and a school for males and females. 
Clai/ Village lies on the road from Louisville to Frankfort, six miles 
east of Shelbyville ; was established in the year 1820, and named 
after Henry Clay, the great statesman of Kentucky : has a popu- 
lation of about 100 souls ; two physicians, five merchants, four- 
teen mechanics' shops, two manufacturing establishments, and 
one Universalist church. Harrisonville is situated in the south- 
east corner of the county, about sixteen miles from Shelbyville ; 
was established about the year 1825, and originally known by 
the name of Connersville, after the proprietor, but is now called 
for Gen. William H. Harrison. It is a small village. 

In the month of September, 1781, a station settled by Squire Boone, (a brother 
of the great hunter,) near where Shelbyville is built, became alarmed at the appear- 
ance of Indians in the neighborhood, and determined to remove to the stronger 
settlements on Beargrass. In effecting this object, the party — necessarily encum- 
bered with women, children and household goods — was attacked by a large body 
of Indians near Long run, defeated and dispersed with considerable loss. Colo- 
nel Floyd, on hearing of the disaster, immediately collected a party of twenty-five 
men, and repaired with honorable promptitude to relieve the whites and chastise 
the Indians. He advanced with his usual caution, dividing his men into two 
parties ; and yet, in spite of his prudence, he fell into an ambuscade of two hun- 
dred Indians. He was defeated with the loss of half his men, and nine or ten of 
the Indians vvere killed. While Colonel Floyd was retreating on foot, nearly 
exhausted and closely pursued by the Indiana, Captain Samuel Wells, who 



ARCHIBALD CAMERON. 519 

retained his horse, dismounted and gave it to Floyd, and ran by his side to sup- 
port him. The magnanimity of the action, is enhanced by the previous hostility 
between these officers, which was, however, cancelled forever — " they lived and 
died friends." 

William Logan was the eldest son of General Benjamin Logan, and .was born 
at Harrodsburg on the 8th of December, 1776. He was, probably, the first 
white child born in Kentucky. In 1799 he was a member of the convention 
which formed the present constitution of the state, being then only twenty-three 
years of age. His selection to this responsible office, so early in life, evinced 
the high opinion entertained of his character and talents, by his fellow-citizens. 
About the same time he commenced the practice of the law, and soon attained 
considerable eminence in his profession. He was frequently elected to repre- 
sent his county in the legislature, and on several occasions was made speaker 
of the house of representatives. He was twice appointed a judge of the court 
of appeals, in which station he was noted for the propriety with which he dis- 
charged its various duties. In 1820, he was elected a Senator in the Congress 
of the United States. He resigned his seat in this body in 1820, for the pur- 
pose of becoming a candidate for governor of the State, but was not elected. 

He died at his residence in Shelby county, on the 8th of August, 1822, in the 
46th year of his age. At the time of his decease he was generally looked to by 
the people of the State, as the candidate for Governor in 1824, and had he lived 
would no doubt have succeeded General Adair in that office. 

When he was not prevented from mingling in politics by his duties as a judge, 
he was an active and influential member of the republican party, and was warmly 
engaged in the controversy which arose on the question of a new election upon 
the death of Governor Madison. On this occasion he took the ground which was 
finally settled as the true construction of the constitution, that upon the death of 
the governor, the lieutenant-governor should succeed to his place, and serve out 
the term. He was also an active partizan on the new and old court questions, 
having espoused the cause of the old court. In his private and social relations 
he was a gentleman of great moral worth, courteous in his manners, and of inflex- 
ible integrity. His early death was a loss to the State, and was very generally 
deplored. 

The Rev. Archibald Cameron, a distinguished minister of the Presbyterian 
church, was a native of Scotland, but was brought to America by his parents 
when very young. He was of good parentage, his father, John Cameron, of the 
"clan Cameron," being a man of sound understanding, correct principles and 
decided integrity of character. His mother, whose maiden name was Janet 
McDonald, of the "McDonald clan," was a lady of superior capacity, and dis- 
tinguished for extensive and general information, sterling integrity, exemplary 
piety, and great force of character. She was a "Scotch Presbyterian" of the 
genuine stamp. 

Archibald, the youngest of six children, was born in the Highlands, in the 
vicinity of Fort William, about the year 1770 or 1771. The family soon after 
his birth removed to America, and settled on the Monongahela river; where they 
resided till April, 1781, when they removed to Kentucky, and settled on a farm 
at the foot of " Cameron's Knob," about six miles from Bardstown. 

Little is known of Mr. Cameron's early history ; but as his father was a farmer, 
and in moderate circumstances, he was probably employed in agricultural pur- 
suits. His education, however, was not neglected ; and he commenced the study 
of the Latin and Greek languages with his eldest brother, Angus Cameron, who 
had received a thorough education before he left Scotland. At about the age of 
fifteen, he was sent to a school then kept in Bardstown by Dr. Priestly. His 
companions at this school were John Rowan, Felix Grundy, John Pope, Col. 
John Allen, John Simpson, and others, all of whom became distinguished in after 
life. Mr. Cameron took a high stand, and was considered the best scholar in the 
school. Upon leaving this school, he spent about one year at the *' Transylvania 
Seminary," then under the charge of Mr. James Moore. At the age of nineteen 
he professed religion, and connected himself with the Presbyterian church at 
Bardstown. His religious experience, written about this time, and preserved 
among his papers, agrees most strikingly with those evangelical doctrines for 



520 SHELBY COUNTY, t 

which his preaching was afterwards distinguished. He studied theology under 
the Rev. David Rice, and was licensed by Transylvania Presbytery, February 
14, 1795. 

He preached at many points in the counties of Nelson, Shelby and Jefferson, 
where he l;iid the fcfiindations of Presbyterianism, and at most of which he af- 
terwards organized churches. Having received a call from Simpson's creek 
church, in Nelson county, and from Ackron and Fox run, new churches in Shelby 
county, he was ordained and installed over them, June 2, 1796. The first admin- 
istration of the Lord's supper in Shelby county, was in the fall of 1796, when 
the number of members had increased to thirty-five, mostly received on examina- 
tion. His labors were spread over a wide region, now occupied by the congrega- 
tions of Siielbyvilie, Mulberry, Six Mile, Shiloh, Olivet, and Big Spring, ami era- 
bracing a circuit of from thirty to forty miles. 

All these churches were planted and built up by him; but the field being too 
extensive, in 1803 he relinquished Simpson's creek, and devoted his whole time 
to the churches in Shelby county. In these he labored with great self-denial and 
success, till 1818, when the churches now called Shiloh and Olivet secured the 
services of Rev. Dr. Crow. In this extended field his labors were much blessed, 
constant accessions being received to his churches ; but these accessions did not 
increase their members in proportionj which were constantly reduced by removals. 
He spent a long, eventful, a happy and useful life, among the people of these 
counties — having been their pastor for more than forty years ; and long will his 
name be borne in memory by them. 

In intellect Mr. Cameron had few equals. His mind was cast in the finest 
mould, and cultivated to a high degree. The distinctive characteristics of his 
mind were strenoth, originality and discrimination. He was a man of great 
shrewdness, and gifted with keen powers of satire. His discourses were always 
systematic, instructive and practical. As a doctrinal and experimental preacher, 
he was excelled by none; and his appeals were often most eloquent and impres- 
sive. As a pastor, he was highly esteemed and much beloved by the people of 
his charge; as a friend, he was frank, generous, and confiding; as a divine, he 
ranked in the very first class, and was regarded by all who knew him as the ablest 
man in the synod. He was the author of many published writings of high re- 
pute, and extensively known. Among these may be mentioned — 

1. The Faithful Steward: against baptizing adults who do not give evidence 
of faith and repentance, or the children of such adults. 1806 — pp. 53. 

2. The Monitor : on Religious Liberty, Church Government, Discipline, &c. 
1806— pp. 109. 

3. An Appeal to the Scriptures, on the Design, Extent, and Effect of the Pro- 
pitiation made by Christ. 1811 — pp. 79. 

4. A Discourse between the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church, 
and a Preacher in that Society who holds the Doctrine of Indefinite, Universal 
Atonement. 1814 — pp. 24. 

5. A Defence of the Doctrines of Grace : A Series of Letters in Reply to 
Judge Davidge's publication addressed to the "Advocates of a Partial Gospel." 
1816— pp. 49. 

6. A Reply to some Arminian Questions on Divine Predestination, and to a 
doggerel poem, " The Trial of Cain." 1822— pp. 36. 

7. An Anonymous Letter on Fore-ordination ; pp. 22. 

8. Two pamphlets, addressed to the Rev. George Light, a Methodist preacher. 

9. A Sketch of the Transylvania Presbytery, for the General Assembly's com- 
mittee appointed to write a History of the Presbyterian Church. 

During his last illness, which was protracted, his mind was sustained by the 
spirit of that gospel which, with so much faithfulness and success, he had preach- 
ed to his fellow men. The exercises of his mind were in unison with the gene- 
ral tenor of his religious sentiments. The prevailing feeling of his heart was 
submission to God, and reliance on Christ. His brethren of the Presbytery can 
never forget, that at their meeting the spring before his death, when he was sup- 
posed, by himself and others, to be on the very borders of the grave, he sent 
them a message full of tenderness, saying, that the nearer he approached to the eter- 
nal world, the more precious did the doctrines of the Bible, as held in our stand- 
ards, become; and from the very waters of Jordan did he look back, and bid 



CHARLES S. TODD. 521 

them all to hold fast those truths so precious while we live — so unspeakably pre- 
cious when we come to die. He died on the 4lh of December, 1836. 

Colonel Charles S. Todd, late minister to Russia, so favorably known as a 
soldier and a diplomatist, is a son of the late Thomas Todd, who for many years 
filled the high office of judge of the supreme court of the United States. He 
was born near Danville, Kentucky, onthe22d January, 1791 — and having entered 
at an early age on a classical course of education in the best schools of Ken- 
tucky, in 1807, entered the ancient university of William and Mary, in Virginia, 
as a junior, and graduated with high" reputation in 1809. His thesis at the 
time of his graduation was the subject of encomium by the faculty. He returned 
to Kentucky in 1809, and commenced the study of law with his father, and in 
1810 he proceeded to Litchfield, Connecticut, to attend a course of lectures by 
the celebrated Judges Reeves and Gould. 

In 1811-12 Colonel Todd established a law office in Lexington, but having 
cherished an ardent military spirit during his residence at college, where he was 
elected ensign in a volunteer company raised on account of the attack on the 
Chesapeake, he volunteered his services in June, 1812, and was elected ensign in 
one of the companies from Lexington, though before the march of the troops in 
August, he was appointed to a situation in the quarter master general's depart- 
ment, which made him the acting quarter rftaster of the advance of the left wing of 
the north-western army. In December he was appointed into General Harrison's 
staff as division judge advocate of the Kentucky troops. In this capacity he was 
the bearer, one hundred miles across the wilderness, on snow and ice, of the con- 
fidential instructions from the commander-in-chief to General Winchester, previous 
to the disastrous affair of the river Raisin. At the close of the campaign Ensign 
Todd returned to Kentucky, with a letter from General Harrison recommending 
him for a captaincy in the regular army, adding the beautiful compliment that " he 
appeared to combine the ardor of youth with the maturity of age." McAfee's 
History of the War, Butler's History of Kentucky, and Judge Hall's Life of 
Harrison, all speak of incidents in this campaign in which Ensign Todd's enter- 
prise and intrepidity were commended. He was, on personal application at 
the war office of Secretary Monroe, appointed to a vacancy of captain in the 17th 
regiment of infantry. Captain Todd, after commanding the recruiting rendezvous 
of the regiment, at Newport, was transferred to an original vacancy in the 28th 
infantry, attached to the brigade of General Cass, and was appointed aid to Gen- 
eral Harrison. Captain Todd's conduct on the campaign, and particularly in the 
battle of the Thames, is thus noticed in General Harrison's official report : " My 
aids-de-camp, Lieutenant O'Fallon and Captain Todd, of the line, and my volunteer 
aids, John Speed Smith and John Chambers, Esqs., have rendered me the most 
important services from the opening of the campaign." " Major Wood, of the 
engineers, already distinguished by his conduct at Fort Meigs, attended the army 
with two six pounders. Having no use for them in the action, he joined in the 
pursuit of the enemy, and with Major Payne of the mounted regiment, two of 
my aids-de-camp, Todd and Chambers, and three privates, continued it for sev- 
eral miles after the rest of the troops had halted, and made many prisoners." 
After the capture of the British troops, he was sent with an order to Governor 
Shelby, to bring up Simrall's regiment to reinforce the crotchet, and participated 
in the operations on the left against the Indians. He was then dispatched with 
Major Payne's battalion to pursue General Proctor, whose sword, papers, ^c. 
were the joint prize of Major Wood, and Captain Todd. He accompanied Gen- 
eral Harrison down the lakes to the Niagara frontier, and Sackett's Harbor, and 
thence, via New York and Washington, to Cincinnati, having succeeded Major 
Hukill as deputy inspector general of the 8th military district. During the sum- 
mer of 1814, Major Todd acted also as adjutant general of the district, and is 
thus handsomely no.ieed in General McArthur's report of the expedition into 
Canada during that fall : " I have the support of the troops in assuring you, sir, 
that to the military talents, activity and intelligence of Major Todd, who acted 
as my adjutant general, much of the fortunate progress and issue of this expedi- 
tion is attributable, and I cheerfully embrace this occasion to acknowledge the 
important services which he has at all times rendered me whilst in command of 
the district. His various merits, justly entitle him to the notice of government." 



522 SHELBY COUNTY. 

In march following, he was promoted to the situation of inspector general, with 
the brevet rank and pay of colonel of cavalry. Subsequently to the war, Gen- 
eral Harrison, in a letter to a member of the cabinet at Washington, expressed the 
opinion " that Colonel Todd was equal in bravery, and superior in intelligence to 
any officer of his rank in the army." 

At the peace in 1815, and upon the disbandment of the army in 1815, he 
returned to his original profession at Frankfort, Kentucky, and in 1816 married 
the youngest daughter of Governor Shelby. He was soon after appointed secretary 
of state by the new Governor Madison. Upon the death of Governor Madison, 
Colonel Todd resigned his office, and the year following was returned to the legis- 
lature from Franklin county, and again in 1818, highest over .ludges Bibb and 
Marshal! and General Hardin. His conduct in the legislature was so acceptable 
to his fellow citizens that he could have been re-elected at any time, but unex- 
pectedly he was invited by President Monroe to proceed to the government of 
Colombia, in South America, upon a confidential mission, with the pay and duties 
of a charge d'affaires. He was deputed to complete negotiations which had been 
in part effected by the lamented rerry, and to look into the actual condition of 
affairs in that country. He returned to the United States in 1821, and resumed his 
position at the capital of Colombia in 1822, bearing the recognition of the inde- 
pendence of that government. In th^se two trips to South America, Colonel 
Todd passed through seas infested with pirates, encountering hurricanes and 
malignant diseases, and passed one thousand miles over the Andes on mules at a 
time when the country was involved in a sanguinary civil war. In the summer 
of 1821, he received a letter from the department of state, announcing that his 
conduct on the mission had been approved by the president. In June, 1823, 
Mr. Adams, in his dispatch, said, " I have been directed by the president to 
assure you of his undiminished confidence in your talents, zeal and usefulness." 

Colonel Todd, after declining an acceptance of several important offices, estab- 
lished himself as a cultivator of the soil, in Shelby county. For a number of 
years whilst engaged in improving his beautiful farm, his pen was devoted to the 
great subjects of religion, agriculture and politics. In 1837 and '39 he served as 
a commissioner in the Presbyterian General Assembly, in Philadelphia, by which 
the separation was effected, he sustaining the old school party. For several years 
he was vice president of the State agricultural society, and in 1839 delivered the 
annual address in the legislative hall. He had always sustained the claims of 
that distinguished orator and statesman, Mr. Clay, with whom from his youth up, 
he had maintained relations of the most intimate friendship ; but as Mr. Clay had 
been withdrawn from the canvass in 1835, he advocated the claims of General 
Harrison to the presidency. In the spring of 1840, he was invited by the committees 
of Ohio and Kentucky, in connection with the late Benjamin Drake, of Cincin- 
nati, to prepare sketches of the civil and military history of that distinguished 
patriot. These were received with great favor. He then moved to Cincinnati, 
and assumed the editorial charge of the Cincinnati Republican, devoted to the 
support of General Harrison's claims to the presidency. His efficiency was 
acknowledged by both parties. In February, '41 he accompanied General Har- 
rison to Washington, and at the hour of that death which covered his country as 
with a pall, he was near the pillow of that illustrious patriot, whose confidence 
he enjoyed in an eminent degree, and who designed to engage his services for 
the country, in the mission to Vienna, as envoy extraordinary and minister pleni- 
potentiary : but in the subsequent arrangements of President Tyler, it was thought 
best to send Colonel Todd to Russia, a decision which, so far as the country was 
concerned, was most eminently judicious. 

He reached St. Petersburg early in November, 1841. As the intimate friend 
and companion-in-arms of the lamented Harrison, he was at once commended to 
the respect of the Russian government; and being invited by the emperor to at- 
tend his military parades, thus had access to many sources of information and in- 
fluence, which a mere politician could not have enjoyed. He traveled into the 
interior of Russia, having visited Moscow and the annual fair at Nishnii Novogo- 
rod, on the Volga, where he encountered two hundred thousand people, speaking 
twenty different languages. He afterwards visited Sweden, and had the good 
fortune of being presented to the celebrated Bernadotte, the only marshal of Na- 
poleon who retained his crown. As an evidence of the estimation in which Col. 



ISAAC SHELBY. 523 

Todd was held in the capital of Russia, he was elected a member of the Imperial 
Agricultural Society — the only instance in which a foreigner was admitted. A 
vote of thanks was entered on the journal ; and upon his leaving the capital, he 
was presented with a gold medal. The merchants in the American trade tender- 
ed him a letter, with assurances of high regard and esteem, and of their great 
regret at his departure. A touching compliment, which any minister might be 
proud to receive, was extended to Col. Todd a few days before he left St. Peters- 
burg, by Gen. Haveline, the governor-general of the city, who drank the health 
of the American minister in the following language : 

" Though our respective countries be situated on two different parts of the 
world, and consequently very distant from each other, yet I hope that you will 
acknowledge with me, that there is no distance for friendship. I then dare say, 
Hon. Mr. Todd, that when on the distant shores of the New World, you will 
sometimes remember the friends you leave here, whose hearts you have won by 
your eminently good qualities, and in whose bosom and memory your remem- 
brance will remain engraved forever." 

An extract from a dispatch from Mr. Webster, will show the estimation in 
which Col. Todd was held by both governments : 

" The president directs me to express to you his approbation of the manner in 
which you have discharged your duties, as the representative of your country at 
the imperial court of Russia. While he is satisfied that you have sedulously 
sought, on all occasions, to promote the interests of the United States, it gives 
him much pleasure to understand that your public conduct and personal deport- 
ment have been quite satisfactory to the government to which you have been ac- 
credited." 

President Polk thought proper to terminate Col. Todd's mission to Russia, in 
the fall of 1845 ; the secretary of state having communicated, in a private letter, 
that this act had not proceeded from any unfriendly feeling, but was the result of 
a change in the administration, and the application of what he was pleased to 
term the four years rule or practice, as to the continuance in office of our minis- 
ters. 

In the course of a long public career, in war and in peace, at home and abroad, 
there are many interesting incidents connected with the subject of this memoir, a 
recital of which would gratify the public taste, but for want of space they are 
omitted. It will be seen that Col. Todd was reared in the military school of Har- 
rison, and was a pupil in the diplomatic school of Monroe. Having returned to 
his country, in all the vigor of life, after a long and distant service, attended with 
great sacrifices, and maintaining a high moral standard, with a ripe experience 
in public affairs, and high mental accomplishments united to courteous and grace- 
ful manners, he has shown himself worthy to have been associated with such 
eminent patriots and illustrious statesmen as Madison, Monroe, Adams, Harrison, 
Clay and Webster. 

--" Isaac Shelby, the subject of this memoir, was born on the 11th day of De- 
cember, 1750, near to the North Mountain, a few miles from Hagerstown, in 
Maryland, where his father and grandfather settled after their arrival in America 
from Wales. In that early settlement of the country, which was annoyed dur- 
ing the period of his youth by Indian wars, he obtained only the elements of a 
plain English education ; but like his father. General Evan Shelby, born with a 
strong constitution, capable of bearing great privation and fatigue, he was 
brought up to the use of arms and the pursuit of game. 

At the age of twenty-one, he took up his residence in Western Virginia, beyond 
the Alleghany mountains, having previously acquired a knowledge of surveying 
and of the duties of sheriff at Fredericktown. He was engaged, in his new res- 
idence, in the business of feeding and attending to herds of cattle in the exten- 
sive range which distinguished that section of country. He was a lieutenant in 
the company of his father, the late General Evan Shelby, in the memorable battle 
fought 10th of October, 1771, at the month of the Kenhawa, at the close of which 
his father was the commanding officer. Colonels Lewis, Fleming and Field being 
killed or disabled. The result of this battle gave peace to the frontier, at the 
critical period of the colonies venturing into the eventful contest of the revo- 
lution, and deterred the Indians from uniting with the British until 1776. This 



524 SHELBY COUNTY. 

was, probably, the most severely contested conflict ever maintained with the 
north-western Indians ; the action continued from sunrise to sunset, and the ground 
for half a mile along the bank of the Ohio, was alternately occupied by each of 
t»the parties in the course of the day. So sanguinary was the contest, that blood 
was found on each of the trees behind which the parties were posted. The 
Indians, under the celebrated chief Cornstalk, abandoned the ground under cover 
of the night. Their loss, according to the official report, exceeded that of the 
Americans, the latter amounting to sixty-three killed and eighty wounded. This 
report was drawn up by Captain Kussell, reputed to be the best scholar in camp, 
and the father of the late Colonel William Russell, of Kentucky. The fortune 
of the day, as stated in Doddridge's Notes of Border War, was decided by a bold 
movement, to the rear of the left wing of the Indians, led by Captain Evan 
Shelby, in which the subject of this memoir bore a conspicuous part. 

The garrison at Kenhawa was commanded by Captain Russell, and Lieutenant 
Shelby continued in it until the troops were disbanded, in July, 1775, by order 
of Governor Dunraore, who was apprehensive that the post might be held for the 
benefit of the rebel authorities. He proceeded immediately to Kentucky, and was 
employed as a surveyor under Henderson & Co.; who styled themselves proprietors 
of the country, and who had established a regular land office under their purchase 
from the Cherokees. He resided in the then wilderness of Kentucky, for nearly 
twelve months, and being without bread or salt, his health was impaired, and he 
returned home. 

In July, 1776, during his absence from home, he was appointed captain of a 
minute company by the committee of safety of Virginia. In the year 1777, he 
was appointed, by Governor Henry, a commissary of supplies for an extensive 
body of militia, posted at different garrisons to guard the frontier settlements, 
and for a treaty to be held at the Long Island of Holston river, with the Cher- 
okee tribe of Indians. These supplies could not have been obtained nearer than 
Staunton, Va., a distance of three hundred miles ; but by the most indefatigable 
perseverance, (one of the most conspicuous traits of his character,) he accom- 
plished it to the satisfaction of his country. 

In 1778, he was engaged in the commissary department, providing supplies for 
the continental army, and for an expedition, by the way of Pittsburg, against the 
north-western Indians. In the early part of 1779, he was appointed by Gover- 
nor Henry to furnish supplies for the campaign against the Chicamauga Indians, 
which he effected upon his own individual credit. In the spring of that year, he 
was elected a memberof the Virginia legislature from Washington county, and in 
the fall of that year was commissioned a major, by Governor Jefferson, in the 
escort of guards to the commissioners for extending the boundary line between 
that State and the State of North Carolina. By the extension of that line, his 
residence was found to be within the limits of the latter State, and shortly after- 
wards, he was appointed by Governor Caswell a colonel of the new county of 
Sullivan, established in consequence of the additional territory acquired by the 
running of that line. 

- In the summer of 1780, Colonel Shelby was in Kentucky, locating and secur- 
ing those lands, which he had five years previously marked out and improved 
for himself, when the intelligence of the surrender of Charleston, and the loss of 
the army, reached that country. He returned home in July of that year, deter- 
mined to enter the service of his country and remain in it until her independence 
should be secured. He could not continue to be a cool spectator of a contest in 
which the dearest rights and interests of his country were involved. On his arri- 
val in Sullivan, he found a requisition from General Charles McDowell, request- 
ing him to furnish all the aid in his power to check the enemy, who had overrun 
the two southern States, and were on the borders of North Carolina. Colonel 
Shelby assembled the militia of his county, called upon them to volunteer their 
services for a short time on that interesting occasion, and marched, in a few days, 
with three hundred mounted riflemen, across the Alleghany mountains. 

In a short time after his arrival at McDowell's camp, near the Cherokee ford 
of Broad river. Col. Shelby, and Lieutenant-colonels Sevier and Clarke, — the latter 
a refugee officer from Georgia, — were detached with six hundred men, to surprise 
a post of the enemy in front, on the waters of Pacolet river. It was a strong fort, 
surrounded by abbatis, built in the Cherokee war, and commanded by that distin- 



ISAAC SHELBY. 525 

guished loyalist, Capt. Patrick Moore ; who surrendered the garrison, with one 
British sergeant-major, ninety-three loyalists, and two hundred and fifty stand of 
arms. Major Ferguson, of the British army, though a brigadier general in the 
royal militia, and the most distinguished partisan officer in the British army, made 
many ineffectual efforts to surprise Col. Shelby. His advance, about six or seven 
hundred strong, came up with the American commander, at Cedar Spring, and 
before Ferguson approached with his whole force, the Americans took two officers 
and fifty men prisoners, and safely effected their retreat. It was in the severest 
part of this action, that Col. Shelby's attention was arrested by the heroic con- 
duct of Col. Clarke. He often mentioned the circumstance of his ceasing in the 
midst of the battle, to look with astonishment and admiration at Clarke fighting. 

The next important event was the battle fought at Musgrove's mill, on the south 
side of the Enoree river, distant forty miles, with seven hundred men, led by Cols. 
Shelby, Clarke, and Williams, of South Carolina. This affair took place on the 
19th of August, and is more particularly described in the sketch of Col. Shelby, 
inserted in the first volume of the " National Portrait Gallery," published in 1834, 
under the direction of the American Academy of Fine Arts. It has been introduced 
into the historical romance called " Horse-Shoe Robinson," and noticed, also, in 
McCall's History of Georgia, where the British loss is stated to be sixty-three 
killed, and one hundred and sixty wounded and taken ; the American loss, four 
killed and nine wounded: amongst the former, Capt. Inman; and amongst the 
latter, Col. Clarke and Capt. Clarke. Col. Innes, the British commander of the 
*' Queen's American Regiment," from New York, was wounded ; and all the 
British officers, except a subaltern, were killed or wounded; and Capt. Hawsey, 
a noted leader among the tories, was killed. 

The Americans intended to be that evening before Ninety-Six — but at that mo- 
ment an express from Gen. McDowell came up, in great haste, with a short note 
from Gov. Caswell, dated on the battle-ground, apprising McDowell of the de- 
feat of the American grand army under Gen. Gates, on tlie 16th, near Camden. 
Fortunately, Col. Shelby knew Caswell's handwriting, and by distributing the 
prisoners among the companies, so as to make one to every three men, who car- 
ried them, alternately, on horseback, the detachment moved directly towards the 
mountains. The Americans were saved by a long and rapid march that day and 
night, and until the evening of the next day, without hailing to refresh. Col, 
Shelby, after seeing the party and prisoners out of danger, retreated to the west- 
ern waters, and left the prisoners in the charge of Clarke and Williams, to con- 
vey them to a place of safety in Virginia ; for at that moment there was no corps 
of Americans south of that State. The brilliancy of this affair was obscured, as 
indeed were all the minor events of the previous war, by the deep gloom which 
overspread the public mind after the disastrous defeat of Gen. Gates. 

Ferguson was so solicitous to recapture the prisoners, and to check these dar- 
ing adventures of the mountaineers, that he made a strenuous effort, with his main 
body, to intercept them ; but failing of his object, he took post at a place called 
Gilbert-town, from whence he sent the most threatening messages, by paroled pris- 
oners, to the officers west of the mountains, proclaiming devastation to their coun- 
try, if they did not cease their opposition to the British government. 

This was the most disastrous and critical period of the revolutionary war, to 
the south. No one could see whence a force could be raised to check the enemy 
in their progress to subjugate this portion of the continent. 

Cornwallis, with the main army, was posted at Charlotte-town, in North Caro- 
lina, and Ferguson, with three thousand, at Gilbert-town ; while many of the best 
friends of the American government, despairing of the freedom and independence 
of America, took protection under the British standard. At this gloomy moment, 
Col. Shelby proposed to Cols. Sevier and Campbell to raise a force from their 
several counties, march hastily through the mountains, and attack and surprise 
Ferguson in the night. Accordingly, they collected with their followers, about 
one thousand strong, on Doe run, in the spurs of the Alleghany, on the 25th of 
September, 1780, and the next day commenced their march, when it was discov- 
ered that three of Col. Sevier's men had deserted to the enemy. This discon- 
certed their first design, and induced them to turn to the left, gain his front, and 
act as events might suggest. They traveled through mountains almost inacces- 
sible to horsemen. As soon as they entered the level country, they met with Col. 



526 SHELBY COUNTY. 

Cleveland with three hundred men, and with Cols. Williams and Lacy, and other 
refugee officers, who had heard of Cleveland's advance, by which three hundred 
more were added to the force of the mountaineers. They now considered them- 
selves to be sufficiently strong to encounter Ferguson ; but being rather a con- 
fused mass, without any head, it was proposed by Col. Shelby, in a council of 
officers, and agreed to, that Col. Campbell, of the Virginia regiment, — an officer 
of enterprise, patriotism, and good sense, — should be appointed to the command. 
And having determined to pursue Ferguson with all practicable dispatch, two nights 
before the action they selected the best horses and rifles, and at the dawn of day 
commenced their march with nine hundred and ten expert marksmen. As Fer- 
guson was their object, they would not be diverted from the main point by any 
collection of tories in the vicinity of their route. They pursued him for the last 
thirty-six hours without alighting from their horses to refresh but once, at the 
Cowpens, for an hour, although the day cf the action was so extremely wet, that 
the men could only keep their guns dry by wrapping their bags, blankets, and 
hunting shirts around the locks, which exposed their bodies to a heavy and inces- 
sant rain during the pursuit. 

By the order of march and of battle, Col. Campbell's regiment formed the 
right, and Col. Shelby's regiment the left column, in the centre : the right wing 
was composed of Sevier's regiment, and Maj, Winston's and McDowell's battal- 
ions, commanded by Sevier himself; the left wing was composed of Col. Cleve- 
land's regiment, the followers of Cols. Williams, Lacy, Hawthorn, and Hill, 
headed by Col. Cleveland in person. In this order the mountaineers pursued, un- 
til they found Ferguson, securely encamped on King's Mountain, which was about 
half a mile long, and from which, he declared the evening before, that " God Al- 
mighty could not drive him." On approaching the mountain, the two centre col- 
umns deployed to the right and left, formed a front, and attacked the enemy, while 
the right and left wings were marching to surround him. In a few minutes the 
action became general and severe— continuing furiously for three-fourths of an 
hour ; when the enemy, being driven from the east to the west end of the moun- 
tain, surrendered at discretion. Ferguson was killed, with three hundred and se- 
venty-five of his officers and men, and seven hundred and thirty captured. The 
Americans had sixty killed and wounded ; of the former, Col. Williams. 

This glorious achievement occurred at the most gloomy period of the revolu- 
tion, and was the first link in the great chain of events to the south, wiiich estab- 
lished the independence of the United States. History has, heretofore, though 
improperly, ascribed this merit to the battle of the Cowpens, in January, 1781 ; 
but it belongs, justly, to the victory on King's Mountain, which turned the tide 
of war to the south, as the victory of Trenton, under Washington, and of Ben- 
nington, under Stark, did to the north. It was achieved by raw, undisciplined 
riflemen, without any authority from the government under which they lived, — 
without pay, rations, ammunition, or even the expectance of reward, other than 
that which results from the noble ambition of advancing the liberty and welfare 
of their beloved country. It completely dispirited the tories, and so alarmed 
Cornwallis, who then lay only thirty miles north of King's Mountain with the 
main British army, that, on receiving information of Ferguson's total defeat and 
overthrow by the riflemen from the west, under Cols. Campbell, Shelby, Cleve- 
land and Sevier, and that they were bearing down upon him, he ordered an im- 
mediate retreat — marched all night, in the utmost confusion — and retrograded as 
far back as Winnsborough, sixty or eighty miles, whence he did not attempt to 
advance until reinforced, three months after, by Gen. Leslie, with two thousand 
men from the Chesapeake. In the meantime, the militia of North Carolina as- 
sembled in considerable force at New Providence, on the border of South Caro- 
lina, under Gen. Davidson; and Gen. Smallwood, with Morgan's light corps, and 
the Maryland line, advanced to the same point. Gen. Gates, with the shattered 
remains of his army, collected at Hillsborough, also came up, as well as the new 
levies from Virginia, of one thousand men, under Gen. Stevens. This force en- 
abled Gen. Greene, who assumed the command early in December, to hold Corn- 
wallis in check. 

The legislature of North Carolina passed a vote of thanks to Colonel Shelby 
and several other officers, and directed each to be presented with an elegant sword, 
for their patriotic conduct in the attack and defeat of the enemy on King's moun- 



ISAAC SHELBY. 527 

tain, on the memorable 7th of October, 1780. This resolution was carried into 
effect as to Colonel Shelby, in the summer of 1813, just at the moment when, 
in the language of Secretary Monroe, " disclaiming all metaphysical distinctions 
tending to enfeeble the government," he was about to lead his troops far beyond 
the limits of the State of which he was governor. The presentation at that par- 
ticular lime, afforded a presage of the new glory he was to acquire for himself 
and country in that eventful campaign. 

If any were entitled to special commendation in this band of heroic spirits on 
King's mountain, the claim of Colonel Shelby would be well founded. He ori- 
ginated the expedition, and his valor and unshaken resolution, contributed to rally 
the right of the front line, when driven down the mountain by a tremendous 
charge" from the enemy, at the onset of the battle. Nor have the histories of the 
war°at the south done justice to the sagacity and judgment of Colonel Shelby 
upon another interesting occasion, just following the affair on King's mountain. 
As soon as he had placed the prisoners beyond the reach of the enemy, he 
repaired to the head quarters of General Gates, and suggested to him the plan 
of detaching General Morgan towards the mountains. The details of this arrange 
inent were submitted by him, and approved by Gates, and Greene had the good 
sense to adopt them, after he assumed the command. The result of his advice 
was exhibited in the splendid affair at the Cowpens, which added fresh laurels 
to the veteran brows of Morgan, Hoiuard and Washington. 

In the campaign of the fall of 1781, Colonel Shelby served under General 
Marion, a distinguished partizan officer, of the boldest enterprise. He was called 
down by General Greene to that lower country, with five hundred mounted rifle- 
men from the western waters, in September, 1781, to aid the general in intercept- 
ing Cornwallis, at that time blockaded by the French fleet in the Chesapeake, and 
who, it was suspected, would endeavor to make good his retreat through North 
Carolina to Charleston; but, upon his lordship's surrender in Virginia, Colonel 
Shelby was attached to General Marion's command below, on the Santee, and 
was second in command of a strong detachment of dragoons, under Colonel 
Mayhem, ordered to carry a British post at Fairlawn, near Monk's Corner, eight 
or ten miles below the enemy's main army, under General Stuart. Information 
had been received by General Marion that five hundred Hessians at that post 
were in a state of mutiny, and would surrender to any considerable force that 
might appear before it. But the officer commanding the post having some appre- 
hensions of their fidelity, had marched them off to Charleston, the day before 
Colonel Mayhem appeared before it. The post, however, was surrendered, with 
one hundred and fifty British prisoners. The British general at Ferguson's 
Swamp, nine miles in the rear, made great, though unavailing efforts to inter- 
cept Mayhem's party on their return with the prisoners to General Marion's 
encampment. Immediately after this excursion, the British commander retreated 
with his whole force to Charleston. 

As the period for which the mounted volunteers had engaged to serve was 
about to expire, and no further active operations being contemplated, after the 
retreat of the enemy towards Charleston, Colonel Shelby obtained leave of 
absence from General Marion, to attend the assembly of North Carolina, of 
which he was a member, which would sit two hundred miles distant, about the 
first of December. Marion addressed a letter on the subject to General Greene, 
which Colonel Shelby was permitted to see, speaking in high terms of the con- 
duct of the mountaineers, and assigning particular credit to Colonel Shelby for his 
conduct in the capture of the British post, as it surrendered to him after an inef- 
fectual attempt by an officer of the dragoons. 

In 1782, Colonel Shelby was elected a member of the North Carolina assem- 
bly, and was appointed one of the commissioners to settle the pre-emption claims 
upon the Cumberland river, and to lay off the lands allotted to the officers and 
soldiers of the North Carolina line, south of where Nashville now stands. He 
performed this service in the winter of 1782-3, and returned to Boonsborough, 
Kentucky, in April following, where he married Susanna, second daughter of 
Captain Nathaniel Hart, one of the first settlers of Kentucky, and one of the pro- 
prietors styled Henderson & Co., by their purchase of the country from the Cher- 
okees. He established himself on the first settlement and pre-emption granted 
in Kentucky, for the purpose of pursuing his favorite occupation, the cultivation 



528 SHELBY COUNTY. 

of the soil ; and it is a remarkable fact, pregnant with many curious reflections, 
that at the period of his death, forty-three years after, he was the only indivi- 
dual in the State residing upon his own settlement and pre-emption. 

He was a member of the early conventions held at Danville for the purpose 
of obtaining a separation from the Slate of Virginia ; and was a member of that 
convention which formed the first constitution of Kentucky, in April, 1792. In 
May following, he was elected the first chief magistrate, and discharged its ardu- 
ous duties with signal advantage to the State. The history of his administration 
of an infant republic in the remote wilderness, would fill a volume with deeply 
interesting incidents, exhibiting him advantageously in the character of a soldier, 
of a lawgiver, and a diplomatist ; but the limits prescribed to this sketch will not 
permit a detail of them. 

After completing the organization of the government under the provisions of 
the constitution, by filling the various offices created by it, the earnest attention 
of the governor was directed to the defence of the State against the Indian incur- 
sions, and the border war to which the people were exposed by their remote and 
unprotected position in the wilderness. Gen. Washington's paternal regard to 
the same high object was manifested in the cautious and extensive arrangements 
which were made under the direction of Gen. Wayne for a strong expedition 
against the north-western Indians, who were stimulated and aided by the British 
and provincial forces occupying posts within our boundary. The confidence of 
Washington, as well as of the people of Kentucky, was reposed in the energy 
and patriotism of Gov. Shelby. This was evinced in his almost unanimous ele- 
vation to the chief magistracy, as well as in the answer of the first legislature to 
his message, and in a letter from Gen. Knox, secretary of war, of July 12, 1792. 

In the subsequent letter from the war department, the defensive operations for 
the protection of Kentucky were committed exclusively to his judgment and dis- 
cretion, and whenever there was a prospect of acting offensively against the In- 
dians of the north-west, the president made an appeal to his patriotism and that 
of the State, in furnishing mounted volunteers in aid of the regular force. His 
energy and the gallantry of Kentucky was signally displayed in the valuable suc- 
cour rendered to Gen. Wayne on the memorable 20th of August, 1794. His en- 
lightened forecast, and the valor of Kentucky, presented on this occasion, as on 
the equally glorious 5th of October, 1813, the means of victory both in men and 
transportation, at a critical moment to the scene of action — to victories the most 
decisive in their results to any heretofore known in Indian warfare. 

Whilst the people of Kentucky were interrupted in their business and prosper- 
ity by the attention necessary to the progress of the Indian war, they were an- 
noyed by continued apprehensions of losing the navigation of the Mississippi, on 
which their commercial existence depended. In the midst of these difficulties, a 
new and unexpected occasion presented itself for the display of Gov. .Shelby's 
diplomatic sagacity. The complaints and remonstrances of the Spanish minister 
induced the general government to open a correspondence with Gov. Shelby, for 
the purpose of suppressing an expedition, which was represented to be in contem- 
plation, by La Chaise and other French agents, against the possessions of Spain 
on the Mississippi. Gov. Shelby had no apprehensions that they would succeed 
in organizing the necessary force, and under this impression his reply to the de- 
partment of state, October 5th, 1793, was forwarded, without considering that he 
had not authority under existing laws to interfere in preventing it. But the grant- 
ing of commissions to Gen. Clark and other influential individuals, and the actual 
attempt to carry the plans of French emissaries into effect, induced the governor 
to examine the subject more thoroughly, and conceiving that he had no legal au- 
thority to interfere, he addressed a letter, .Tanuary 13th, 1794, to the secretary of 
state, expressing these doubts, and assuming an attitude, which, though profess- 
ing the most devoted regard to the Union, had the effect of drawing from the gen- 
eral government a full development of the measures which had been pursued for 
securing the navigation of the Mississippi. These explanations by the depart- 
ment of state, and by the special commissioner, the eloquent Col. .Tames Innes, 
attorney general of Virginia, who was deputed by Gen. Washington to proceed 
to Kentucky to communicate with the governor and legislature, removed all ground 
of uneasiness, and created a tranquillity in the public mind which had not existed 
since the first settlement of the State. 



ISAAC SHELBY. 529 

The whole subject was communicated by Gov. Shelby to the legislature on the 
15th of November, 1794, and tlie part he took in it was approved by that body. 
Tlie act of Congress on the subject, passed after the receipt of Gov. Shelby's 
letter, shows conclusively that the legislature of the United States did not con- 
ceive that previously he had authority to interfere in the mode recommended by 
the department of state. This measure on the part of Gov. Shelby, though it 
might seem to conflict with the opinions and policy of Gen. Washington, did not 
produce in the mind of the father of his country any diminution of the respect 
and confidence he had theretofore reposed in him ; for in May following, Gen. 
Knox, secretary of war, in a letter detailing the plans of the general government, 
in relation to Wayne's proposed campaign, takes occasion to say, that " the pre- 
sident, confiding in the patriotism and good disposition of your excellency, re- 
quests that you will aflTord all the facilities, countenance and aid in your power, 
to the proposed expedition, from which, if successful, the State of Kentucky will 
reap the most abundant advantages." In the next paragraph, he is appointed 
president of the board for selecting the field and company officers, and concludes 
with the assurance that " Gen. Wayne has been written to, not to interfere in the 
defensive protection of Kentucky, which is hereby, in the name of the president 
of the United States, confided to your excellency, under the following general 
paragraph," etc. 

At the close of his gubernatorial term, he returned to his farm in Lincoln, with 
renewed relish for the cares and enjoyments which its management necessarily 
created. He was as distinguished for the method and judgment and industry, 
which he displayed in agricultural pursuits, as he had exemplified in the more 
conspicuous duties of the general and the statesman. He was the model of an 
elevated citizen, whether at the plow, in the field, or in the cabinet. 

He was repeatedly chosen an elector of president, and voted for Mr. Jefferson 
and Mr. Madison. He could not yield to the repeated solicitations of influential 
individuals in different parts of the State, requesting him to consent to be a can- 
didate for the chief magistracy, until the exigencies of our national affairs had 
brought about a crisis which demanded the services of every patriot. In this 
contingency, he was elected, upon terms very gratifying to his feelings, a second 
time to the chief magistracy, at the commencement of the war, in 1812, with 
Great Britain. 

Of his career at that eventful period, it would be impracticable, in the limits 
of this sketch, to present even an outline. His energy, associated with a recol- 
lection of his revolutionary fame, aroused the patriotism of the State. In every 
direction he developed her resources, and aided in sending men and supplies to 
the support of the north-western army under Gen. Harrison. The legislature of 
Kentucky, in the winter of 1812-13, contemplating the necessity of some vigor- 
ous effort, in the course of that year, to regain the ground lost by the disasters at 
Detroit and at the river Raisin, passed a resolution authorising and requesting the 
governor to assume the personal direction of the troops of the State, whenever, 
in his judgment, such a step would be necessary. Under this authority, and at 
the solicitation of Gen. Harrison, he invited his countrymen to meet him at New- 
port, and to accompany him to the scene of active, and, as he predicted, of deci- 
sive operations. Upon his own responsibility he authorized the troops to meet 
him with their horses. Four thousand men rallied to his standard in less than 
thirty days ; and this volunteer force reached the shore of Lake Erie just in time 
to enable the commander-in-chief to profit by the splendid victory, achieved by 
the genius and heroism of Perry and his associates. It was a most interesting 
incident, which augured favorably of the issue of the campaign, that Gov. Shelby 
should arrive at the camp of Gen. Harrison precisely at the moment when Com- 
modore Perry was disembarking his prisoners. The feelings of congratulation 
which were exchanged by the three heroes, at the tent of the general on the 
shore of Lake Erie, may be more readily conceived than described. The writer 
of this article had been previously dispatched by Gen. Harrison to Commodore 
Perry, to ascertain the result of the naval battle, and, returning with Perry, was 
present at this interview. 

In the organization which Governor Shelby made of his forces, he availed 
himself of the character and respectability of the materials at his command. 
Generals Henry and Desha were assigned to the command of the two divisions, 
34 



530 SHELBY COUNTY. 

and General Calmes, Caldwell, King, Chiles and Calloway to the brigades. His 
confidential staff was composed, among other respectable citizens, of the names 
of Adair, Crittenden and Barry, so well known in the history of the State and 
of the nation. As governor of Kentucky, his authority ceased as soon as he 
passed the limits of the State ; but the confidence of General Harrison and of all 
the troops, in his judgment and patriotism was so exalted, that he was regarded 
as the Mentor of the campaign, and recognized as the senior major-general of the 
Kentucky troops. In the general order of march and of battle, the post assigned 
to him was the most important, and the subsequent battle evinced that the 
arrangement was as creditable to the sagacity of General Harrison as it was 
complimentary to the valor of Governor Shelby. 

In all the movements of the campaign, whether in council or execution, mon- 
uments of his valor and of his energetic character were erected by the gratitude 
of the comrnander-in-chief, of ail his troops, and of the president of the nation, 
who spoke officially of his services with the veneration which belongs only to 
public benefactors. The legislature of Kentucky and the Congress of the Uni- 
ted States expressed their sense of his gallant conduct in resolutions which will 
transmit his name to posterity, 'as a patriot without reproach and a soldier with- 
out ambition.' 

The vote of Congress assigning to him and to General Harrison each a gold 
medal, commemorative of the decisive victory on the Thames, was delayed one 
session in consequence of some prejudice prevailing in the public mind in rela- 
tion to General Harrison. As soon as Governor Shelby was advised of this fact, 
he solicited his friends in Congress, through Mr. Clay, to permit no expression of 
thanks to him, unless associated uith the name of General Harrison. This magnan- 
imous conduct and the unqualified commendation which he gave of the career of 
General Harrison on that campaign, connected with a favorable report of a com- 
mittee at the next session of Congress, instituted at the request of the general, 
of which Colonel R. M. Johnson was chairman, led to the immediate adoption 
of the original resolution. 

Governor Shelby was unremitting in the aid which he extended to the opera- 
tions of the general government during the war. He furnished troops to defend 
the country around Detroit, and dispatched an important reinforcement to Gen- 
eral Jackson for the defence of New Orleans. His sagacity led him to send 
General Adair as adjutant-general, with the rank of brigadier-general, to meet 
the precise contingency, which actually occurred, of General Thomas being sick 
or disabled. The result of this measure was exhibited in the critical succor 
afforded by General Adair on the memorable 8th of January. 

In the civil administration of the State, Governor Shelby's policy continued to 
establish and confirm the sound principles of his predecessors. Integrity, fidel- 
ity to the constitution, and capacity, were the qualifications which he required in 
public officers: and his recommendations to the legislature enforced a strict 
regard to public economy and to the claims of public faith. In the fall of 1816, 
his term expired, and he retired again to the sweets of domestic life, in the prose- 
cution of his favorite pursuit. 

In March, 1817, he was selected by President Monroe to fill the department of 
war ; but his advanced age, the details of the office, and his desire, in a period 
of peace, to remain in private life, induced him to decline an acceptance of it. 
In 1818, he was commissioned by the president to act in conjunction with Gen- 
eral Jackson in holding a treaty with the Chickasaw tribe of Indians, for the pur- 
chase of their lands west of the Tennessee river within the limits of Kentucky 
and Tennessee, and they obtained a cession of the territory to the United States, 
which unites the western population, and adds greatly to the defence of the coun- 
try, in the event of future wars with the savages, or with any European power. 
This was his last public act. 

In February, 1820, he was attacked with a paralytic affection, which disabled 
his right arm, and which was the occasion of his walking lame on the right leg. 
His mind continued unimpaired until his death, by apoplexy, on the 18th July, 
1826, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. It was a consolation to his afllicted 
family to cherish the hope that he was prepared for this event. In the vigor of 
life he professed it to be his duty to dedicate himself to God, and to seek an 
interest in the merits of the Kedeemer. He had been for many years a member 



SIMPSON COUNTY. 531 

of the Presbyterian church, and in his latter days, he was the chief instrument 
in erecting a house of worship upon his own land. 

The vigor of his constitution fitted him to endure active and severe bodily 
exercise, and the energetic symmetry of his person, united with a peculiar suav- 
ity of manner, rendered his deportment impressively dignified ; his strong natu- 
ral sense was aided by close observation on men and things ; and the valuable 
qualities of method and perseverance, imparted success to all his efforts. 



SIMPSON COUNTY. 

Simpson county was formed in 1819, and named in honor of 
Capt. John Simpson. It is situated in the southern part of the 
State, and is drained by Big Barren river and its tributaries : 
bounded on the north by Warren ; east by Allen ; south by the 
State of Tennessee ; and west by Logan. The surface is gene- 
rally level, or very slightly undulating ; the soil, based upon lime- 
stone, \vith red clay foundation, is rich and very productive. The 
staple products are Indian corn, wheat, and tobacco. 

Valuation of the taxable property of Simpson in 1846, $1,368,- 
842; number of acres of land in the county, 115,948; average 
value of lands per acre, $4.49 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 955 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,197. Population in 1840, 6,537. 

Franklin, the seat of justice and only town of Simpson, is sit- 
uated near the centre of the county, about one hundred and fifty 
miles from Frankfort. It contains the court-house and other 
county buildings, two churches, (Union and Christian,) five law- 
yers, eight physicians, two schools, two taverns, ten stores and 
groceries, and eighteen mechanical trades — population, 300. Es- 
tablished in 1820, and named after Dr. Franklin. 

The Hon. .John Simpson (for whom this county was named) came to Lincoln 
county at an early day, having migrated with his father from Virginia. The 
date and place of his birth is not recollected — but he arrived in Kentucky at a 
period when she was subject to the predatory incursions of the savage foe. He, 
when quite a lad, accompanied the intrepid Wayne on several expeditions, and 
contributed his part in the eventful scenes of the border war which afflicted the 
first republic in the wilderness. 

The decisive victory of Wayne having established a general peace, young 
Simpson availed himself of the kind counsel of the late lamented and illustrious 
jurist, Col. John Allen, to remove to Shelby county, and to enter upon the study 
of the law, — a pursuit which, after arms, exercised the strongest influence upon 
the ambitious youth of the country. Young Simpson soon established himself 
in his profession, as well by the accuracy and soundness of his judgment, as by 
the amenity of his manners. He rose, at an early day, to distinction, profession- 
ally and politically, having been repeatedly elected to the legislature. In 1811-12, 
he was elected speaker of the house of representatives ; and in August, 1812, was 
chosen to a seat in the Congress of the United States. 

In the meantime, however, the aggressions of Great Britain upon the rights 
and interests of the United States, led to a declaration of war, and Kentucky was 
called upon to furnish 5,300 men, her quota of the 100,000 authorised to be re- 
ceived into service by Congress. Mr. Simpson raised a company of volunteer 
riflemen, and was attached to the regiment commanded by his old friend, Col. 



532 SPENCER COUNTY. 

Allen. This regiment formed part of the brigade of Gen. Payne, and marched 
with the first troops from Kentucky, to reinforce Gen. Hull at Detroit. 

The events of tlie campaign are given in McAfee's history of the war in the 
western country. The regiment of Allen performed its part in the timely relief 
afforded by Gen. Harrison to the important post of fort Wayne ; and the company 
of Capt. Simpson participated in the gallant though disastrous events at the river 
Raisin, brought on by the unauthorised movement under Gen. Winchester. Allen 
and Simpson sealed their devotion to their country by their blood, on that memo- 
rable occasion; and the patriots who were united in life by so many ties, were 
not divided in their deaths. Simpson was distinguished by his uncommon height, 
as well as that of his first sergeant, the present venerable Col. S. Harbison, of 
Shelbyville. His bones yet rest where they fell, with no monument to mark the 
spot; but the State which he served and honored in his life and in his death, has 
perpetuated his memory in the name of one of her counties. He left no family, 
but the rich legacy of his fame descends to his country. 



SPENCER COUNTY. 

Spenoer county was formed in 1824, and named in honor of 
Captain Spear Spencer. It is situated in the middle portion of 
the State, and watered by Salt river, which flows through the 
county from east to west : bounded on the north by Jefferson 
and Shelby ; east by Anderson ; south by Nelson ; and west by 
Bullitt. The tributaries of Salt river are, Brashear's, Big Beech, 
Ash's, Simpson's, Plumb and Elk creeks. Along the river and 
creeks, there are numerous fertile valleys ; but the surface of the 
county is generally undulating or hilly, with a rich soil, based on 
limestone. The principal products are — corn, wheat, rye, oats, 
hemp, tobacco and grass. The articles of export are, horses, 
mules, cattle, hogs, hemp, whisky and tobacco. 

Valuation of taxable property in Spencer in 1846, $2,115,577 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 111,313; average value 
of land per acre, $10.73; number of white males over twenty- 
one years old, 979 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years of age, 1,103. Population in 1840, 6,585. 

Taylorsville, the seat of justice of Spencer county, is situated 
on Salt river, thirty-one miles east from Louisville, and about 
thirty-two miles from Frankfort : contains a brick court-house 
and other county buildings ; Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist and 
Roman Catholic churches — the two latter large and handsomely 
finished edifices ; a very neat and substantial Seminary building, 
with eighty pupils connected with the seminary, in which the 
Latin and Greek languages are taught in connection with the 
higher branches of English ; a female school with twenty-four 
scholars ; four lawyers, two physicians, seven merchants, two 
taverns, and thirty mechanics' shops : population 500. Incorpo- 
rated in 1829 — named after Richard Taylor, the proprietor of the 
land. Mount Eden is a small village about twelve miles from 
Taylorsville — containing a post oflice, two physicians, three 
stores, two taverns and five mechanical trades. Population 150. 



KINCHELOE'S STATION. 

Taylorsville is located in a beautiful valley, comprising about one hundred and 
sixty acres of land, lying immediately in the forks of Salt river and Brashear's 
creek. The creek runs parallel with the river for several hundred yards, and then 
making an abrupt turn, flows into it at right angles : this, with the elevation in 
the rear, leaves the bottom or valley in an oblong square, the longest sides extend- 
ing up and down the river and creek. In this bottom, about equi-distant from 
the river and creek, and nearer the upper than the lower end, is a hill or 
mound, rising to an elevation of from seventy to eighty feet above the general 
level, and containing an area of six acres. The shape of this mound is oval, 
resembling an egg, ranging from north to south ; the south end of easy ascent, 
while the north is steep and more abrupt. Within the recollection of aged per- 
sons still living, the timber upon this mound was observed to be of the same 
size and character of that upon the bottom land, and the whole was remarkably 
heavy. The mound has the appearance of being a natural, rather than an artifi- 
cial embankment. A Catholic church has been recently built on one side of it. 

In August, 1782, shortly after the battle of the Blue Licks, some western bands 
of Indians, believed to have been engaged in that conflict, infested the settle- 
ments along Salt river. Intelligence was promptly communicated to Colonel 
Floyd, who instantly ordered out a party of militia to scour the country where the 
savages were suspected to be lurking. Some of the party were from Kincheloe's 
station on Simpson's creek, which consisted of six or seven families. On the 
first of September the militia, unable to discover any Indians, dispersed and 
returned to their homes. There had been no alarm at Kincheloe's station during 
the absence of the men, and upon reaching home late in the evening, greatly 
fatigued and without apprehension of danger, they retired to rest. At the dead 
hour of the night, when the inmates of the station were wrapt in the most profound 
sleep, the Indians made a simultaneous attack upon the cabins of the station, 
and, breaking open the doors, commenced an indiscriminate massacre of men, 
women and children. The unconscious sleepers were awakened but to be cut 
down, or to behold their friends fall by their side. A few only, availing them- 
selves of the darkness of the night, escaped the tomahawk or captivity. Among 
those who effected their escape, was Mrs. Davis, whose husband was killed, and 
another woman whose name is not given. They fled to the woods, where they 
were fortunately joined by a lad, by the name of Ash, who conducted them to 
Cox's station. 

William Harrison, after placing his wife and a young woman of the family, 
under the floor of the cabin, made his escape under cover of the darkness. He 
remained secreted in the neighborhood until he was satisfied the Indians had 
retired, when he returned to the cabin and liberated his wife and her companion 
from their painful situation. 

Thomas Randolph occupied one of the small cabins, with his wife and two 
children, one an infant. The Indians succeeded in breaking into his house, and 
although they outnumbered him four or five to one, he stood by his wife and chil- 
dren with heroic firmness. He had succeeded in killing several Indians, when 
his wife, and the infant in her arms, were both murdered by his side. He 
instantly placed his remaining child in the loft, then mounting himself, made his 
escape through the roof. As he alighted on the ground from the roof of the 
cabin, he was assailed by two of the savages whom he had just forced out of 
the house. With his knife he inflicted a severe wound upon one, and gave the 
other a stunning blow with the empty gun, when they both retreated. Freed 
from his foes, he snatched up his child, plunged into the surrounding forest, and 
was soon beyond the reach of danger. 

Several women and children were cruelly put to death after they were made 
prisoners, on the route to the Indian towns. On the second day of her captivity, 
Mrs. Bland, one of the prisoners, made her escape in the bushes. Totally unac- 
quainted with the surrounding country, and destitute of a guide, for eighteen 
successive days she rambled through the woods, without seeing a human face, 
without clothes, and subsisting upon sour grapes and green walnuts, until she 
became a walking skeleton. On the eighteenth day she was accidentally discov- 
ered and taken to Lynn's station, where, from kind attention and careful nursing, 
her health and strength were soon restored. 



534 TODD COUNTY. ,' 

The situation of Mrs. Polk, another prisoner, with four children, was almost 
as pitiable as that of Mrs. Bland. She was far advanced in a state of pregnancy, 
and compelled to walk until she became almost incapable of motion. She was 
then threatened with death, and the tomahawk brandished over her head by one 
Indian, when another, who saw it, begged her life — took her under his care- 
mounted her on a horse with two of the children, and conducted her safely to 
Detroit. Here she was purchased by a British trader, well treated, and enabled 
to write to her husband, who, though a resident of the station, was absent at the 
time of her capture. On the receipt of her letter, the husband immediately 
repaired to Detroit, obtained his wife and five children, and returned with them 
safely to Kentucky. After the peace of the succeeding year, the remainder of 
the prisoners were also liberated and returned home. 

This county was named in honor of Captain Spear Spencer, a young man of 
ardent patriotism and undaunted courage, who fell at the head of his company in 
the battle of Tippecanoe. He commanded a fine rifle company in that severe 
engagement, and occupied a most exposed position. In the midst of the action, 
he was wounded on the head, but continued at his post, and exhorted his men to 
light on. Shortly after, he received a second ball, which passed through both 
thighs, and he fell — but still resolute and unyielding, he refused to be carried 
from the field, and urged his men to stand to their duty. By the assistance of 
one of his men he was raised to a sitting posture, when he received a third ball 
through his body, which instantly killed him. Both of his lieutenants, Messrs. 
McMahan and Berry, were also killed. Captain Spencer was a warm friend and 
bosom companion of the gifted and gallant Daviess, who perished with him in 
that battle. 



TODD COUNTY. 

Todd county was formed in 1819, and named in honor of Col. 
John Todd. It is situated in the southern part of the State, on 
the Tennessee line : bounded on the north by Muhlenburg ; east 
by Logan ; south by the Tennessee line ; and west by Christian. 
The county is watered by Elk, west and east forks of Pond river, 
Whippoorwill, and Big, Little, and West Clifty creeks. But for 
a small portion in the north-western end of the county, the terri- 
tory would form an oblong square, comprising about three hun- 
dred and fifty square miles. The southern, and a portion of the 
northern part of the county, is level or gently undulating — the 
soil based upon limestone, and very productive, — the remainder 
rolling and hilly, the soil of an inferior quality, but producing fine 
grass. Stone coal abounds ; and the tall cliffs on Big Clifty creek, 
rising in some places to the height of three hundred feet, afford 
some as grand and magnificent scenery as any in the State. The 
greatest natural curiosity in the county is the " Pilot Rock" situa- 
ted on the dividing line between Christian and Todd.* The prin- 
cipal products of the county are corn, wheat, oats and tobacco ; 
exports — horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs. 

Valuation of taxable property of Todd in 1846, $3,034,658 , 
number of acres of land in the county, 192,694; average value 
of land per acre, $5.79 ; number of white males over twenty-one 

* See Christian county. 



JOHN TODD. 535 

years of age, 1,388 ; number of children between five and sixteen 
years old, 1763. Population in 1840, 9,991. 

The towns of the county consist of Elkton, Haydensville, Tren- 
ton, Aliens ville, and Fairview. Elkton, the seat of justice, is a 
beautiful town, situated near the centre of the county, on the 
bank of Elk creek, and about one hundred and eighty miles from 
Frankfort : contains the usual public buildings, three churches, 
(Baptist, Methodist, and Cumberland Presbyterian,) one male and 
one female academy, ten lawyers, six physicians, two taverns, six 
stores, one grocery, and twenty -five mechanics' shops. Popula- 
tion, 750. Established in 1820. Haydensville is a small village, 
containing a tavern, post-office, school, store, four mechanics' 
shops, with a population of sixty souls. Trenton contains one 
free church, post-office, school, tavern, five physicians, (including 
vicinity), four stores, and ten mechanics' shops. Population, 
200. Allensville contains one Baptist and one Christian church, 
school, post-office, tavern, two physicians, two stores, and three or 
four mechanics' shops. Population, 60. Fairview is a small vil- 
lage, containing but a few families. 

Col. John Todd, for whom this county was named, was the eldest of three bro- 
thers, and a native of Pennsylvania. He was educated in Virginia, at his uncle's 
— the Rev. John Todd, — and, at maturity, entered upon the study of the law, and 
finally obtained a license to practice. He left his uncle's residence, and settled 
in the town of Fincastle, in Virginia, where he practiced law for several years; 
but Daniel Boone and others having discovered Kentucky, Col. Todd, lured with 
the descriptions given him of the fertility of the country, about the year 1775, 
came first to Kentucky, where he found Col. Henderson and others at Boonsbo- 
rough. He joined Henderson's party, obtained a pre-emption right, and located 
sundry tracts of land in the now county of Madison, in Col. Henderson's land 
office. He afterwards returned to Virginia; and, in the year 1786, again set out 
from Virginia with his friend, John May, and one or two others, for Kentucky, 
They proceeded some distance together on the journey, when, for some cause, 
Mr. May left his servant with Col. Todd, to proceed on to Kentucky, and return- 
ed to Richmond, Virginia. Col. Todd proceeded on to the place where Lexing- 
ton now stands, and, in its immediate vicinity, improved two places, — the one in 
his own name, and the other in that of his friend, John May, — for both of which 
he obtained certificates for settlement and pre-emption, of fourteen hundred acres. 
These pre-emptions adjoin, and lie in the immediate vicinity of the now city of 
Lexington. It appears from depositions, taken since his death, that he accompa- 
nied Col. Clark, since Gen. Clark, in his expedition against Kaskaskia and Vin- 
cennes, and was at the capture of those places. After the surrender of those 
places, it is supposed that he returned to Kentucky ; of this there is no record or 
living evidence ; but it appears from a letter written by Gen. Clark, that Col. 
Todd was appointed to succeed him in the command at Kaskaskia. Under an 
act of the Virginia legislature, passed in 1777, by which that part of Virginia 
conquered by Clark, and all other of her territory north-west of the Ohio river, 
was erected into the county of Illinois, of which John Todd was appointed colo- 
nel commandant and county lieutenant, with all the civil powers of governor. 
He was further authorised, by enlistment or volunteers, to raise a regiment for 
the defence of the frontier. His commission and many papers, all show that he 
immediately entered upon the duties of his office, and was seldom absent from 
his government, up to the time of his death. The regiment was only raised for 
one year, but was continued in service until about 1779, when the State of Vir- 
ginia raised four additional regiments — two for the eastern, and two for the west- 
ern part of Virginia. It is supposed that Col. Joseph Crockett was promoted to 
the command of one of these regiments, and Col. Todd was appointed to the 
other. No commission has been found, appointing him a colonel in the regular 



536 TRIGG COUNTY. 

service; but depositions on file in Richmond, and old papers, show that he was 
acting as a regular colonel, from about the time the regiments were expected to 
be raised. 

In the spring of 1780, Col. Todd was sent a delegate to the legislature of Vir- 
ginia, from the county of Kentucky. While attending on the legislature, he mar- 
ried Miss Hawkins, and returned again to Kentucky, and settled his wife in the 
fort at Lexington ; but again visited the county of Illinois, and was engaged con- 
tinually in the administration of its government, and in other military aflFairs, so 
that he was seldom with iiis family, until the summer of 1782, when, in the month 
of August, the Indians besieged Bryant's station in great force. 

Col, Todd fell at the battle of the Blue Licks, in the midst of his usefulness, 
and in the prime of life, leaving a wife, an only child, (and that a daughter,) 
about twelve months old. That daughter was born in Lexington, and is supposed 
to be now the eldest female ever born in that place. She is the wife of R. Wick- 
liffe, Esq., who has still in his family the colonel's body servant — George; who, 
at the advanced age of eighty-odd years, retains his health, hearing, and intelli- 
gence, perfectly. George has passed through many trying scenes, with his mas- 
ter and others, and often speaks with great accuracy. He assisted, he says, to 
build the forts at Harrodsburg, Wilson's station, and Lexington, and several times 
narrowly escaped with his life, when the parties he was with were attacked by 
the savages. 

Col. Todd was a man of fine personal appearance and talents, and an accom- 
plished gentleman ; was universally beloved, and died without a stain upon his 
character, and it is believed without even one enemy upon earth. From the year 
1778, he might be considered as residing in Illinois, (himself,) until he married, 
in the year 1780. When he married, settling his family in Lexington, he was, 
up to the time of his death, enabled to stay but little with them. It is believed, 
that besides aiding in the councils held by Clark, and accompanying him in one 
or more of his expeditions, he passed the dangerous regions from Lexington to 
Kaskaskia twice (and often four times) in every year. 

An anecdote, illustrative of the benevolence of his heart, was told by his widow, 
after his death, to his child : That, during the winter succeeding their marriage, 
the provisions of the fort at Lexington became exhausted to such an extent, that, 
on her husband's return home with George one night, almost famished with hun- 
ger, she had been able to save for him a small piece of bread, about two inches 
square, and about a gill of milk, which she presented to him ; on which he asked, 
if there was nothing for George? She answered, not a mouthful. He called 
George, and handed him the bread and the milk, without taking any of it himself. 

George was tendered his liberty by the daughter, on her arriving at age, and of- 
ten since, but he has wisely preferred to remain with the child of his benefactor, 
in the state in which he left him. 



TRIGG COUNTY. 

Trigg county was formed in 1820, and named in honor of Col- 
onel Stephen Trigg. It is situated in the south-west part of the 
State, triangular in form, and drained by the Cumberland and 
Tennessee rivers : bounded on the north-west and north by Cald- 
well ; east by Christian; south by the State of Tenne.'jsec ; and 
west by Caldwell, the Tennessee river forming the division line. 
The Cumberland river flows through the south-west part of the 
county, in a direction north thirty degrees west, eight and a half 
miles distant from the Tennessee, and about the same general 
direction. Between the rivers, and on the east side of the Cum- 
berland, for about seven miles, the surface of the country is gen- 



STEPHEN TRIGG. 537 

erally broken, but not mountainous. Receding from the river and 
creek bottoms, the country becomes hilly or undulating. The eas- 
tern half of the county is called barrens, which is generally level 
or undulating. The soil is based on limestone, with red clay 
foundation. Little river is the principal tributary of the Cum- 
berland, which flows through the county — entering on the eastern 
border, and taking a north-west direction, disembogues its waters 
in the Cumberland at the north-western extremity of the county. 
The bottom lands on the rivers and creeks are generally fine for 
farming, and the hills abound with iron ore, and timber of the 
best quality for charcoal — while there are fine seams of stone 
coal near the north-east corner of the county. Lead has been 
discovered. Tobacco, corn, wheat and oats are the staple pro- 
ducts — exports, hogs, cattle, mules and horses. 

Valuation of taxable property in Trigg county in 1846, $1,750,- 
538; number of acres of land in the county, 199,048; average 
value of lands per acre, $3.59 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age. 1,346 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,777. Population in 1840, 12,353. 

There are five towns in Trigg county, viz : Cadiz, Canton, 
Ferry Corner, Rockcastle and Wallonia. 

Cadiz, the seat of justice, is situated on Little river, about two 
hundred and thirty miles south-west of Frankfort — and contains 
a court house and other county buildings, three churches, (Meth- 
odist, Baptist and Christian,) two academies, five lawyers, four 
physicians, nine stores, three groceries, two taverns, twelve me- 
chanical trades, and 500 inhabitants. Canton is a small village, 
containing a Republican church, one school, two physicians, four 
stores, one grocery, two taverns, five or six mechanics' shops, and 
200 inhabitants. Ferry Corner has one physician, one store, 
with several mechanics, and 50 inhabitants. Rockcastle contains 
a tavern, grocery, post-office and several mechanics — population 
50. Derived its name from a large cave in the vicinity, some- 
what resembling a castle. Wallonia has a physician, store, gro- 
cery, post-office, several mechanics, with a population of 75. 
Named after Mr. Wall, who owned the lands on which it is built. 

Colonel Stephen Trigg, for whom this county received its name, was a native 
of Virginia. He came to Kentucky in the fall of 1779, as a member of the court 
of land commissioners ; and in the spring of 1780, after the dissolution of that 
body, he determined to make the new country his permanent home. He accord- 
ingly, in the same year, settled a station at the mouth of Dick's river, and soon 
became noted for his activity against the Indians. He fell, two years afterwards, 
in the fatal and bloody battle of the Blue Licks, while bravely leading his men 
to the charge. Though he had been but a few years in the country, his amiable 
qualities had endeared him to the hearts of the people of Kentucky, and his 
memory is still cherished with fond veneration as one of the noblest of the early 
pioneers. He fell in the prime and flower of his years, and in the midst of his 
usefulness, mourned and regretted by the whole community. If he had lived, he 
would have taken rank among the most distinguished men of his time. 



538 TRIMBLE COUNTY 



TRIMBLE COUNTY. 

Trimble county was formed in 1836, and named after the Hon- 
orable Robert Trevible. It is situated in the northern part of the 
state, immediately on the Ohio river : bounded on the west and 
north by the Ohio river ; north-east by Carroll ; and south by 
Oldham and Henry. The territory of Trimble is small, compris- 
ing about one hundred and forty square miles. The vallies on 
the Ohio are unsurpassed in fertility ; and the up-lands, though 
hilly and broken, are quite productive. Tobacco and corn are 
cultivated in large quantities, and wheat and oats succeed well. 

Valuation of the taxable property of Trimble in 1846, $1,078,- 
675 ; number of acres of land in the county, 85,384 ; average value 
of lands per acre, $8.01 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 944 ; number of children between the ages of 
five and sixteen years, 1,255. Population in 1840,4,480. 

The towns of Trimble county are Bedford, Milton and Palmyra. 
Bedford, the seat of justice, is situated near the centre of the 
county, about fifty miles from Frankfort : contains a court house 
and the usual public buildings ; three churches, viz: Methodist, 
Baptist and Christian ; two schools, three lawyers, four physicians, 
six stores and groceries, three taverns and eight mechanics' shops : 
population 300. Milton is a small village, situated on the Ohio 
river, and containing two stores and groceries, post-office, &c. 
Palmyra is also a small village, with one store, post-office, &c. 

The Hon. Robert Trimble, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, and when three years old, his father emi- 
grated to Kentucky. His parents were not affluent, but occupied a respectable 
position in the agricultural population of the country. He received but the im- 
perfect rudiments of an education, — such only as could be had in a new settle- 
ment, so distant from the seats of learning in the older States. He, however, im- 
proved himself, by teaching for a few years, and reading carefully the scanty li- 
braries afforded by his neighborhood. After so imperfect a probation, he com- 
menced the study of the law, under George Nicholas. That eminent man dying 
before he had completed his studies, he continued them under James Brown ; and, 
in 1803, was licensed by the court of appeals to practice his profession. He com- 
menced his career in Paris, and in the same year was elected a member of the 
legislature from the county of Bourbon. But the stormy life of a politician not 
being congenial to his dis])osition or taste, he ever afterwards refused to be a can- 
didate for political office — even to be nominated, on two occasions, for the United 
States' senate, when his assent only was necessary to secure his election. He 
devoted himself exclusively to his profession, and rapidly rose to the first class 
of jurists. In 1808, he was commissioned second judge of the court of appeals. 
He retained this place* but a short lime, but long enough to greatly distinguish 
himself in it by his rectitude, learning and ability. He was appointed chief jus- 
tice of Kentucky in 1810, but, in consequence of his limited circumstances, de- 
clined the first judicial station in the commonwealth. After retiring from the 
bench, he resumed, with great assiduity, the practice of his profession; and, in 
1813, was appointed a district attorney for the State. He continued at the bar, 
with eminent and profitable success, until 1816, when he was appointed by Presi- 
dent Madison judge of the Kentucky district. He filled this oflice until 1826, 
when he was promoted by John Quincy Adams to the supreme court of the Uni- 
ted States. He died the 25th day of August, 1828, in the fifty-second year of his 
age, and in the full vigor of his powers. 



UNION COUNTY. 539 

It is not often that the august tribunal to which he belonged, has sustained a 
greater loss. His mind was characterized by deliberation, clearness, expansion 
and force. As a forensic debater, he combined flowing eloquence and powerful 
argumentation. He studied law upon principle, and comprehended it as a science. 
Such was his ripe though early proficiency, that, in the year 1818, the sole pro- 
fessorship of law for Transylvania University was tendered to him by the board 
of trustees, and his acceptance earnestly urged upon him by Mr. Clay. A neces- 
sary change of residence induced him to decline a place so honorable and respon- 
sible. 

As a judge of the highest State court, he had no superior in diligence, learn- 
ing, ability and uprightness ; and on being transferred to the supreme tribunal of 
the nation, both Chief Justice Marshall and Judge Story pronounced him to be 
not only a lawyer of the first order, but also one of the most improvable men they 
had ever known. Had Providence spared his life to ordinary old age, he would 
have fully vindicated his title to rank with those great jurists. But his private 
virtues, and his simple, noble nature, shed a lustre upon his name above all that 
which was derived from great intellect, ripe attainments, and high station. It 
was these which made all who knew him friends through his life, and mourners 
upon his death. 



UNION COUNTY. 

Union county was organized in 1811, and so called in conse- 
quence of being formed from other counties, all agreeing, with 
perfect unanimity, upon the boundary lines of the new county. 
It is situated on the Ohio river, which forms its western, and a 
part of its northern boundary ; Henderson forming the north-east- 
ern, Hopkins the south-eastern, and Christian the south-western 
boundary. Besides the Ohio, this county is drained by Trade- 
water and Highland creeks, and their tributaries — the first form- 
ing the south-western, and the latter the north-eastern border. 
The face of the country, like most of the river counties, is diver- 
sified : level, undulating, and hilly. The soil is good. Corn is 
the staple product of the county — but oats, rye, wheat, tobacco, 
hemp, hay and clover, are cultivated, and sweet potatoes grow 
finely. Horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs, are exported. 

Valuation of taxable property in Union in 1846, $1,467,091 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 205,442 ; average value 
of lands per acre, $3.53 ; number of white males over twenty- 
one years of age, 1,189; number of children between five and 
sixteen years old, 1,339. Population in 1840, 6,673. 

The towns of Union county consist of Morganfield, Caseyville, 
Raleigh and Uniontown. Morganfield is the seat of justice, sit- 
uated near the centre of the county, and about two hundred and 
five miles from Frankfort : contains two churches, (Methodist and 
Presbyterian,) two academies, one common school, seven lawyers, 
seven physicians, six stores, one grocery, two taverns, and sixteen 
mechanics' shops. Population about 400. Incorporated in 1812, 
and named after Gen. Morgan, of the revolutionary army. Ca- 
seyville is a small town, situated on the Ohio river, fifteen miles 
from Morganfield, containing one lawyer, two physicians, three 



540 WARREN COUNTY. 

stores, one grocery, one tavern, one school, and six mechanics' 
shops. This town has an abundant supply of stone coal in its 
immediate vicinity. Raleigh is a very small village, also situated 
on the Ohio river, nine miles west of Morganfield ; has one store 
and tavern. Uniontewn lies on the Ohio river, seven miles north- 
west of Morganfield, and contains three physicians, four stores, 
one grocery, one tavern, and six mechanics' shops. Derived its 
name from the union of two small villages. 

The county of Union abounds in mineral springs. One of these, — a fine white 
sulphur spring, — five miles from Morganfield, has been handsomely improved, 
ana has become quite a popular and fashionable watering place. The other 
springs which possess any notoriety, contain chalybeate water of fine quality. 

About eight miles from Morganfield, there is a large, flat rock, with a number 
of deeply indented and perfectly distinct impressions of the naked foot of human 
beings, of all sizes, together with very plain footprints of the dog. About three 
miles from Caseyville, there is a rock, called the " .invil Rock,'''' which closely 
resembles a blacksmith's anvil. It is about fifty feet high, twenty feet in width, 
and two feet thick, with a projection or spur like the horn of an anvil. This rock 
stands upon level bottom land, entirely isolated ; and by what process it was 
placed there, in an erect position, must forever remain a mystery. There is also 
a hill, in the centre of an extended river bottom or plain, which is about three- 
fourths of a mile long, half a mile wide, and from eighty to one hundred feet in 
height. There is, likewise, a cave in the county, which is believed to be of great 
extent, but heretofore very partially explored. In this cave a number of human 
bones have been found. A few miles from Uniontown, on Highland creek, there 
is a tar or American oil spring, from which tar or oil constantly flows, in consider- 
able quantities. 



WARREN COUNTY. 

Warren county was formed in 1796, and named in memory of 
General Joseph Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill. It embraces 
about five hundred and sixty square miles ; and is bounded on the 
north by Butler and Edmonson; east by Barren ; south by Allen 
and Simpson ; and west by Logan and Butler. Big Barren river, 
which heads near the Cumberland, runs through this county. Its 
tributaries, in the county, are. Bay's fork, Drake's and Jennings' 
creeks, and Gasper river. Several mineral springs in the county 
— one, three miles from Bowling-Green, (Mr. Jackson's,) in char- 
acter of its water, much like the Blue Lick. Face of the country 
gently undulating. Soil fertile and productive, based mostly on 
red clay and limestone foundation. Principal articles of export, 
tobacco, wheat, corn and pork. 

Valuation of taxable property in Warren in 1846, $3,918,312 ; 
number of acres of land in the county, 292,588 ; average value 
of land per acre, $5.39 ; number of white males over twenty-one 
years of age, 2,083 ; number of children between five and six- 
teen years old, 2,831. Population in 1840, 15,446. 

Bowling- Green, the county seat of Warren, is a neat and thriving 
town, situated at the head of slack water navigation on Big Bar- 



NAMES AND DATES ON TREES. 541 

ren river, one hundred and forty -five miles from Frankfort, and six 
hundred and eighty-five miles from Washington city. Several 
steamboats make their weekly arrivals here from Louisville and 
elsewhere; the turnpike from Louisville to Nashville passes through 
it ; and the Bowling-Green portage rail road from the river, ter- 
minates here. Besides the ordinary county buildings, there are 
four church edifices, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Episco- 
palian. The court-house, on the public square, is handsomely 
enclosed with a neat stone wall, ornamented by iron railing. It 
contains also, a branch of the Bank of Kentucky, two newspa- 
pers, (the Bowling-Green Press and the Bowling-Green Argus,) 
fifteen lawj'ers, eight physicians, five schools, twenty-four stores, 
, two wholesale groceries and commission warehouses, one drug 
store, one foundry, one candle factory, one wool factory, two 
steam saw mills, three taverns, and thirty or forty mechanics' 
shops. Population 1700. Established by the legislature in 1808. 

Ancient Marks on Trees. — On the north side of Barren river, about three 
miles from Bowling-Green, and about a quarter of a mile above Vanmeter's ferry, 
there are some beech trees which indicate the camping ground of a party, per- 
haps the " Long Hunters," as they were called, in June, 1775. The most con- 
spicuous tree has engraven on its bark, on the north side, the names of thirteen 
persons. The letters were handsomely cut with some instrument adapted to the 
purpose. The highest name is about nine feet from the ground, the lowest four 
feet. They stand in the following order, beginning with the uppermost and 
descending to the lowest, to wit: .T. Newell or Neaville,* E. Bulger. I. Hite, V. 
Harman. J. Jackman, W. Buchannon, A. Bowman, J. Drake, N. Nail, H. 
Skaggs, J. Bowman, Tho. Slaughter, J. Todd. The date is thus given : " 1775, 
June Th 13." The apparent age of the marks corresponds with the date. About 
five steps south of the above named tree, and near the verge of the river bank, 
stands a beech, marked on the north side with the name of "Wm. Buchanan," 
and dated "June 14th, 1775." On the south side of the same tree, there is the 
name of " J. Todd," dated " June 17, 1775." About twenty steps north of the first 
tree, there stands a third beech, with the names of I. Drake, and Isaac Hite 
engraved, and each with the date " 15 June, 1775." Above the names the date 
" June 23, 1775." The names and dates on this tree seem to be as old as any, 
but made with a different instrument from that which cut the names on the first 
tree, and they are not so well executed. These dates from the 13th to the 23d, 
prove that the party encamped at that place ten days. About fifty yards up the 
river from the first named tree, there stands a beech with a name now illegible, 
cut in the bark over the date 1779. On the same tree, the name of H. Lynch is 
carved over the date 1796. 

Where are now those pioneers ? They have ceased to follow the deer, the elk, 
the bear, the buff"alo and beaver, which were then abundant in this region; and 
their children are hunters no more. The animals which their fathers pursued, 
have become extinct. The wilderness they traversed, now blooms with the arts 
and refinements of civilized life. 

Caves are very numerous in this county. Some of them would be regarded as 
considerable curiosities, if there were no mammoth cave. About six miles north- 
east of Bowling-Green, there is a cave with a perpendicular descent from the north 
of about thirty or forty feet. At the bottom are vast quantities of human bones. 
How and when they were put there, can of course only be conjectured. About 
three miles south of Bowling-Green, and on the turnpike to Nashville, is the Cave 
Mill, in level barrens. A creek breaks up from the ground, runs about two hun- 
dred yards, then disappears in the cave ; and, after a course under ground of a 
mile and a half, again appears, and runs into Barren river. Immediately under 
the roof of the cave, Mr. Shanks has a water grist mill and wool-carding ma- 

* Judge Graham supposed it to be Neaville. 



542 ■ ' WARREN COUNTY. 

chine, with no covering but the rocky arch above. Directly over the mill, and 
within a few feet of the precipice, runs the turnpike over which thousands pass, 
many of them unconscious of the deep chasm beneath. 

Mounds. — There are very many in this county, mostly near watercourses- 
some of them quite large. They all contain human bones. In one of them was 
found a smooth, circular, well polished flint, near two inches broad, three-fourths 
of an inch thick, and weighing one-fourth of a pound, apparently made as a four- 
ounce weight. On the north bank of the river, near Bowling-Green, are a great 
many ancient graves, — some of them with a row of stones set on edge around 
them. These graves, with a large mound on which large trees are growing, are 
included within the remains of an old fort, built of earth. Some ancient relics 
were found here in 1838, and are now in the possession of Lloyd Berry, Esq. 
One of these is in the shape of a bowl, hollow, and composed of earth and poun- 
ded shells ; and seems to have been burnt or dried in the sun. Its color is dark. 
The other two are composed of the same materials, but of lighter color, and in 
the shape of flat-bottomed candlesticks, the stem being shorter and solid ; the 
upper surface of the bottom slightly concave ; the under surface convex, and about 
half an inch in thickness. 

On the south bank of Greene river, about twelve miles from Bowling-Green, is 
an old fort, situated on a hill or bluff, inaccessible save on the south-west corner. 
The remainder of the hill is level on top, with perpendicular, or, rather, overhang- 
ing cliff or bluff, about thirty feet high. Near the centre, lengthwise, of this hill, 
is an old fort, which seems to have been erected with stone and earth. The walls 
are now about one foot high. 
The annexed is a rough sketch of the hill and fort. One of the projections 

from the fort is twenty feet, the other 
thirty feet in length — each fifteen 
feet wide. The area of the fort se- 
ven acres. There is nothing to in- 
dicate who were its tenants, nor 
when it was erected. From it, to 
the distance of more than u mile, 
there is a line of mounds, diminish- 
ing in size as they recede from the 
fort, perhaps showing a running fight, and the most bloody contest nearest the 
fort. There are other ancient works in the county, which have not been exam- 
ined. 

Eight miles east of Bowling-Green, there is in the level open barrens, a large 
deep sink, about fifty yards wide, and a hundred yards in length. On the south 
side, the descent is near twenty feet; on the north, it is one hundred and fifty feet 
deep. Large river trees are growing in it. Shortly after the first settlement 
here, a blind horse fell in this sink. A hungry wolf had the folly to jump in 
after its prey, and being unable to get out, was found and shot. Since that time 
it has been known by the name of the " Wolf Sink." 

Four miles above Bowling-Green, on the river, is McFadin's old station. 
Some anecdotes are connected with it, one of which we relate : A dashing young 
Virginian came to the station, and began his brag that he could outrun any man 
" in all Kaintuck." McFadin, who was a quizzical old genius, inquired whether 
he would run barefooted or shod, and was promptly answered "barefoot." Let 
me fix time and place, said McFadin, and I will risk a gallon of whisky I find a 
man to beat you. The bet was made and the day fixed. The old hunter Ray- 
mer was sent for. The PMh^^ repaired to the track selected by McFadin. It 
was probably the most flin^pid in all the country. At the word the racers started. 
They had gone but a few yards when the Virginian was compelled to hold up. 
But as Raymer's feet were hard as a buffalo's, he kept ahead like a quarter horse, 
to the great amusement of old McFadin and his friends. That ground has since 
been called " Eaymcr^s Race Track." 

Joseph Rogers Underwood was born in Goochland county, Virginia, on the 
24th of October, 1701. He was the eldest child of John Underwood, who for 
manj' years represented that coimty in the legislature, during those periods in 
the history of that State when political honors were rarely bestowed but as the 




JOSEPH ROGERS UNDERWOOD. 543 

reward of personal merit. His mother, Frances Rogers, was a daughter of George 
Rogers, of Caroline county, Va., a gentleman eminently distinguished for the 
purity of his life and the integrity of his character. 

The parents of young Underwood being in humble circumstances, and having 
a large family of other children to provide for, were induced to commit him to 
his maternal uncle, Mr. Edward Rogers, a soldier of the revolution, who had emi- 
grated to Kentucky as early as 1783. He brought his youthful charge to Barren 
county in the spring of 1803, and nobly did he fulfil the promises made to the 
parents of the little boy, " to be unto him as a father." 

The Greene river country was then a wilderness, and contained but few schools, 
and those not of the best class. Joseph was placed at school with the Rev. John 
Howe, near Glasgow. About a year thereafter he was placed under the tuition of 
the Rev. Samuel Findley at Danville, and afterwards at Lancaster, and after that 
with McMurrel, who taught a French and Latin school at Glasgow. Having under 
these several teachers acquired the rudiments of his education, he was sent by 
his parental uncle to the Transylvania University, at which, in 1811, he fin- 
ished it. 

On leaving the university he commenced the study of the law in Lexington, 
with Robert Wickliffe, Esq., and under the instructions of this learned and 
accomplished lawyer, he completed his course of elementary reading. 

About this time Kentucky was thrown into great excitement by the war with 
Great Britain, then raging with violence on the Canada border. The melan- 
choly affair of the river Raisin had deprived the state of some of its best citizens, 
and plunged the commonwealth in mourning. The impulse to arms was univer- 
sal, and pervaded all classes. In March, 1813, a company of volunteers being 
about to be raised in Lexington, to be commanded by Captain John C. Morrison, 
and attached to the regiment of Colonel William Dudley, young Underwood was 
the first to volunteer on that occasion, and seizing the colors, marched alone 
with the musicians down the ranks of the assembled citizens. This little inci- 
dent caused him to be elected lieutenant. He proceeded with the regiment to 
which he belonged to join the northern army, commanded by General Harrison. 
He was in Dudley's defeat on the 5th of May, 1813, when the captain of his 
company being killed, the command devolved on Lieutenant Underwood. The 
remnant of Dudley's regiment were compelled to surrender as prisoners of war. 
Lieutenant Underwood after being badly wounded, and the ball still remaining in 
the wound, was stripped of his clothing and compelled to run the gauntlet. He 
and his comrades were thrown into the old fort built by General Wayne on the 
left bank of the river, and forced to sit down in the mud and water, and whilst 
thus confined, the infuriated savages stalked round upon the embankment that 
overlooked them, and singled out and shot down their victims. In the meantime, 
an angry controversy arose among the Indians themselves, whether they should 
make one general slaughter of all the prisoners or not. It was a moment of 
intense and terrible interest to the poor soldiers who were within hearing of it, 
helplessly awaiting the issue. Mercy, however, prevailed, and their lives were 
spared. Lieutenant Underwood was finally released on his parol, and returned 
home to his uncle in the summer of 1813. 

In the fall of 1813, Mr. Underwood obtained license to practice law, and set- 
tled in Glasgow. He rose rapidly, and soon stood in the first rank of his profes- 
sion. 

In 1816 he was elected to represent Barren county in the legislature; and con- 
tinued to represent that county in the same body, for four successive years. In 
March, 1817, he married Miss Eliza M. Trotter, daughter of Mr. John Trotter, 
of Glasgow ; and grand-daughter, on her mother's side, of the Rev. David Rice. 
This lady died in July, 1835. 

Mr. Underwood having removed, in the year 1823, to Bowling-Green, was 
elected, in 1825, to represent the county of Warren in the legislature. He served 
two years in that body with great distinction and eminent usefulness, and then 
retired to private life and the practice of his profession. In 1828 he was a can- 
didate for lieutenant-governor, but the vote resulted in the election of Mr. Breath- 
itt. In the same year he was commissioned as a judge of the court of appeals ; 
which office he held until February, 1835, when he resigned, and was elected to 
Congress. He continued, with high reputation, to serve as a member of Con- 



544 - WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

gress until 18 J3, when he again retired to private life. In August, 1845, he was 
elected, by a very large majority, to represent the county of Warren in the legis- 
lature, and was made speaker of the house of representatives. At the session 
of the legislature of 1816-7, he was eie<:ted by that body to succeed the Hon. 
James T. Morehead as senator in the Congress of the United States from Ken- 
tucky. 

In his politics, Mr. Underwood has always been a firm and consistent whig. 
In 18-24, and again in 1814, he was one of the presidential electors of the State, 
and both times cast his vote for Henry Clay. As a lawyer. Judge Underwood 
has few superiors in the State ; his decisions, while on the bench of the court of 
appeals, being distinguished for their soundness and general equity. On the 
whole, it may be said that he stands deservedly conspicuous among the distin- 
guished men of Kentucky. Learned as a jurist, ex|)erienced as a statesman, an 
ardent patriot, he is qualified to adorn any station to which the partiality of his 
countrymen may elevate him. 

Gen. Joseph Warren, in memory of whom this county was named, was a dis- 
tinguished patriot, and was one of the earliest of those who sealed with their 
blood the charter of their country's liberties. He was born at Roxbury, near 
Boston, in 1741. His father was a respectable farmer. Joseph entered Harvard 
University in 1755, being then fourteen years of age, and there established a 
character for talents, address, a generous, bold, and independent spirit, which his 
subsequent life only confirmed and rendered more striking. On leaving college, 
he studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. Loyd, an eminent physician of 
that day ; and, upon the completion of his studies, commenced the practice. His 
affable manners, handsome person, and thorough skill in his profession, soon ren- 
dered him a general favorite; and his success was rapid and complete. Possess- 
ing fine talents as an orator and writer, he soon became prominent as a politician 
and public speaker ; and, on two occasions, was appointed to deliver orations on 
the 5th of March — the anniversary of the Boston massacre. In that brilliant con- 
stellation of talent which then gave the New England States an enviable intel- 
lectual prominence in the colonies, Dr. Warren was a star of the first magnitude. 
An ardent patriot, he was foremost among those who took measures to arouse the 
country to resistance, against the aggressions of the mother country. On the 18th 
of April, 1775, discovering the design of the British commander to seize our pub- 
lic stores at Concord, he instantly dispatched faithful messengers,' who removed 
everything except three old cannon, a few gun-carriages, and sixty barrels of 
flour : these the British soldiery destroyed. He participated in the battle of Lex- 
ington, where, while pressing on the enemy with daring impetuosity, he had a 
lock of hair, close to his ear, shot away by a musket ball. He was the president 
of the provincial congress of Massachusetts, of 1775 ; and, on the 14th day of 
June, was appointed, by that body, major-general of the military force of the 
province. When congress adjourned, he rode to the camp ; and, mingling famil- 
iarly with the soldiers, infused into them his own undaunted spirit. In the memo- 
rable battle of the 17th of June, on Bunker Hill, when their ammunition was 
expended, the Americans, after having thrice repulsed the charge of the British 
regulars, were compelled to retire. Gen. Warren was one of the last to leave the 
entrenchments, and had proceeded from the works but a few steps, when he was 
struck by a random shot, and instantly expired. Congress passed a resolution to 
erect a monument to his memory, which long occupied the site of the present 
Bunker Hill monument. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Washington county was formed in 1792, and named in honor 
of the father of his country, Gen. George Washington. It is sit- 
uated near the centre of the State, and is drained by Salt river : 



JOHN LANCASTER. 545 

bounded on the north by Anderson ; east by Mercer ; south by 
Marion : west and north-west by Nelson. The face of the coun- 
try is undulating — the soil rich and fertile. Staple products, 
hemp, wheat and corn ; exports, beef, pork, hemp and whisky. 

Valuation of taxable property in Washington in 1846, $2,832,- 
853; number of acres of land in the county, 188,367; average 
value of land per acre, $7.55 ; number of white males over twen- 
ty-one years of age, 1,653 ; number of children between the ages 
of five and sixteen years, 2,261. Population in 1840, 10,596. 

The towns of Washington county are Springfield, Maxville, 
and Fredericktown. Springfield, the seat of justice, is about forty 
miles from Frankfort. It contains a large brick court-house and 
other county buildings, three churches, (Methodist, Presbyterian 
and Catholic,) twelve lawyers, six physicians, ten stores, three 
groceries, and twelve mechanics' shops. Population, 700. In- 
corporated in 1793, and took its name from a spring in the bounds 
of the town. Maxville has two physicians, four stores, six me- 
chanics' shops, post-oflice, and 320 inhabitants. Fredericktown is 
eight miles from Springfield, on the Beech fork of Salt river, and 
contains a physician, tavern, carding machine, manufacturing 
mill, several mechanics' shops, with a population of 60. Estab- 
lished in 1818. 

In the year 1776, James Sodowsky, or Sandusky, removed from Virginia to 
Washington county, and built Sandusky's station, on Pleasant run. On the- 
breaking up of Harrod's settlement, in 1774, .Jacob Sandusky, a brother of James, 
and connected with Harrod's settlement, traveled to Cumberland river; there pro- 
cured a canoe, descended the Cumberland, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, to New 
Orleans ; from thence he took shipping, and went round to Virginia, via Balti- 
more. He is believed to have been the first white man that ever descended those 
rivers, except French or Spanish. Shortly after, he returned to Kentucky, and set- 
tled with James, at Sandusky's station. From this station the brothers removed, 
in 1785, to Jessamine county. Jacob died in Jessamine, and James in Bourbon 
county. The nephews of Jacob state that he kept very full notes of the settle- 
ment of the country, and often pronounced the published histories to be incorrect 
in many particulars. 

The following account of the adventures of John Lancaster, in 1783, we copy 
from " Early Sketches of Catholic Missions in Kentucky," by the Rev. M. J, 
Spalding, D. D. : 

" John Lancaster was descending the Ohio river in a flat boat, bound from 
Maysville to Louisville. His companions on the boat were Col. Joseph Mitchell 
and son, and Alexander Brown. When they had reached the mouth of the Mi- 
ami river, on the 8th of May, 1788, the boatmen discovered a large party of In- 
dians lying in wait for them. They did not make this fearful discovery until they 
were very near the party ; and unfortunately the current bore the boat directly 
towards them. Escape was hopeless. The savages displayed a white flag, in 
token of friendship : but at the same time leveled their muskets at the man who 
was at the oar, and would have shot him down, had not the chief interposed. 
This man was called Captain Jim, or Shaionese Jim, and he spoke a little broken 
English, which he had probably learned at some of the British military posts in 
the north-west. He assured the white men that his people meant them no harm, 
and that they merely wished to trade with them. 

" Meantime, a skiff, manned by four Indians, was seen to put off from the 

shore, and was rowed rapidly towards the boat, which it struck with so much 

violence as to upset the skiff, and to precipitate three of the Indians into the river. 

John Lancaster here showed great presence of mind, by leaping promptly into 

35 



546 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

the river, and aiding the struggling Indians in their efforts to escape from a wa- 
tery grave. He succeeded, and had reason to hope that he had done much to 
conciliate their good will — a hope which the event did not, however, justify. On 
entering the boat, the Indians seized on the white men, and made them prisoners, 
two of them struggling violently for the possession of Mr. Lancaster. Some 
time after they had reached the shore, these same two savages came to blows, and 
had a desperate fight on the same ground of quarrel, when Captain Jim inter- 
posed, and decided in favor of the first who had seized the person of the captive. 

"The boat was soon rowed to the shore and robbed of all its effects. The In- 
dians then decamped with the booty, and the four prisoners whom they had taken. 
The first night was devoted to revelry and drunkenness ; the savages having car- 
ried with them the whisky with which tlie boat was partly laden. The prisoners 
were bound down on their backs to the earth, with cords which were passed 
around their limbs and bodies, and tied closely to stakes driven in the ground. 
During the whole night, the rain poured down in torrents, on their faces and 
bodies; while their only covering was a blanket, their Indian captors having al- 
ready stripped them of their clothing and money. They passed a sleepless night, 
witnessing the wild revelry of the Indians, and musing sorrowfully on the dread- 
ful fate which probably awaited them on the morrow. 

" On the next morning they wei^e released from their confinement, and were 
hurried on towards the Indian village in the interior, which Mr. Lancaster esti- 
mates was about sixty-five miles from the mouth of the Miami, and twenty-five 
miles lower down the Ohio river. After they had reached their encampment, 
which was probably one of the Shawnese towns, they were made to witness new 
scenes of stirring interest. While the captives were gloomily meditating on their 
probable doom to the stake, the Indian master of John Lancaster suddenly came 
up to him, and embraced him, shedding tears, and exclaiming, amidst sobs and 
lamentations that 'he was his brother, who should take the place of one who 
had been slain during the previous year!' Immediately the Indian ceremony of 
adoption took place. Mr. Lancaster was stripped of his blanket, and had his 
body greased with bear's oil, and painted of a vermilion color. He was then 
taught some scraps of Indian song, and was made to join in the savage festival 
which ensued. This consisted of songs and the war-dance, one Indian beating 
time with a stick, the head of which was curiously wrought and trimmed with 
the hoofs of deer. After the performance of this singular ceremony, he was 
viewed as having been regularly adopted into the Indian tribe. 

" Mr. Lancaster continued a captive in the Indian camp for eight days, during 
which he made great proficiency in the knowledge of Indian manners and cus- 
toms. He was called Kiuhba, or the Running Buck, from his remarkable activity 
and fleetness of foot. He was placed on an equal footing with the Indians, and 
his new brother treated him with great kindness. After some days, however, this 
foster brother was sent off from the camp, and then he experienced rougher treat- 
ment. Captain Jim, under whose charge he was now left, became sullen and 
vindictive. He quarreled with his wife, who, fearing his vengeance, fled from 
the camp. Jim immediately pursued her, threatening vengeance, and was soon 
perceived returning to the camp, after having, in all probability, been her mur- 
derer. As he was returning, his daughter, who was well acquainted with her fa- 
ther's moods, and who had entertained a partiality for Kiohba, said to the latter^ 
puck-e-te — run! He took her advice, and instantly darted from the camp, 

"On casting a glance backward, from a neighboring eminence, he perceived 
Captain Jim beating the elder Mitchell with a tent pole. After his final escape 
from the Indians, he learned that, soon after his departure, young Mitchell was 
painted black and burned at the stake; but that his father and Alexander Brown, 
after suffering almost incredible hardships and privations, were finally ransomed 
by their friends, and returned to Pittsburgh. 

"John Lancaster was soon out of sight of the Indian encampment. He took 
the direction of the Ohio river, but ran in different directions, and crossed repeat- 
edly the various Indian trails, in order the more easily to elude pursuit. He was 
particularly fearful of about fifty Indian dogs, who had been trained to following 
the footsteps of man. He was, however, fortunate enough to escape all these 
multiplied dangers; and after running for six days, during which his only sub- 
sistence was four turkey eggs, which he had found in the hollow of a fallen tree, 



POPE— GRUNDY— HARDIN. 547 

he safely reached the Ohio river. Exhausted as he was, he immediately tied him- 
self with bark to the trunk of a box-elder tree, and after four hours' unremitting 
toil, succeeded in crossing to the Kentucky side. While crossing he had swal- 
lowed much water; and he now perceived that his strength had almost entirely 
failed. 

"After resting a short time, he determined to float down the river, to the sta- 
tion at the Falls, which he estimated was between twenty and thirty miles dis- 
tant. Accordingly, he made a small raft, by tying two trees together with bark, 
on which he placed himself, with a pole for an oar. When a little above Eigh- 
teen Mile Island, he heard the sharp report of a rifle, when, thinking that his 
pursuers had overtaken him, he crouched down on his little raft, and concealed 
himself as best he could. Hearing no other noise, however, he concluded that 
his alarm was without foundation. But shortly after, a dreadful storm broke upon 
the river; night had already closed in, and he sank exhausted and almost lifeless 
on his treacherous raft, drenched with the rain, benumbed with cold, and with the 
terrible apprehension on his mind, that he might be precipitated over the Falls 
during the night. 

" At break of day, he was aroused from his death-like lethargy, by one of the 
most cheering sounds that ever fell on the ears of a forlorn and lost wanderer — 
the crowing of a cock, — which announced the immediate vicinity of a white set- 
tlement. The sound revived him ; he collected all his energies for one last eflFort, 
and sat upright on his little raft. Soon, in the gray light of the morning, he dis- 
covered the cabins of his countrymen, and was enabled to eifect a landing at the 
mouth of Beargrass — the site of the present city of Louisville. He immediately 
rejoined his friends, and their warm welcome soon made him forget all his past 
sufferings. He lived for many years to recount his adventures ; and died a few 
years ago of a good old age, surrounded by his children and his children's chil- 
dren." 

John Pope, a distinguished politician and statesman, was for many years a 
resident of this county, where he died in 1842. He was a native of Prince Wil- 
liam county, Virginia, where he was born about the year 1770, but emigrated to 
Kentucky while quite a boy. In early life he had the misfortune to lose his 
arm, from a severe wound received while attending a cornstalk mill. Owing to 
this accident, he was induced to turn his attention to the profession of the law, 
and being a man of great native vigor of intellect, soon attained eminence. He 
first settled in Shelby county, but afterwards removed to Lexington. He was 
frequently a member of the legislature, in which body his great talents rendered 
him eminently conspicuous and influential. In 1807, he was elected to the sen- 
ate of the United States, and was for many years a distinguished member of the 
house of representatives. In 1829 he was appointed governor of the territory of 
Arkansas, which office he held for six years. He died at his residence in Wash- 
ington county, in the year 1842. In early life, Mr. Pope belonged to the federal 
party; but in after years attached himself to that party which has assumed to 
Itself the name of democratic, and of which General Jackson was the founder. 

The late Honorable Felix Grundy, of Tennessee, was also for some years a 
citizen of this county, to which he was brought by his parents from Virginia, in 
his early boyhood. He was a native of Berkely county, Va., where he was born 
in September, 1777. Mr. Grundy was for many years a distinguished member of the 
Kentucky legislature, and while he remained a citizen of the State, was appoin- 
ted chief justice of the court of appeals. In 1808 he removed to Tennessee, and 
was subsequently a member of Congress from that State. He represented the 
State of Tennessee in the Senate of the United States for many years, and dur- 
ing the administration of Mr. Van Buren, was appointed attorney general of the 
United States. 

Mr. Grundy was one of the most distinguished lawyers and statesmen of the 
western country. When in the councils of the nation he had but few superiors. 
His politics were democratic, of which party he was always a most zealous 
and efficient supporter. 

Another distinguished citizen of Washington county was General Martin D. 
Hardin, the son of Colonel John Hardin. He was a lawyer of great eminence, 



548 WAYNE COUNTY. 

and practiced his profession in Frankfort with distinguished success. He was 
a man of marked talent and very decided character, as were indeed all the mem- 
bers of this family. He was secretary of state under Governor Shelby, and in 
1817 was appointed by Governor Slauirhter to the senate of the United States, in 
which body lie served one session. He was a major in the riHe regiment of Col- 
onel John Allen, in the campaign on the northern border during the last war with 
Great Britain, in which situation he approved himself a brave, vigilant and effi- 
cient officer. General Hardin died at Frankfort in the fall of 1823. He was the 
father of the late Colonel John J. Hardin, of Illinois, who fell in the battle of 
Buena Vista in Mexico. 

Washington county derived its name from General George Washington, com- 
mander-in-chief of the American armies during the war of the revolution, and 
first president of the United States under tiie federal constitution. Any narrative 
of his life is almost superfluous ; for what citizen of the republic has it not engra- 
ven upon his heart 1 A patriot without blemish, a statesman without guile, a 
leader of armies without ambition, a magistrate without severity, yet inflexible 
in uprightness, a citizen exemplary in the discharge of every duly, a man in 
whose character weakness and faults appeared but as specks on the brightness of 
the sun — who had religion without austerity, dignity without pride, modesty 
without diffidence, courage withou't rashness, politeness without afiectation, aflfa- 
bility without familiarity ; — such was the man whose memory the great and the 
good of all nations have delighted to honor. 



WAYNE COUNTY. 

Wayne county was formed in the year 1800, and named after 
General Anthony Wayne. It is watered by the Cumberland river 
and its tributaries, the south fork passing entirely through the 
county from the south in a direction a little west of north : boun- 
ded on the north by the Cumberland river, which separates it 
from Pulaski county ; east by Whitley ; south by the State of 
Tennessee; and west by Clinton and Russell. The surface of 
the county is somewhat broken with hills, but the valley lands 
are fertile and productive — the soil very generally based upon 
limestone. The county abounds w^ith stone coal ; and on the 
Big South fork of the Cumberland, there is a continuous strata or 
seam of coal upwards of thirty miles in length. There is, also, an 
abundance of iron ore and salt water of a rich quality. Numer- 
ous small caves are found, in which there are large quantities of 
alum and salt petre, and some marine petrifactions have been 
discovered. The principal exports of the county are, horses, 
mules, cattle and hogs. 

Valuation of the taxable property of Wayne in 1846, $1,214,- 
579 ; number of acres of land in the county, 108,853 ; average 
value of lands per acre, $3.02 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,335 ; number of children between the 
ages of five and sixteen years, 2,406. Population in 1840, 15,446. 

MoNTiCELLo, the seat of justice and only town of Wayne county, 
is ninety miles south of Frankfort. It contains a brick court 
house and other county buildings ; two churches, IMethodist and 
Christian ; five lawyers, four physicians, six stores, thi-ee groceries, 



WHITLEY COUNTY. 549 

two tanj'ards and ten mechanics' shops. Population 300. Es- 
tablished in 1810, and named after President Jefferson's resi- 
dence. 

General Anthony Wayne, in honor of whom this county was named, was a 
distinguished officer in the United States' service, and was born in Chester county, 
Pennsylvania, January 1st, 1745. He received a good education, and after leav- 
ing school at the age of eighteen, took up the business of surveying, in which he 
acquired great reputation and success. He was one of the provincial deputies 
who early in 177-1 were chosen by the different counties of Pennsylvania to take 
into consideration the state of affairs with Great Britain ; and a member of the 
convention which shortly after assembled at Philadelphia. In the same year he 
was elected to the legislature, and in 1775 appointed a member of the committee 
of safety. In September of this year he raised a company of volunteers, and in 
the ensuing January, was appointed by Congress, colonel of one of the Penn- 
sylvania regiments, and at the opening of the campaign received orders to join 
the army under General Lee at New York. In 1777 he was promoted to the 
rank of brigadier general. In the battle of Brandywine he commanded a divis- 
ion stationed at Chad's ford, to resist the passage of Knyphausen. He maintained 
the contest until near sunset, when he was compelled to retreat. He was in the 
battle of Germantown, where he evinced his wonted valor ; he was also present 
at the battle of Monmouth. In July, 1779, he stormed the strong fortress of 
Stony Point by a night assault. He was present at Yorktown, and witnessed 
the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He was subsequently sent to the south, where 
he remained until the conclusion of peace. In 1789 he was a member of the 
Pennsylvania convention and an advocate of the constitution of the United States. 
In 17!)2, he was appointed by Washington, successor to General St. Clair in the 
command of the army engaged against the Indians on the western frontier. It 
was at first supposed that his ardor would render him an unfit opponent of a foe 
remarkable for caution. He soon, however, proved the incorrectness of this idea. 
He established admirable discipline among his troops, and by his wise and pru- 
dent measures in preparing for an engagement, and the skill and bravery with 
which he fought and gained the battle of August 20th, 1794, near the river Mi- 
ami of the lakes, he brought the war to a completely successful termination. In 
1795, he concluded a definite treaty of peace with the Indians. He died in Decem- 
ber, 1796. 



WHITLEY COUNTY. 

Whitley county was formed in 1818, and named in honor of 
Col. William Whitley. It is situated in the south-east section of 
the State, and is drained by the Cumberland river and its tribu- 
taries. This river penetrates the county on the north-eastern 
border, and meanders in a general western course to within a 
few miles of its western border, when it makes a bend, and runs 
directly north, to near the northern border ; here it again makes 
a sudden bend, and flows out of the county on the north-western 
border : bounded on the north by Laurel ; on the east by Knox ; 
on the south by the State of Tennessee ; and on the west by 
Wayne. The face of the country, except the river valleys, is hilly 
and broken, two spurs of the Cumberland mountain penetrating 
the south-eastern corner to within a short distance of Williams- 
burg, on the Cumberland river. Corn is the staple product, and 
hogs the principal export of the county. 



550 WHITLEY COUNTY. 

The falls of the Cumberland river, in Whitley county, about 
fourteen miles below Williamsburg, are among the most remark- 
able objects in the State. The river here is precipitated over a 
sheer fall of sixty-three feet, perpendicular. On a clear morn- 
ing, the roar of the waters may be heard for a distance of ten or 
twelve miles above and below the falls. Immediately behind the 
falling sheet of water, there is a considerable cave in the surface 
of the rock ; and a person can go almost across the river by this 
passage, through an arch formed on one side by the rock, and on 
tlie other by the flashing waters. Just below the falls, large fish 
are to be caught in great numbers. The country, for six or eight 
miles above and below the falls, is very irregular, and presents 
to the eye of the traveler a succession of scenery as romantic 
and picturetique as any to be found in the State. The hills and 
mountains rise upon each other, like clouds upon the horizon. 

Valuation of the taxable property of Whitley in 1846, $388,- 
332 ; number of acres of land in the county, 167,967 ; average 
value of land per acre, $1.42 ; number of white males over twen- 
ty-one years of age, 877 ; number of children between five and 
sixteen yeare old, 1,435. Population in 1840, 6,673. 

WiLLiAiMSBURG, the scat of justice of Whitley county, is situated 
on the right bank of the Cumberland river, about one hundred 
miles from Frankfort, and contains a Methodist church, two law- 
yers, four stores and groceries, one tavern, and several mechan- 
ics' shops. Population, 75. Boston is a very small village, con- 
taining a Baptist church, a store, post-olHce, &c. Population, 30. 

In October, 1786, a large number of families, traveling by land to Kentucky, 
known by the name of McKnitt's company, were surprised in their camp at night, 
between the Big and Little Laurel rivers, by a party of Indians, and totally de- 
feated, with the loss of twenty-one persons killed, and the rest dispersed or made 
prisoners. 

Shortly before settlements were formed in what is now Whitley county, John 
Tye, his son, and some two or three other men, having encamped on the head of 
Big Poplar creek, were attacked after night by a party of Cherokee Indians. 
Tye's son was killed, and the old man wounded. The other men fled after the 
first fire of the Indians, and made their escape. The Indians rushed upon the 
camp, and two of them entered it, but were immediately met by two large cur 
dogs, which defended the wounded sire and the dead son with a fearlessness and 
bravery which would have done credit to animals of a higher order. In this con- 
flict, one of the Indians was very severely wounded; and, as soon as he extrica- 
ted himself from the jaws of ihe enraged dogs, the party precipitately fled, leav- 
ing their moccasins and leggings on the opposite side of the creek, where they 
had left them in order to ford the stream. 

In the early settlement of the county, Joseph Johnson was killed by three Che- 
rokees, on Lynn camp. They entered his house in the dusk of the evening, when 
there was no men about it but himself, and killed him with their tomahawks and 
knives. His wife was out milking the cows at the time, and was ignorant of 
what was passing within until she reached the door of the cabin, when she be- 
held her prostrate and bleeding husband in the agonies of death, and the Indians 
standing over and around him, inflicting additional wounds upon the now uncon- 
scious body. The savages discovered her almost at the instant she reached the 
door, and one of them sprang at her with his tomahawk. She dropped her milk 
pail, and precipitately fled in the direction of the house of the elder Johnson, 
about a hundred and fifty yards off, the Indian in full chase. Mrs. Johnson was 



WILLIAM WHITLEY. 551 

a remarkably stout, active young woman, and the race was one for life. Getting 
a few yards the start of the savage, she maintained the relative distance between 
them, until she reached the yard fence of the old gentleman; and as with one 
bound she cleared the obstruction, the savage made an unsuccessful thrust at her 
head, gave a yell of disappointment, and instantly retreated. 

William Whitley, from whom this county received its name, was one of the 
most distinguished of those early pioneers, whose adventurous exploits have shed 
a coloring of romance over the early history of Kentucky. He was born on the 
14th of August, 1749, in that part of Virginia then called Augusta, and which 
afterwards furnished territory for Rockbridge county. Unknown to early fame, 
he grew to manhood in the laborious occupation of tilling his native soil, in which 
his corporeal powers were fully developed, with but little mental cultivation. He 
possessed, however, the spirit of enterprise, and the love of independence. In 
1775, having married Esther Fuller, and commenced house-keeping in a small 
way, with health and labor to season his bread, he said to his wife, he heard a 
fine report of Kentucky, and he thought they could get their living there with 
less hard work. "Then, Billy, if I was you I would go and see," was the reply. 
In two days he was on his way, with axe and plow, and gun and kettle. And 
she is the woman who afterwards collected his warriors to pursue the Indians. 

Whitley set out for Kentucky, accompanied by his brother-in-law, George 
Clark ; in the wilderness they met wiih seven others, who joined them. 

We are not in possession of materials for a detailed narrative of Whitley's 
adventures after his arrival in Kentucky, and shall have to give only such desul- 
tory facts as we have been enabled to collect. 

In the year 1785, the camp of an emigrant by the name of McClure, was 
assaulted in the night by Indians, near the head of Skagg's creek, in Lincoln county, 
and six whites killed and scalped. 

Mrs. McClure ran into the woods with her four children, and could have made 
her escape with three, if she had abandoned the fourth ; this, an infant in her 
arms, cried aloud, and thereby gave the savages notice where they were. She 
heard them coming: the night, the grass, and the bushes, offered her conceal- 
ment without the infant, but she was a mother, and determined to die with it; the 
like feeling prevented her from telling her three eldest to fly and hide. She feared 
they would be lost if they left her side ; she hoped they would not be killed if 
they remained. In the meantime the Indians arrived, and extinguished both fears 
and hopes in the blood of three of the children. The youngest, and the mother 
they made captives. She was taken back to the camp, where there was plenty of 
provisions, and compelled to cook for her captors. In the morning they com- 
pelled her to mount an unbroken horse, and accompany them on their return home. 

Intelligence of this sad catastrophe being conveyed to Whitley's station, he 
was not at home. A messenger, however, was dispatched after him by Mrs, 
Whitley, who at the same time sent others to warn and collect his company. On 
his return he found twenty-one men collected to receive his orders. With these 
he directed his course to the war path, intending to intercept the Indians return- 
ing home. Fortunately, they had stopped to divide their plunder; and Whitley 
succeeded in gaining the path in advance of them. He immediately saw that 
they had not passed, and prepared for their arrival. His men being concealed 
in a favorable position, had not waited long before the enemy appeared, dressed 
in their spoils. As they approached, they were met by a deadly fire from the 
concealed whites, which killed two, wounded two others and dispersed the rest. 
Mrs. McClure, her child, and a negro woman, were rescued, and the six scalps 
taken by the Indians at the camp, recovered. 

Ten days after this event, a Mr. Moore, and his party, also emigrants, were 
defeated two or three miles from Rackoon creek, on the same road. In this 
attack, the Indians killed nine persons, and scattered the rest. Upon the receipt 
of the news. Captain Whitley raised thirty men, and under a similar impression 
as before, that they would return home, marched to intercept them. On the sixth 
day, in a cane-brake, he met the enemy, with whom he found himself face to 
face, before he received any intimation of their proximity. He instantly ordered 
ten of his men to the right, as many to the left, and the others to dismount on 
the spot with him. The Indians, twenty in number, were mounted on good horr 



552 WOODFORD COUNTY. 

ses, and well dressed in the plundered clothes. Being in the usual Indian file, 
and still pressing from the rear when the front made a halt, they were brought 
into full view ; but they no sooner discovered the whites than they sprang from 
their horses and took to their heels. In the pursuit, three Indians were killed ; 
ei'Tht scalps retaken ; and twenty-eight horses, fifty pounds in cash, and a quan- 
tity of clothes and household furniture captured. Captain Whitley accompanied 
Bowman and Clark in their respective expeditions against the Indians. 

In the years 17'J"2, '93 and 'i)l, the southern Indians gave great annoyance to 
the inhabitants of the southern and south-eastern portions of the State. Their 
hostile incursions were principally directed against the frontiers of Lincoln county, 
where they made frequent inroads upon what were called the outside settlements, 
in the neighborhood of Crab Orchard, and Logan's and McKinney's stations. 
Their depredations became, at length, so frequent, that Col. Whitley determined 
to take vengeance, and deprive them of the means of future annoyance ; and, with 
this view, conceived the project of conducting an expedition against their towns 
on the south side of the Tennessee river. 

In the summer of 1794 he wrote to Major Orr, of Tennessee, informing him of 
his design, and inviting the major to join him with as large a force as he could 
raise. Major Orr promptly complied; and the two corps, which rendezvoused at 
Nashville, numbered between five and seven hundred men. The expedition is 
known in history as the Nickajack expedition, that being the name of the princi- 
pal town against wliich its operations were directed. The march was conducted 
with such secrecy and dispatch, that the enemy were taken completely by sur- 
prise. In the battle which ensued, they were defeated with great slaughter, their 
towns burned, and crops destroyed. This was the last hostile expedition in which 
Whitley was engaged during the war. 

Very soon after the general peace, he went to some of the southern Indian 
towns to reclaim some negroes, that had been taken in the contest; when he was 
put under more apprehension than he had been at any time during the war. A 
half-breed, by the name of Jack Taylor, who spoke English, and acted as inter- 
preter, if he did not intend to procure Whitley's death, at least determined to in- 
timidate him. The Indians being assembled, as soon as Whitley had declared 
the purpose of his visit, Taylor told him he could not get the negroes ; and taking 
a bell that was at hand, tied it to his waist, then seizing and rattling a drum, 
raised the war-whoop. Whitley afterwards said, when telling the story, " I 
thought the times were squally ; I looked at Otter Lifter : he had told me I should 
not be killed; — his countenance remained unchanged. I thought him a man of 
honor, and kept my own." At this time the Indians gathered about him armed, 
but fired their guns in the air, to his great relief. Whitley finally succeeded in 
regaining his negroes, and returned home. 

Sometime after the aifair of the negroes, he again visited the Cherokees, and 
was everywhere received in the most friendly manner. 

In the year 1813, being then in the sixty-fifth year of his age, he volunteered 
with the Kentucky militia, under Gov. Shelby, and fell in the decisive and victo- 
rious battle of the Thames, on the 5th of October. 

Col. Whitley was a man above the ordinary size, of great muscular power, and 
capable of enduring great fatigue and privation. His courage as a soldier was 
unquestionable, having been foremost in seventeen battles with the Indians, and 
one with a more civilized foe. In the battle of the Thames, he fell at the first 
fire. His memory is cherished throughout Kentucky with profound respect, as 
that of one uniting the characters of patriot and hero. 



WOODFORD COUNTY. 

Woodford county was formed in 1788, and named after Gen. 
William Woodford. It was the last of the nine counties organ- 
ized by Virginia previous to the separation of Kentucky, and her 



"GARDEN OF KENTUCKY." 553 

admission into the Union. It is situated in the heart of the State, 
and drained by Kentucky river and its tributary streams : bound- 
ed on the north by Franklin and Scott ; east and south-east by 
Fayette and Jessamine; and south-west by Mercer and Ander- 
son, the Kentucky river forming the dividing line. The county 
is triangular in shape, and comprises between one hundred and 
eighty and one hundred and ninet}^ square miles. The face of 
the country is level, or very gently undulating — the soil equal to 
any in the State in fertility, being based on limestone, and deep, 
rich and friable. The timber is luxuriant, and of the finest qual- 
ity — embracing the black walnut, blue and black ash, hickory, 
black locust, sugar-tree, &c. Woodford has been appropriately 
termed the " asparagus bed " of Kentucky. The farms are large, 
generally under fence, and in a high state of cultivation ; the 
population intelligent, refined and independent. Hemp, corn, oats 
and wheat, are the staple products ; horses, mules, cattle, hogs, 
bagging and bale rope, the principal exports. 

Valuation of taxable property in Woodford in 1846, $6,607,- 
906; number of acres of land in the county, 116,693; average 
value of land per acre, $32.58 ; number of white males over 
twenty-one years of age, 1,367 ; number of children between five 
and sixteen years old, 1,038. Population in 1840, 11,740. 

Versailles, the seat of justice of Woodford, is situated near 
the centre of the county, directly on the turnpike road from Lex- 
ington to Frankfort, twelve miles from the former and fourteen 
from the latter place — and is a beautiful, thi^iving town, with a 
population of about 1400 hundred souls. It contains a handsome 
brick court-house, and other county buildings ; four churches, Bap- 
tist, Presbyterian, Methodist and Christian; three female schools, 
one seminary, averaging nearly two hundred scholars ; twelve 
la^\yers, fourteen physicians, two taverns, eight stores, four gro- 
ceries, eight bagging factories, one wool factory, masonic hall, 
and twenty mechanics' shops. Established in 1792, and named 
after the city of Versailles in France. On the southern border of 
the town, about one hundred yards from the court-house, a large 
cave spring, of clear, crystal water, issues from an abrupt break 
on gradually descending ground, and flows ofl'in a stream of suf- 
ficient size to afford water power for a small grist mill or manu- 
facturing establishment ; and a wool carding factory, which has 
been burnt down, was formerly located upon it. This cave 
or natural conduit runs under the town in a general direction 
from north to south. Immediately over it, in front of the 
court-house, a public well has been dug, which affords at all 
seasons, an ample and inexhaustible supply of water for the 
town. 

]\ridway is a handsome village, situated on the Lexington rail 
road, and contains fom* hundred inhabitants. It has three churches, 
five phj'sicians, two taverns, three stores, two groceries, three 
hemp factories, two schools, and a number of mechanics' shops. 
Took its name from its central position on the rail road between 



554 WOODFORD COUNTY. 

Lexington and Frankfort. Mortonsville is also a neat village, sit- 
uated four miles south of Versailles, and two miles from the Ken- 
tucky river — contains a Christian church, three physicians, one 
female school, four stores and groceries, one bagging factory and 
eight mechanics' shops, with a population of 350. Named after 
]\'L-. Morton, the proprietor. 

From the recollections of Major Herman Bowmar, senior, a venerable pio- 
neer of Woodford, now nearly eighty years of age, active, sprightly, and intelli- 
gent, we glean the following facts, concerning the settlement of that county, 
sketches of character, incidents, &c. The father of Major Bowmar removed to 
Kentucky in 1779, and settled at Colonel Bowman's station in Mercer, and in 
1789, removed to Woodford. In 1791, Major Herman Bowmar, then twenty-two 
years of age, was qualified as a deputy sherilT of Woodford — the county then 
embracing portions of the present counties of Franklin and Scott, being divided 
into two sheriff's districts. His acquaintance, consequently, became extensive, 
and his recollections, kindly furnished for this work, show a remarkable tenacity 
of memory. 

As late as the year 1782, there ,were no settlements within the bounds of 
the present county of Woodford. In the winter of 1782-3, Captain Elijah Craig, 
who commanded the fort at Bryant's station, in 1782, removed to Woodford, and 
settled a station about five miles from Versailles, and ten miles from Lexington — 
the county of Woodford then composing a part of the territory of Fayette. Tiie 
close of the revolutionary war caused an immense emigration to Kentucky, and 
during the years 1783-4-5-G-7 and 8, the increase of population in Woodford 
was so great, as to give the county, at the close of the year last mentioned, as 
many voters as there are at present (1847) in her reduced territory. That por- 
tion of the original territory of Woodford, lying on the lower Elkhorn and the 
lower Mercer, on the north side of the Kentucky river, was an exposed and guar- 
ded frontier from 1783 to 1793. 

On the opposite side of the river, in Mercer county, there was no man of his 
day who excelled Capt. James Ray, (the late Gen. James Ray,) in his activity, 
bravery and efficiency, as a pioneer commander and Indian fighter. But lower 
down, as the frontier extended, the most active and efficient was the late CapL 
John Arnold, who settled a station on the waters of Little Benson creek in 1783, 
about seven or eight miles above the site of Frankfort. Several other stations 
were settled higher up than that of Arnold, his being the extreme frontier; but 
not having sufficient men to guard them with safety, against the apprehended in- 
cursions of the savages, they were abandoned in about a year, and the occupants 
returned to the older settlements, in Mercer. These settlements were re-occupied 
in the year 1786. Capt. John Arnold was the commandant of a company of spies 
for several years, and, with Samuel Hutton and others as his associates, ranged 
the country as far as Drennon's lick. 

In 1792, Jacob Coffman, who owned and resided on the land on which Law- 
renceburg, the county seat of Anderson, is now located, was killed and scalped. 
Maj. Bowmar was of the party raised to pursue the savages and avenge his death ; 
but the pursuit was unsuccessful. During the same year, Capt. Todd, residing 
then in Woodford, but now embraced in the territory of Scott, was riding alone 
down the river hill where vSouth Frankfort is situated, when he was fired at by 
several Indians, who waylaid his path, and killed and scalped. The men in Frank- 
fort heard the report of the guns and the scalp halloo, but were unable to cross 
the river in time to render him any assistance. Todd was an estimable man, and 
his death was greatly lamented. 

The Saturday before the first Monday in May, 1792, (the first election day un- 
der ihe government of Kentucky,) twenty-five Indians crossed the Lexington road 
about two miles above Frankfort, and iired at William Chinn, who was riding 
down the road. Chinn escaped uniiurt, and gave the alarm. About a mile fur- 
ther in their progress, they took John Dimint prisoner. They then proceeded 
about five miles further up into Woodford, and encamped in a rocky cliff of Main 
Glenn's creek, eight or nine miles from Versailles. Here they remained during 
the night and succeeding day (Sunday). The alarm being spread through the 



GEORGE M. BIBB. 555 

surrounding country, several hundred men were out during Sunday, scouring the 
neighborhood ; twenty-five of whom lodged at Lewis Easterday's, about three 
miles above Frankfort, on Sunday night. The Indians, on the same night, were 
induced by Dimint to go to Easterday's still-house, where they were unsuccess- 
ful in obtaining whisky, but managed to steal the horses of the twenty-five whites, 
and by a rapid movement soon crossed Main Elkhorn. A party under Col. John 
Grant, and another under captains Nathaniel Sanders and Anthony Bartlett, — the 
former from the neighborhood of Georgetown, and the latter from the south side 
of Elkhorn, — having been united, got upon the trail of the Indians, and com- 
menced a rapid pursuit. As they approached the Eagle hills, the Indians were 
overtaken by the whites, several shots exchanged, and one of their number killed.* 
The Indians abandoned their horses, and fled precipitately to the hills with their 
prisoner. Dimint effected his escape while the Indians were engaged in crossing 
the Ohio, and returned in safety to his family, bringing home the evidence of his 
captivity — the "buffalo tug" with which his arms had been confined. 

Among the most active and reliable men in the defence of the North Elkhorn 
frontier, the settlement at the main forks of Elkhorn, and those at Frankfort and 
its immediate neighborhood, were Col. John K. Grant and Capt. Samuel Grant, 
with their brothers; Maj. Thomas Herndon and Jacob Tucker; the late Col. 
James Johnson and Capt. Lucket, as they grew up ; Capt. Nathaniel Sanders, 
Capt. A. Bartlett, Capt. Pemberton, (the late Gen. Bennet Pemberton,) and Wil- 
liam Haydon and sons. On the Elkhorn, below the forks, old Mr. Church and 
sons, Jeremiah Craig, and others, distinguished themselves by their bravery and 
zeal. 

Woodford was principally settled by emigrants from eastern and western Vir- 
ginia ; but there were many families from the states of North Carolina, Mary- 
land, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and quite a respectable number from Ireland 
and Germany. 

The Honorable George M. BiBB,f is a native of Virginia — emigrated to Ken- 
tucky when young — studied law, and soon distinguished himself at the bar for his 
legal acquirements, solid judgment and cogent reasoning. He rose rapidly in 
his profession, and it was not long before he was numbered among the ablest and 
soundest lawyers in the country. He became well known in a short time — was 
in politics a republican — acquired the esteem and confidence of his countrymen, 
to which his honest, consistent and undeviating advocacy of the rights of the 
occupying claimants contributed not a little. He was appointed by the legisla- 
ture of Kentucky to defend the occupying claimant laws before the supreme 
court of the United States and against the State of Virginia — a trust which he 
discharged with great ability and in a very satisfactory manner to his countrymen. 

Judge Bibb has been three times chief justice of the State of Kentucky — the 
second time upon the reorganization of the court of appeals at the session of 
1824-5 — consequently belonged to the new court side of the old and new court 
question, by which the State was so long and so fearfully agitated about that 
time, and of course believed in the competency of the legislature to enact what were 
called relief laws — including laws for the stay of execution, replevin laws, and 
laws for the valuation of property taken in execution — without which power, the 
legislative branch of the government would seem to be imperfect. 

Judge Bibb has been twice elected to the senate of the United States — the 
last time when General Jackson was first elected president of the United States 
— to whom he gave his cordial support, both when the general was first a candi- 
date in 1824, and when he was elected in 1828 — which support was in a short 
time withdrawn, however. What cause of dissatisfaction he had with that illus- 
trious patriot, is but imperfectly known to the writer of this sketch. 

Upon the Judge's retirement from the Senate, he was appointed chancellor of 
the chancery court of the city of Louisville, in which tribunal he fully sustained 
his high character as an able and impartial administrator of justice. And in that 
office he continued until invited in 1844, by President Tyler, to take charge of the 
treasury department of the United States. From this he retired in 1845, upon 

*The respective friends of Col. Grant and Capt. Sanders, claimed for their commander the honor 
of shooting this Indian. 

t The sk'eich of .Tiidije IJilib properly helonjjs to Franklin or Jefferson, but was not received until 
after the descriptions of those counties were stereotyped. 



556 WOODFORD COUNTY. 

the inauguration of President Polk ; and since tlien he has resided at Washing- 
ton city, practicing law in the supreme court of the United States, and in the 
courts of the district of Columbia ; and has the rare good fortune of enjoying in 
the evening of his life, much of the activity, with all the mental vigor and viva- 
city of his younger days. 

The Honorable John J. Crittenden, of the United States' senate ; the Honor- 
able John J. Marshall, late judge of the Louisville circuit court; and the Hon- 
orable Thomas A. Marshall, chief justice of the State of Kentucky, were all 
natives of Woodford county. 

General William Woodford, in honor of whom this county received its name, 
a revolutionary officer of high merit, was born in Caroline county, Virginia. He 
early distinguished himself in the French and Indian war. Upon the assembling 
of the Virginia troops in Williamsburg, in 1775, consequent upon the hostile atti- 
tude of Lord Dunmore, he was appointed colonel of the second regiment. In 
the military operations immediately subsequent, in that section of the State, his 
name is honorably mentioned in history, particularly at the battle of Great Bridge, 
fought December 9th, upon which occasion he had the chief command, and 
gained a signal victory over the enemy. He was finally promoted to the com- 
mand of the first brigade, in which station he served through the war. He was 
in various actions, in one of which, the battle of Brandywine, he was wounded. 
He was made prisoner by the British in 1780, during the siege of Charleston, 
and taken to New York, where he died on the 13th of November, of that year, 
in the 46th year of his age. 



APPENDIX. 



The following account of the last excursion of the Indians into Kentucky, is 
copied from M'Donald's Sketches. It should have appeared under the head of 
Mason County, but was accidentally omitted : 

•■In the course of Uiis sunnner (1793), llio spifs who liud been down ihe Ohio, l)elow Linieslone, 
discovtred wliere a party of about twenty Indians had crossed ih'; Ohio, and sunk their canoes in the 
mouth of Holl'S creek. The sinking of their canoes, and concealing them, was evidence of the in- 
tention of tlie Indians to re-cross the Ohio at the same place. When Kenton received this intelli- 
gence, he dispatched a messenger to Bourbon county, to apprise them that the Indians had crossed 
the Ohio, ai\d liad taken that direction; whilst he forthwith collected a small party of choice spirits, 
whom he could depend upon in cases of emergency. Among them was Cornelius Washburn, who 
had the cuinung of a fox, for ambuscading, and the daring of a lion lor encountering. With this 
party, Kenton crossed the Ohio, at Limestone, and proceeded down to opposite the mouth of Holt's 
creek, wliere the Indian canoes lay concealed. Here liis party lay concealed four days, before they 
saw or lieard anything of the Indians. On the fourth day of their amhuscade. they observed three 
Indians come down the bank, and drive six horses into the river. The horses swam over. The 
Indians then raised one of their canoes they had sunk, and crossed over. When the Indians came 
near the shore, Kenton discovered, that of the three men in the canoe, one was a white man. As he 
lliought the white man was probably a prisoner, he ordered his men to fire alone at the Indians, and 
save the white man. His men fired ; tlie two Indians fell. The headway wliieh the canoe had, ran 
it upon the shore; the white man in the canoe picked up his gun. and as Kenton ran down to the 
water's edge, to receive the man. he snapped his gun at the wliites. Kenton then ordered his men 
to kill him. He was immediately shot. About three or four hours afterwards, on the same day, two 
more Indians, and another white man, came to the river, and drove in five horses. The horses swam 
over; and ihe Indians raised another of their sunk canoes, and followed the horses across the Ohio. 
As soon as the canoe touched the shore with the Indians, Kenton's party fired upon them and killed 
tliein all. The white man. who was with this party of Indians, had his ears cut. his nose bored, and 
all the marks which distinguish the Indians. Kenton and his men still kept up the ambuscade, 
knowing there were still more Indians, and one canoe behind. Some time in the night, the main 
body of the Indians came to the place where their canoes were sunk, and hooted like owls; but not 
receiving any answer, they began to think all was not right. The Indians were as vigilnni as 
weasels. The two parties who had been killed, the main body expected to find encamped on the 
other side of the Ohio ; and as no answer was given to iheir hooting, which was doubtless agreed 
upon as a countersign, one of the Indians must have swum the river to reconnoitre, and discover 
what had become of their friends. The Indian who swam the river, must have discovered the am- 
buscade. He went upon a high hill, or knob, which was immediately in Kenton's rear, and gave 
three long and loud yells ; after which he intbrmed his friends that they must immediately make 
their escape, as there was a party of whites waylaying them. Kenton had several men who undcr- 
Btood the Indian lujiiguage. Not many minutes after the Indian on the hill had warned his com- 



APPENDIX. 557 

panions of their danger, the Bourbon militia came up. It being dark, the Indians broke and run, 
leaving about thirty horses, which they liad stolen from about Bourbon. The next morning, some 
attempts were made to pursue the Indians ; but they had scattered and straggled otT in sucii small 
parlies, that the pursuit was abandoned, and Kenton and his party returned home, without the atiuir 
making any more noise or eclat than would have taken place on the return of a party from a com- 
mon hunting tour. Although Kenton and his party did not succeed as well as they could wish, or 
their friends expected, yet the Indians were completely foiled and defeated in their object; six of 
them wore killed, and all the horses they had stolen were retaken, and the remainder of the Indians 
scattered, to return home in small squads. This was the last inroad the Indians made in Kentucky ; 
from henceforward they lived free from all alarms." 



SCIENCE AND LITERATURE, IN KENTUCKY. 

BY A KENTDCKIAN. 

The following contribution to the literary liistory of the West, is but a frag- 
ment; yet, it is hoped, that it may serve as a stimulus to those who have oppor- 
tunity and ability to do full justice to western talent. In presenting the casual 
sketches which follow, we aim merely to call attention to the subject. We are 
by no means indifferent to the merits of many other distinguished and gifted sons 
of Kentucky ; and would gladly, were it in our power, at present, enlarge this 
sketch to a full outline of the science and literature of our native state. 

In literature, science, and the arts, the condition of the Western States has not been favorable to 
progress. The talent, and force of character, which Kentuckians have so often manifested in a 
i)rilliant manner, have found their field in business, in personal adventures, enterprise, war and 
emigration, or in forensic and political strife. 'The calm pursuit of letters was not the natural voca- 
tion of the brave pioneers, or of their immediate descendants. Yet even under these adverse cir- 
cumstances, Kentucky has had not only orators, soldiers, and statesmen of the first rank, but artists, 
scholars, and literary men of whom she may be justly proud. The bar of Kentucky, some thirty or 
forty years since, was probably unsurpassed in any other State. Her Allen, Rowan, Clay, Daviess, 
Hays, and olhers, were truly intellectual giants. Her artists have won high distinction. The produc- 
tions of Jouett display the huiid of a master, and compare favorably with European standards. 
Among her male and lemale poetical writers, we might name several who have an American repu- 
tation. Her men of science and invention have produced works of ability, and inventions of the 
highest importance. We do not propose even to enumerate these, but we cannot abstain from allud- 
ing to one of Kentucky's brave and hardy pioneers, Johx Fitch, who while engaged in exploring the 
wilderness and rivers of the west, and wielding his rifle in expeditions against the hostile savages, 
conceived the great invention of the steamboat at a time when he wa.« not even aware of the exis- 
tence of a steam engine. Having demonsirated the practicability of his invention long before the 
more successful Fulton introduced the steamboat into general use, he is undoubtedly entitled to the 
highest rank among American inventors. No invention has contributed more to the wealth and 
power of the West than the Slcamhoat. To John Fitch belongs the honor of demonstrating more 
than sixty years ago, that the rivers of the West would be navigated, and the Atlantic ocean cross- 
ed by steam ; and although he was not sustained by public or private co-operation in carrying out 
his whole scheme — he was enabled to build a steamboat which in 17!?6 at Philadelphia made a speed 
of eight miles an hour. Fitch was truly one of our greatest national benefactors. The comparative 
neglect of his high claims upon the gratitude of his countrymen inspires us with a lively sympathy 
in his behalf He enjoys however that honor which Cato preferred — ibr we may well ask why his 
countrymen have not erected a monument to his memory. 

In medical science, Kentucky has not been backward. Her two medical colleges are the most 
prosperous in the West, and some fifteen or twenty of her talented sons have been called to occupy 
professorships in the medical colleges of other states. AVe do not propose to enumerate her dis- 
tinguished medical men, but otfer the following sketches — the materials for which happened to be 
within our reach, as specimens of Kentucky talent. 

Dr. Be.njamin AVilkixs Dudley has long been conspicuous as an eminent surgeon. Dr. D. was 
born in Spottsylvania Co., Virginia, April 12, 1785. Some months after his birth, his father emigrated 
to Kentucky. Dr. D. was educated in Transylvania University. In his professional studies he at- 
tended the courses of lectures at Philadelphia, and graduated in 1906. After thus receiving the in- 
structions of Rush, Barton, Physic, Shippen, Woodhouse and AVistar, he practised his profession at 
Lexington until 1610. — then visited London and Paris, and spent four years in those cities, profiting 
by the instructions of Cooper, Dupuytrcn. Larrey, Boyer. Dubois, Abernethey. Cline, Cuvier. &c. 
After a pupilage of two years in the hospitals of London, he was honored with a degree, wiiich con- 
sututed him a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. Not only were his pecuniary means ex- 
hausted by this long residence abroad, but his books and instruments, and a cabinet of rare minerals, 
were destroyed by the burning of-the custom house at London. 

He returned to Lexington, and soon stood in the front rank of the profession. His fame filled the 
aouUiwest, and in 1818 he was appointed to fill the anatomical and surgical chair of the Medical De- 

Eartment of Transylvania University. His appointment was co-eval with the successful estab- 
shment of the Medical College at Lexington, of which he has been ever since, the principal support. 
For about thirty years past Dr. D. has enjoyed an amount of reputation and intiuence which few pro- 
fessional men have ever attained. • Standing for many years at the head of AV'estern surgery, 
his lectures were highly prized by students, and the clear impressive manner in which he imparted 
his instruction made an indelible impression upon their minds. 

As a surgeon he has not been a mere mechanical operator, but has strictly attended to constitu- 
tional trealraeiit. Hence his success in the use of the knife. As a lithotomist he is probably unsur- 
passed. He has operated upon 192 cases of stone in the bladder. His operations upon the eye have 
been very numerous. Among other important operations, he has perforated the cranium in some 
twelve or more cases for the relief of epilepsy. In the treatment of chronic affections of the urethra 



558 APPENDIX. 

and bladder, his views are quite original. The most remarkable peculiarities of his practice, how- 
ever, are ba.<tHl upon his views olilie utility of his favorite instrument— the bandage. Its efficien- 
cy in the treatment of aneurism, fractures, uieers &.C., has been anijily illustrated in his hands. 

The merits of Dr. Dudley are strictly professional. In general literature and science he has no 
pretensions. In his profession, his reputation is based upon his practice and his lectures; having 
done nothing by his pen for the benefit of the science, notwithsluiiding his ample fund of profession- 
al experience. With no intellectual reputation at the commencement of his career, he has achiev- 
ed by his energy, skill and address, an enviable distinction ; and will long be remembered as ihe dis- 
tinguished surgeon of Kentucky. As the prominent man ol the Transylvania school, the fact of his 
occupying for many years the two chairs of Anatomy and Surgery, illustrates the imporiunce at- 
tached to his services. The aggregate numbers of the classes to which he has lectured, amount to 
near six thousand ; — 1060 is the number of graduates under his teachings. His personal appearance 
and manner as a lecturer, are striking and impressive. His stature is moderate, his voice strong, 
though not sonorous or loud; his lace marked by the lines which indicate a strong character; and 
his head such as would indicate to the phrenologist an influential and original mind. 

Dh. DaiNiei, Duake, for about thirty years, has been distinguished as a medical professor in the 
medical colleges of Lexington, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Louisville. In the latter city he holds at 
present the chair of Theory and Practice of Medicine, in the most flourishing institution of the 
Western country. No medical name is more extensively known in the Western and Southwestern 
Slates, than that of Dr. Drake. 

Dr. D. was born in New Jersey, about sixty two years since. In his second year the family re- 
moved to Kentucky . In his i)rofessionul career he has been identified with the West. Unlike Dr. 
Dudley, ilie talents of Dr. Drake have been as showy in other departments as in his own prol'ession. 
In geneial literature and science, and in the various social, moral and literary enterprises of the times, 
Dr. D. has been actively engaged. Havine an extensive fund of information, an easy and fluent de- 
livtjrv; wall a liiiid of humour, and even eloquence; he has often been conspicuous as a public 
speaker on popular and professional subjects. The professional distinction of Dr. Drake has not 
been of that solid practical character which commands the highest reverence of the members of the 
profession. Though familiar with medical literature, and capable of lecturing or writing in a pleas- 
ing style ui)on the current topics of interest; his productions have not been of that extent or elabor- 
ateness necessary to a very lasling reputation. Nor has his practical professional skill been conce- 
ded by all. In the course of a long and restless career, he has sometimes been engaged in strife with 
bis professional brethren. and has therefore, decided enemies or opponents as well as friends; be- 
tween whom lliere is some difference in their estimale of his professional worth. An impartial 
spectalor. however, cannot but concede to Dr. D. the possession of decided talent, varied acquire- 
ments and versatile powers ; with remarkable excellence as a public lecturer and miscellaneous 
professional writer. It has been said that Dr. D. contemplates the publication of an elaborate medi- 
cal work, upon which he has been engaged some years. Such a publication would give his reputa- 
tion a more permanent basis. 

Dk. Chakles Caldwell, one of the most di<!tinguished medical Professors and most voluminous 
writers of America, is at present Professor of the Institutes of Medicine in the Louisville Medical 
Institute. As a cotemporary of Rush and Physic, he may be said to belong to a past generation; but 
he still retains in an extraordinary degree his inexhaustible vigor of mind and body. 

Dr. Caldwell was born in Caswell Co., N. C, about the year 1772. At nine years of age he was 
sent to school, and af'ter two years in the log cabin schools of Casv\-cll and Cabarrus counties, was 
considered master of all their teachers could impart. Having surpassed all his schoolfellows, he 
was permitted by his father to attend a Latin school, on condition that he allowed no fellow pujul 
to surpass him in his studies. The condition was fulfilled, and by the age of fourteen he had mas- 
tered the Latin, Greek and all the other studies of the classical schools. His father wished him to 
study Divinity, but he declined ; and taking an independent course, opened a grammar school in Ire- 
dell county, which was attended by several pupils much older than himself One year spent in this, and 
two in another grammar school in that county, completed his seventeenth year. He then cominen- 
ced the study of medicine with Dr. Harris, of Salisbury, N. C. After a year and a half of private 
study, he removed to Philadelphia, and graduated in the medical school of that city, in which Rush, 
Wistar and Shippen were profes.sors. In 179.5 he commenced his career of aiithorsliip by the trans- 
lation of Blumenbach's Elements of Physiology. This period of his life was one of extraordinary 
mental activity, being often engaged from eighteen to twenty hoursofthe twenty-four, in active men- 
tal laliour, and taking but four hours sleep! In this respect Dr. C. has been throughout his life an 
admirable model for the ambitious student ; and even at the present time there are few young men 
who can rival his menial activity and scholastic assiduity. Knowing his habits, one need not be sur- 
prised at the extent of his literary labors. Dr. C. has written and published in the course of his life, a 
vast number of productions — his essays, translations, pamphlets and books on various subjects have 
been estimated to amount in the aggregate to more than ten thouxnnd pages, and perhaps eleven thous- 
and would be nearer the truth. In reviewing the voluminous collection, we are struck with the great 
diversity of his writings — Medicine, History, Biography, Poetry and Fiction, Jurisprudence, Phre- 
nology, Education, Penal Law, Hygiene, Mesmerism. Philosophy, the Languages, Morals, the 
Physical Sciences, and the Ancient Classics have each been the subject of essays or volumes. He 
has made in the aggregate two hundred and eleven distinct publications. Four-fifths of this number 
do not exceed fifty pages in length — twenty-one arc above 100 pages — thirteen above 200. and sis 
of three hundred and upwards. Notwithstanding the extent of his literary, and scientific laliors. Dr. 
C. has not achieved the solid and commanding reputation to which his abilities, energy and perse- 
verance were justly entitled. This may be attributed partly to the lack of concentration. A\'riting 
upon all subjects with graceful facility, he has produced no imposing original work upon which his 
fame might ri^st. • At the same time delighting in philosophy and argumentative discussion, rather 
than in practical details, he has acquired the character of a speculative, rather than practical writer; 
and having a higher degree of menial liberality than his colempnraries. he has generally been too 
much in advance of the age, to be fully appreciated. His position has always been in the van. In 
Medical Jurisprudence he was in conjunction with Dr. Stringhnm, the first in the Lhiited States to 
deliver a course of lectures. The first course of clinical lectures in the Philadelphia Almshouse (now 
Blockley Hospital) was delivered by Dr. C. He was the first prominent champion of Phrenology 
in the United States, and may be regarded as the father of the science in this country. In Mesmer- 
ism toOj he was one of the few distingfuished men who openly and manfully espoused the cause of 
Bcientific truth, in the face of public ridicule and oj'position. 

The principal professional labors of Dr. C. have been in the teaching of philosophical medicine, 
>n which he has been engaged nearly thirty years, as Professor of the Institutes at Lexington and 
Louisville. In the former city he was the most distinguished member of the Faculty, by whom lite 



APPENDIX. " 559 

medical tlepartmenl was successfully established ; and in the latter he may be rejjardt'd as the founder 
of the Medical Institute, having been the most prominent actor in its establishment. 

Prof. Caldwell has received many honors in the course of his life, and enjoys a European, as well 
as Am»?rican reputation. He has a remarkably venerable and distinguished personal appearance; 
a dignified bearing; a great flow of conversation, and inexhaustible energy. As a writer, he is 
always clear and instructive. Though somewhat diffuse in style, he has no idle verbiage — no ab- 
surdities in thought — no violations ot good taste. In conversation, writing, or lecturing, he has ever 
the same strong, steady current of thought. Never inventive, but always independent in his views, 
never brilliant, but always polished ; never sublime, but generally elevated ; never enthusiastic, but 
always earnest ; never very practical, yet always rational, instructive and useful; never rash in 
his intellectual progress, yet always in advance of most of his cotemporaries. It may be said, upon 
tlie whole, thai few h.ive done so mirch. and done so well; and although not adapted to generalpopu- 
larity, he has gained a wide-spread reputation among liberal minds. 

Dr. John Milton Harney, a distinguished poet, was the son of Major Thos. Harney, of Delaware, 
who emigrated to 'i'ennessee, and settled near Nashville, in 1791. The birth of Dr. Harney occurred 
in Sussex Co., Delaware. March 9th, 17S9. Major Harney was a gallant and accomplished gentle- 
man, and liis traitsof character have been inherited by his descendants. His youngest son, Col. \V. 
S. Harney, has been distinguished as a brave and efficient officer in the Florida campaigns, and in 
the present war with Mexico. His eldest son, Dr. Benj. F. Harney, is the oldest surgeon in the U.S. 
Army. His second son, Dr. Jno. M. Harney, the subject of our sketch, manifested not only a vigor- 
ous and brilliant intellect, but an exalted sense of honor, purity of life and dignity of character. 

We have but fi-w details of the life of Dr. H. It is known that he settled at Bardstown, Ky., in the 
practice of his profession, where he was much esteemed and admired. He married a daughter of 
Judge Rowan, in 1814, by whom he had a daughter (now living.) Mrs. H. did not long survive the 
birth of her daughter. After her death. Dr. H. went to New York, visited England, Ireland, France 
and Spnin; and spent some time as surgeon in the naval service of Buenos Ayres. Subsequently 
he settled at Savannah, where he edited with ability a political newspaper. Being out of health at 
tlie time that a fire broke out in Savannah, his exposure while laboring to extinguish the flames, 
produced an impression upon his constitution from which he never recovered. He returned to Ken- 
tucky, and died at Bardstown, Jan. 15. 1825, in his 36th year. In his latter years. Dr. H. became 
deeply impressed with the truth of Christianity, and after full investigation, adopted the Roman 
Catholic faith. 

Dr. Harney possessed a h^hly poetical temperament. Ardent and firm, yet keenly, almost mor- 
bidly sensitive; generous, affectionate, grave and pensive, full of romance and chivalry, his personal 
character was just what we should look for in the true epic poet. As a poet, although most of his 
productions have been lost, there is sufficient evidence that he was entitled to a high rank. Critics 
and poets who have been familiar with his writings, affirm that his genius was truly of a high order. 
In reading, al'ter his, the works of Milton, Thompson, Pope and Cowper, we feel that Harney's was 
a kindred spirit, and that he might have won a place in the brightest constellations of either hemis- 
phere. 

'I'he principal evidences of his powers are now unfortunately lost, in consequence of the sudden 
deaths of individuals who had his manuscripts in charge; but in his Crystallina, Fever Dream, and 
some other of his productions, there is the evident impress of genius; and on the memories of those 
who knew him, the impression of his mental superiority w^as firmlv stamped. Owing to his extreme 
sensitiveness, he suppressed nearly the vv'hole of the edition of his Crystallina, when he experienced 
the annoyance of unfrieiully criticism. Subsequently for some years he occupied his leisure in the 
preparation of an epic poem of some length, which is believed to have been worthy of his abilities. 
This, and many other productions of his pen, are probably irrecoverably lost ; but in the memory of 
those who knew and honored him, there was a consciousness of his powers, independent of any writ- 
ten manifestation, and among those who enjoyed the perusal of his manuscript, there was an ardent 
admiration of his genius. The classical scholar, the critic and the poet alike honored the name of 
Harney. 

Dr. Joseph BrcHANAN, a philosopher, mathematician and mechanical inventor, was born in 
Washington Co. Va., Aug. 24, 1765, removed to Tennessee in 1795, visited Kentucky for the comple- 
tion of his education in 1804, and spent the remainder of his life chiefly in that state, in scientific and 
literary occupations. 

His boyhood in Tennessee (on the Cumberland) was spent amid the usual hardships of a frontier 
life and poverty, with but trifling opportunities of education. In 1802 he repaired to a grammar 
school near Nashville; where he spent five months, and by his remarkable proficiency astonished 
his class-mates and "obtained the reputation of a great genius." Having made as he conceived an 
important invention for mills, he wished to devote his attention to the execution of his invention, 
but upon a critical review of his plan, discovered a defect, and gave it up. In 1803 he returned to 
the Academy, and in the course of nine months mastered the Latin language, and distinguished him- 
self by original composition. "He was so fond of originality in all his essays, that he would not 
even condescend to write on any subject on which he had ever read anything." 
^ In 1804 he was sent by his guardian Major Edmonson, to Transylvania University at Lexington, 
Ky. Rustic and diffident — enfeebled by intense study and a pulmonary fever, he passed for a sim- 
pleton, until his proficiency in mathematical studies again made him conspicuous. In studying Fer- 
gnsou'a Optics, he detected an error of the author in regard to the focal distances of lenses" His 
professor sustained the author and put him down by authority. When the weekly theses were han- 
ded in, Buchanan gave in as his, the disputed proposition concerning the lenses, and proposed to 
renderit sufficiently long by a demonstration on the black board. The professor, however, wouldl 
not permit him to use the board and gain a mathematical triumph. During the vacation he publish- 
ed a mathematical pamphlet of 20 pages, demonstrating the sufficiency of gravitation for the celt =tial 
motions, and the incorrectness of "the projectile velocity assigned by Nevt'ton." In this, as usual, he 
relied upon his own genius, with but little assistance Irom authors. 

In 1805 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr S. Brown ; invented a new musical instru- 
ment, producing its music I'rom glasses of different chemical composition; and originated the grand 
conception of the Music of Light, to be executed by meansof harmonific colors luminously disphiy- 
ed. The invention has never been put into operation, but there can be no doubt that it would pro- 
duce one of the grandest and most imposing spectacles ever witnessed by the human eye. To per- 
fect his invention ityas necessary to study music, colors, and the laws of vision ; in doing which he 
discovered that Father Castel and the Darwins had anticipated the fundamental principles of his dis- 
covery, and this precluded his hopes of immortality. Nevertheless he read before the medical soci- 
ety, an essay of 80 pages upon his discovery, strongly characterised by critical acumen, and ingeni- 
ous originality. 

To procure the means of finishing his education at Philadelphia, he removed to settle and practice 



500 



APPENDIX. 



for a short time ni Tort Gibson, Mississippi Territor>'- In 1807 he resolved to that place, where he 
spent eight months, suffered from the climate, practised his profi-ssion, and wrote a volume of 175 
pages oil llie subject of Fever, with which he removed to I'hiludelphia. I'rofessors Barloii and Rush 
spoke highly of the style, ability, and ingenuity of his essay, and olfercd their friendly services. Bui 
being now destitute of resources, iie could neither publish his work, nor remain in altenilance upon 
the leciures ; and in 180S he walked out in 27 days to Lexington, Ky.. and setiied atihat place, empty 
in purse, but improved in health. The degree of A. li. was soon after conferred upon ium, by the 
University, at the instance of Tresident Ulyllie. 

He now directed his attention to the medical department of Transylvania, which had onlv a nomi- 
nal existence, there being but one professor, who gave no leciures. The Trustees co-operating with 
him, a regular Faculty was organized, and ho received (in IMID) the appointment of I'rofessor ofllio 
Institutks of Medicime, being then in his a^lth year — five years from his arrival as a rustic student 
from the wilds of Tennessee. 

The tail of 1811 was fixed upon as the time for the opening of the medical session ; prior to which 
he was ensjaged in preparing his leciures. Dr. B. had, unfortunately, but little faith in the .success 
of the enterprise — not expecting an elTicient support from any of his colleagues but Dr. Overton ; in 
whom lie had the highest contidence. Nevertheless he prepared his lectures, and being wholly ea 



I 



grossed in writing and inventions, made no effort to obtain practice. When heabandoneii the atterapl H 

10 establish a school, he published his philosophical views (in 1812) in a volume of 33(5 iiages, under H 



eslnblisliiHl his reputation as a profound thinker. It is a work of rare merit and notwithstanding the 
siibseijuent progress of physiological and phrenological science, (with the latter of which he was uiv- 
acquamted.) it is still a valuable and interesting book. 

Not long after this publication he determined with the advice of his friends to abandon the medical 
profession, and give his attention to introducing inio Kentucky the I'esialozzian system of educa- 
tion. He visited Philadelphia, to study the new system, as introduced by Mr. Neef, and spent some 
years in Peslalozzian teaching in Kentucky. But his indomitable mental activity withdresv Ium from 
this field, and in his 32d year he entered the profession of law, and delivered a course of law lec- 
tures to a private class; being meanwhile engaged in editing the Reporter, and writing on other sub- 
jects; or as he expressed it '•wearing out my days in hard study without deriving much profit from 
it." The principlesof materialism inculcated in his "Philosophy" he reviewed in a masterly man- 
ner — showing that without destroying the force of his former arguments, one might by a deeper an- 
alysis arrive at a system of universal spiritualism. 

Subsequently he took an active interest in politics, as a JefTersonian democrat, a friend of Mr. Clay 
and a sup|iorter of the old-court party. He edited the Palladium, at Frankfort; the Western Spy 
,nd Literary Cadet, at Cincinnati ; and the Focus, at Louisville. The latter, which he projcctedin 
l-^2fi. he edited until he died in 1829, leaving a wife and son, (Dr. J. II. Buchanan, Prof Institutes of. 
Medicine &;c., Cincinnati). He left behind valuable manuscripts and sketches of important mechani- 
cal inventions. In 1821-2 he constructed an extremely economical steam engine, which he suceess- 
fiiMy applied to the propulsion of the machinery of a factory, and to steam navigation on the Ohio. 
The invention was of some importance, from its economy of fuel; but it was found that the spiral 
tubes which he substituted for l)oilers, became encrusted by the impurities of the river water; and 
hence were adapted only to tlie use of the pure fluid. From the superior lightness and efliciency of 
his engine, he supposed at first that it would be applicable to rcrial navigation. An exiieriment 
however, derrionstraled that certain scientific facts upon which he had relied, had been erroneously 
stated by English authors. In 1824 or 5 he applied his engine upon land, to demonstrate its appli- 
cability to land carriage. The engine and wagon ran through the streets of Louisville in the presence 
of an astonished throng of spectators. 

His discovery of a new motive power derived from combustion without the aid of water or steam, 
has a high degree of scientific plausibility, and it is to be regretted that he never attempted us exe- 
cution. 

Dr. B. was theoretically and practically devoted to education. He published at I,ouisvilie a gram- 
mar, very valuable for its simplicity; designed to facilitate the study of grammar by youth. His 
views of education were profound and enlarged — his methods admirable, and incalculably superior 
to those generally in vogue. His sanguine predictions were fully realized, in the education of liis 
own son, who was so rapidly advanced, that by the age of twelve, he was placed at the study of 
Bhiek.<!one's Commentaries; having pre viou.sly mastered a course of studies embracing grammar, 
geography, history, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, surveying, astronomy, natural philosophy, che- 
mistry, mental philosophy, political economy, and constitutional law. Similar methods of educa- 
tion, adopted since his death by the Rev. B. O. Peers, of the Eclectic Institute of Lexington, produced 
similar resulis. In com|)eting for an educational prize, the pupils of Mr. Peers — little boys, such as 
we find in common schools eiigaged with their primer and first lessons — were seen gravely lecturing 
before the Kentucky legislature^ in the stalehouse, upon chemistry and natural philosophy, with 
illustrative experiments! 

The life of Dr. Buchanan affords an instructive moral. Simple in his manners and tastes, amiable 
in private life, elevated in his aims — full of philosophy and philanthropy — original and ingenious — 
ardent and enthusiastic, yet subjecting everything to the searching analysis of critical reason, he 
Tniglxt have attained the highest rank in any pursuit upon which his energies had been concentrated; 
but cttltivating his intellect to the neglect of oilier powers, he scorned the pursuit of wealth ; abstrac- 
ted himself from society, lived in continual pecuniary embarrassment — abandoned the road to, 
wealth whenever it ceased to present intellectual attraction and novelty — wasted his powers ini 
d^ialtory labors, lived and died comparatively indifferent to fame — and as soon as the depths of 
human knowledge had been sounded, and its novilties exhausted, became indifferent to all the 
other incentives of ambition. 



THE END 




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